A double chin is something many people notice in photos or mirrors, even if no one else mentions it. That extra fullness beneath the chin, called submental fat, develops in the pocket of space between the chin and the upper neck. It can make your jawline look less defined and leave you feeling self-conscious, even if the rest of your face looks balanced.
What makes submental fat frustrating is that it is one of the hardest areas to slim down through diet and exercise. You can live a healthy lifestyle, maintain your weight, and still see this stubborn pocket of fullness because genetics, aging, and even posture all play a role in how fat collects under the chin.
The encouraging news is that you do not have to turn to surgery to reduce a double chin. Two of the most popular non-surgical treatments, CoolSculpting and Kybella, offer safe, effective ways to target submental fat and create a slimmer, more contoured look. Both treatments are FDA-approved and available at Be You Medical, where our team helps patients choose the option that best fits their anatomy, comfort level, and goals.
Why Targeting Submental Fat Matters
The area under the chin plays a big role in the overall balance of your face. A well-defined jawline can highlight cheekbones, sharpen your profile, and give you a fresher, more confident appearance. That is why submental fat reduction has become one of the most frequently requested treatments in aesthetic medicine.
A few important things to know about submental fat:
- It does not always mean you are overweight. Many people are surprised to learn that genetics and natural fat distribution often have more influence than the number on the scale.
- It is notoriously stubborn. Unlike other fat deposits, the chin is resistant to exercise and weight loss, which is why people often turn to targeted treatments.
- Improving it boosts confidence. Patients often tell us they finally feel comfortable wearing their hair up, smiling for photos, or skipping the photo-editing apps after treatment.
At Be You Medical, we provide both CoolSculpting and Kybella for chin contouring. Our role is to listen to your concerns, evaluate your unique anatomy, and recommend the treatment (or combination of treatments) that will give you the most natural, balanced results.
What Is CoolSculpting and How Does It Work?
The Science Behind It
CoolSculpting uses an advanced technology called cryolipolysis, which works by freezing fat cells until they break down, all without damaging the surrounding skin or tissue. Once the fat cells are destroyed, your body naturally processes and eliminates them over time. These cells are gone for good, which means results can last long-term as long as you maintain a stable weight.
The treatment is FDA-cleared for the submental area (under the chin) and has been proven in multiple clinical studies to reduce visible bulges of fat. Patients often notice a slimmer, more defined profile as the weeks go by.
What makes CoolSculpting especially appealing is that:
- It is non-invasive: no needles, no injections, no anesthesia.
- It is precise: the applicator is designed to target just the fat pocket under the chin.
- It is long-lasting: once the fat is gone, it does not come back.
What to Expect
A typical CoolSculpting session for the chin lasts about 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Many patients spend the time scrolling on their phone, catching up on emails, or simply relaxing.
After treatment, most people return to normal activities right away. You may feel temporary effects like mild soreness, tingling, numbness, or slight swelling in the treated area. These sensations usually resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Results are not instant, but they are worth the wait. You will start to see changes within 4–6 weeks, with full results developing by about 12 weeks as your body continues to flush out the treated fat cells.
CoolSculpting is a great option if you want fat reduction without injections and are comfortable with results appearing gradually. Many of our patients appreciate the subtle, natural-looking improvements that become more noticeable over time.
What Is Kybella and How Does It Work?
The Science Behind It
Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment designed specifically for submental fat, the pocket of fat under the chin that creates a double chin. Its active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a synthetic version of a substance your body naturally produces to break down dietary fat.
When injected into the targeted area, Kybella destroys fat cell membranes. Over the following weeks, your body naturally processes and removes those cells. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they cannot come back, making results long-lasting with proper weight maintenance.
Clinical trials have shown that Kybella significantly reduces fullness under the chin, helping patients achieve a slimmer, more contoured jawline.
What makes Kybella unique is that:
- It offers precision: Because it is injection-based, your provider can target small, specific fat pockets under the chin that may not respond as well to device-based treatments.
- It is FDA-approved specifically for submental fat: Unlike many other fat-reduction options, Kybella was designed and tested for the chin area.
