KYBELLA® In Carmel, IN: A Straightforward Guide To Reducing A Double Chin

You used to notice your jawline first; now your eye goes straight to that stubborn little pocket under your chin. No matter how clean you eat or how often you work out, that fullness hangs around and changes your profile. It’s annoying, and you’re not alone: many people want a solution that doesn’t involve surgery or downtime.
KYBELLA® injections are an FDA-approved, non-surgical option to reduce submental fat and sharpen the jawline. At Michele Finley Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel, I combine medical experience with personalized treatment plans so you get natural-looking results without going under the knife. My goal is simple: help you feel confident in photos and in person.
What to expect from this article: a clear, easy-to-read rundown of how KYBELLA works, who makes a good candidate, typical recovery and results, and the possible side effects; so you can decide if this treatment is right for you.
Understanding Submental Fullness And Why It Happens
Before exploring solutions, let’s look at what actually leads to submental fullness and why it is such a common frustration for so many people.
What causes fullness under the chin
Submental fat, also called submental fullness or a “double chin,” happens because fat beneath your chin collects in the treatment area. It can show up in your 20s or later in life. Some people always notice a little roundness in the chin area. Others develop it as they age.
Why it sticks around
Diet and exercise help your overall body fat. They do not always get rid of that very specific pocket of fat under the chin. You might have great habits and still deal with stubborn chin fat.
Factors that impact it:
- Genetics - Some people naturally store more fat under the chin because of their inherited anatomy. Even if you are fit, your genes can influence how your body holds weight in this area.
- Aging and skin laxity - As you age, collagen decreases and skin becomes looser. This can make the area under the chin look fuller, even if the amount of fat has not changed.
- Hormonal shifts - Changes in hormones can affect how and where your body stores fat. Certain hormonal patterns make the chin and jawline more prone to holding volume.
- Weight fluctuations - Gaining and losing weight over time can stretch the skin and increase fullness under the chin. Even after weight loss, some of that fat can remain.
- Natural fat distribution patterns - Everyone carries fat differently. Some people build more volume in the chin and neck area simply because of their natural body structure.
Why it affects confidence
This fullness changes how your jawline and neck look from the front and side. Many people tell me they always lean forward in pictures, adjust lighting, or tilt their head because they feel self-conscious. And that gets tiring.
What Is KYBELLA® And How It Works

KYBELLA is an FDA-approved injectable treatment used to reduce fat under the chin by destroying fat cells. It contains synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps your body break down dietary fat. Peer-reviewed studies confirm that deoxycholic acid treatment leads to permanent fat cell destruction in the targeted area.
Check the
Official FDA info here.
KYBELLA vs Other Options
| Treatment | Surgery? | Downtime | Results | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KYBELLA | No | Return to work same day | Visible weeks after treatment | Permanent destroyed fat cells |
| Chin Liposuction | Yes | Downtime 1–2 weeks | Faster result | More invasive |
| CoolSculpting | No | Minimal | Gradual | Fat freezing option |
If you prefer non-surgical treatments and want to avoid anesthesia, KYBELLA injections offer a very direct solution to reduce a double chin.
What to expect
Most patients need a series of injections. On average, 2 to 6 KYBELLA sessions spaced at least one month apart. Each appointment takes about 20 minutes per treatment.
Why Choose Michele Finley Cosmetic Medicine In Carmel, IN
I am Dr. Michele Finley. I trained in internal medicine and emergency medicine before transitioning into cosmetic medicine in 2002. You get a medical approach and careful assessment. I do not rush you, and I do not guess. I examine your anatomy, your goals, and your skin elasticity.
What you get here:
- Two decades of injector experience
- Custom plans for your face structure
- Safe dosing and precise marking of the injection site
- Guidance before and after your KYBELLA treatment
- A clean, private, medical aesthetic setting in Carmel
Choosing an experienced provider is very important. Correct injection depth, controlled number of injections, and anatomical knowledge all protect your nerves and muscles.
Who Is A Good Candidate For KYBELLA

