Tired of feeling self-conscious about under-chin fullness? Let’s break down CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella® and who each is best for.

Millions of Americans battle the under the chin bulge regardless of their weight or how healthy their lifestyle. Because a double chin can be genetic, a person may find that no amount of exercise or dieting will slim down this stubborn fat. Luckily, The Refinery Skin Clinic offers two effective treatment solutions from Allergan Aesthetics™ that may help you slim your chin and update your profile!

In 2017, Allergan, the creator of Botox® Cosmetic and the Juvéderm Collection of dermal fillers, conducted a survey to determine how happy people were with their chins’ appearance. Of those polled, over 47% reported feeling truly dissatisfied with this area of their faces due to submental fullness, commonly called a double chin. Where once only surgical options such as liposuction were available to patients, Allergan Aesthetics™ now offers both CoolSculpting® and Kybella® to help patients feel more confident about the appearance of their chin and jawline. Let’s take a look at how these two treatment therapies work differently.

CoolSculpting® – The world’s #1 non-surgical fat reduction treatment!

CoolSculpting® is an FDA-cleared device that uses cryolipolysis, or “fat-freezing” technology, to safely deliver a therapeutic level of cooling to the fat cells under your chin and jawline. As a result, these cells become crystallized throughout your treatment session and eventually die. In the following months, your body’s lymphatic system will process this fat and safely eliminate the dead cells. Each session permanently destroys up to 25% of treated fat cells.

Improvements with CoolSculpting® under your chin can be seen in as little as three weeks, but optimal results are seen 2 to 3 months after your last treatment. Depending on the amount of fat in the treatment area, one to three treatments may be necessary. There is little to no downtime associated with CoolSculpting®, and patients can return to their daily life and routine immediately.

No surgery. No needles. No downtime. If that’s not good enough, there’s more! CoolSculpting® for the chin area was also just FDA-cleared and proven effective for tightening the skin under the chin as well!

Kybella® (deoxycholic acid) – The first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment to reduce fat under the chin. 

Kybella® is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for adults that permanently destroys fat cells under the chin for a gradually improved profile. Whereas CoolSculpting® uses an applicator that freezes fat cells, Kybella® is injected directly into the fat pad under your chin and jawline. The active ingredient in Kybella®, deoxycholic acid, is naturally occurring in our bodies. It aids in the breakdown and absorption of the fat we consume. When injected under your chin, Kybella® progressively breakdown fat cells. Like CoolSculpting®, these cells are permanently destroyed and take months for your lymphatic system to dispose of fully.

How do I choose between CoolSculpting® & Kybella® to treat my double chin?

Both CoolSculpting® and Kybella® are effective non-surgical options for reducing under-chin fullness, offering similar results and pricing. While both treatments target stubborn fat beneath the chin, they differ in technique, recovery, and customization. Some patients experience more swelling with Kybella® due to injections, while others prefer CoolSculpting® because it requires no needles. In certain cases, combining both treatments may deliver the most refined results.

Comparing CoolSculpting® and Kybella® for Double Chin Treatment

Treatment Method

  • Kybella®: An injectable treatment that uses a series of small injections to permanently destroy fat cells beneath the chin. The provider can strategically place the product to sculpt specific areas.
  • CoolSculpting®: A non-invasive treatment that uses a specialized applicator to freeze and eliminate fat cells under the chin without needles.

Customization

  • Kybella®: Offers greater precision. Your injection specialist can target exact areas of concern, making it ideal for detailed contouring along the jawline and jowls.
  • CoolSculpting®: Uses a standardized applicator designed to treat a broader area of fat, making it effective for overall volume reduction.

Swelling and Side Effects

  • Kybella®: More likely to cause temporary swelling, bruising, and tenderness due to the injection process. Swelling can be noticeable for several days.
  • CoolSculpting®: Typically involves minimal side effects such as temporary redness, numbness, or mild tenderness. No needles required.

Comfort Level

  • Kybella®: Involves injections, which may cause mild discomfort during treatment.
  • CoolSculpting®: Needle-free treatment, which many patients prefer for comfort and convenience.

Best Use Case

  • Kybella®: Ideal for patients who want precise contouring or refinement after initial fat reduction.
  • CoolSculpting®: Excellent for debulking larger pockets of fat beneath the chin.

Combination Approach

  • CoolSculpting® to reduce overall fat volume first
  • Followed by Kybella® to refine and contour the jawline and jowls

The best way to determine which option is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a Refinery Skin Clinic Injection Specialist to discuss your goals and desired outcome.

*Be sure to join the Allergan Aesthetics™ loyalty program, Allē to earn points and save on both CoolSculpting® and Kybella® treatments! Register Here! Save even more by signing up for a Refinery membership!