- It provides lasting change: Once your treatment series is complete, results are long-lasting as the fat cells are permanently destroyed and cleared by your body.
What to Expect
A typical Kybella appointment takes about 20–30 minutes. Your provider carefully maps out injection sites and administers a series of small injections under the chin.
After treatment, you should expect swelling, tenderness, or bruising, especially after the first session. Swelling can last from a few days to a week, but it is a normal and temporary part of the fat breakdown process. Some patients describe this phase as looking like the chin is “fuller” before it begins to shrink.
Results appear gradually over the next several weeks as the fat cells break down and your body flushes them out. Most patients need 2–4 sessions, spaced about a month apart, to reach their desired results, although some see a noticeable difference after just one or two treatments.
Kybella is a great choice if you have a smaller, localized pocket of fat and prefer injectables over device-based treatments. It can also be a good option for refining results after CoolSculpting, especially if you want to fine-tune the shape of your jawline.
CoolSculpting vs. Kybella: Key Differences
Treatment Method
- CoolSculpting: External applicator that freezes fat cells.
- Kybella: Injections that dissolve fat cells.
Number of Treatments
- CoolSculpting: Many patients experience noticeable results after just one to two sessions.
- Kybella: Often requires 2–4 sessions spaced weeks apart.
Downtime and Side Effects
- CoolSculpting: Temporary numbness, tingling, or swelling.
- Kybella: Swelling, bruising, or tenderness is common, especially after the first treatment.
Ideal Candidate
- CoolSculpting: Best Suited for individuals with sufficient “pinchable” fat under the chin to accommodate the applicator.
- Kybella: Better for smaller, more targeted fat pockets or for patients who prefer injections.
Can You Combine Kybella and CoolSculpting?
Yes. In fact, some patients get the best results from a combination approach. For example:
- Step 1: CoolSculpting reduces the bulk of fat under the chin.
- Step 2: Kybella fine-tunes the contour in smaller, stubborn areas.
At Be You Medical, we create a personalized plan tailored to your unique facial anatomy and fat distribution. The goal is always balance, not overcorrection.
Why Choose Be You Medical for Chin Contouring?
Not all med spas are the same, and your choice of provider matters as much as the technology. At Be You Medical, we combine medical oversight with a warm, down-to-earth approach.
Here is what sets us apart:
- On-site physician leadership: Dr. Selene Castrejon, a board-certified physician, oversees all treatments, ensuring safety and natural-looking outcomes.
- Advanced technology and products: We only use FDA-cleared devices and authentic injectables.
- Personalized planning: Every treatment is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
- A welcoming team: With low staff turnover, many of our patients see the same provider year after year.
- An honest approach: We do not push unnecessary treatments. Our goal is to help you look refreshed, confident, and like yourself.
One of our patients recently shared that she had always felt self-conscious about her double chin in photos, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After discussing both options, we recommended CoolSculpting as the first step. Several months later, she returned with a smile, saying she no longer dreaded being in photos.
Stories like these are why we do what we do.
Not Sure Which Is Right for You? Let’s Talk.
Deciding between CoolSculpting and Kybella can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to choose alone. At Be You Medical, we listen, evaluate, and recommend treatments based on what will provide you with the safest and most satisfying results.
- Want to tackle a fuller double chin and prefer a non-invasive device-based treatment? CoolSculpting in Greater Sacramento and Rocklin may be the best fit for you.
- If you have a smaller area or want precision sculpting with injectables Kybella in Sacramento might be the answer.
- Still unsure? We will guide you through your options and even discuss combination approaches if that makes sense for you.
A More Confident Profile Is Possible
Whether you choose CoolSculpting, Kybella, or a blend of both, reducing a double chin can make a big difference in your confidence and facial balance. Both treatments are safe, FDA-approved, and effective when performed by trained professionals.
At Be You Medical, we combine advanced technology, medical expertise, and a supportive team to ensure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
If you are ready to explore your options for double chin treatment, schedule your free consultation today. Let’s find the approach that helps you feel more confident in every photo, every angle, and every smile.