Not everyone is the right fit for this treatment, so here is what makes someone a good candidate for the Kybella Treatment.
Ideal patients
You may be a candidate for KYBELLA if you:
- Notice moderate to severe submental fullness
- Want a non-surgical approach to reduce fat
- Have good skin elasticity or mild loose skin
- Prefer gradual improvement
- Want permanent results after your treatment series
Who should avoid KYBELLA
You should not get KYBELLA if you:
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Have an active infection in the treatment area
- Have a bleeding disorder
Always share your medical history honestly so we can determine if KYBELLA is safe for you.
The KYBELLA Injection Process
To help you feel prepared, this is a clear breakdown of what the KYBELLA process looks like from start to finish.
Before treatment
- Consultation
- Photos
- Skin and anatomy evaluation
- Marking the treatment area
- Explanation of expected swelling and possible side effects
During treatment
- Numbing applied
- Small grid marking on the area under the chin
- KYBELLA is injected into the fat beneath the chin in a series of tiny points
- Appointment lasts about 20 minutes
You may feel mild warmth or tingling. That just means the product is starting to break down fat.
After treatment
Most people return to work the same day, but expect swelling. It is normal. You can ice gently and sleep slightly elevated for comfort.
KYBELLA Benefits And Expected Results

Once you start treatment, here is what you can look forward to over time.
What you can expect long-term
- Reduced appearance of a double chin
- More defined jawline
- Slimmer profile
- Permanent reduction of fat cells under the chin
When results appear
You may see improvement after a few weeks, but final results usually appear after completing your treatment series. Most people say they feel more confident in photos and daily life after treatment.
Side Effects Of KYBELLA And Safety
It is important to understand the possible side effects so you know what is normal and what needs attention.
Common side effects
Expect swelling. Seriously, it is normal. You may also notice:
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Firmness
- Mild numbness
- Redness
Rare but serious risks
- Nerve injury leading to uneven smile
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hard nodules at the injection site
This is where choosing a trained injector matters. Correct placement prevents nerve injury and protects your results.
If anything feels unusual, call right away. I want you to feel confident and supported through your entire KYBELLA recovery.
KYBELLA Recovery And Aftercare
Recovery is straightforward, but it helps to know the typical timeline and the best ways to support healing.
Typical healing timeline
- Swelling for a few days
- Mild tightness or numbness for a few weeks
- Gradual fat reduction over time
Tips for healing
- Apply ice within the first 24 hours for comfort
- Avoid heavy workouts for 48 hours
- Stay hydrated
- Sleep slightly elevated first night if swelling feels heavy
- Avoid touching or massaging the injection site
KYBELLA destroys the fat cells. Once the fat is gone, it does not return unless you experience significant weight changes.
Cost Of KYBELLA In Carmel, IN
To give you a realistic idea of what you may invest, here are the main factors that influence KYBELLA pricing.
KYBELLA cost varies
Pricing depends on:
- How much fat we are treating
- Number of vials per session
- Number of sessions needed
Some patients need 2 sessions. Some need 4 or more. We discuss your expected average cost during your consultation.
Think of this as permanent fat reduction. Not a temporary fix. You pay for precision, medical care, and results.
FAQs
1. Will fat grow back after KYBELLA?
No, the fat will not grow back after KYBELLA because the destroyed fat cells are permanently removed. If you maintain a stable weight, the treated area stays slimmer. Significant weight gain can enlarge the remaining fat cells, but the ones eliminated by KYBELLA do not return.
2. Is KYBELLA better than liposuction?
KYBELLA is better if you want a non-surgical option, but liposuction is better if you want faster and more dramatic results. KYBELLA requires multiple sessions and has swelling, while liposuction provides immediate fat removal but involves anesthesia, downtime, and higher cost. The “better” choice depends on your goals and comfort level.
3. How painful is a KYBELLA injection?
KYBELLA injections are mildly uncomfortable, but numbing makes the process very tolerable.
Most people describe a brief stinging or warmth that fades quickly. The real discomfort comes from swelling over the next few days, not the actual injections.
4. How long will KYBELLA last?
KYBELLA results are permanent because treated fat cells cannot store fat again. Once you complete your full treatment series, the reduction stays as long as your weight stays relatively stable.
5. Will KYBELLA tighten loose skin?
No, KYBELLA does not tighten loose skin because it only targets fat cells. If loose skin is the main concern, you may need a skin-tightening treatment or a combination approach to get the best contour under the chin.
Conclusion
Fullness under the chin can make you feel like your features do not match how confident you feel inside. KYBELLA offers a proven, FDA-approved injectable treatment to reduce chin fat without surgery and with real results.
When you choose Michele Finley Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel, you get medical training, precision, and a personal treatment plan based on your facial structure and goals. You deserve to feel proud of your profile and your photos again.
Ready to find out if KYBELLA is right for you? Schedule your consultation today. Let’s help you feel confident every time you look in the mirror.

Dr. Michele Finley
Meet Michele Finley, MD, a renowned expert in cosmetic treatments, dedicated to enhancing your beauty and confidence with personalized care and precision.

