Stubborn chin fat can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you can’t get rid of it on your own. But there may be a reason for that! Oftentimes, factors like genetics, age, hormones, and poor posture can cause fat to naturally store around your chin (despite your best efforts to prevent it).
If this is the case, then you likely need outside help—that’s where AESTHETICS 360º comes in! At our med spa in Milwaukee, we offer CoolSculpting and Kybella treatments that specifically target and reduce chin fat. Both are non-surgical; both are FDA-approved; both have proven efficacy. But which option is the best for you? Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between the two.
CoolSculpting vs. Kybella
CoolSculpting
There’s no doubt about it: CoolSculpting is one cool treatment. It’s a non-surgical, non-invasive way to contour your body, and has been scientifically proven to reduce pockets of fat in several areas of the body (including the chin) in as little as one session. It’s ideal for those stubborn areas that just won’t respond to exercise or diet.
But how does it work? Coolsculpting, or cryolipolysis, utilizes controlled cooling through a handheld applicator device to crystallize (freeze) and kill fat cells for good. Did you know that during a person’s teen years, the number of fat cells in their body becomes fixed? Losing or gaining weight doesn’t change the number; it only changes the size of the fat cells. When weight is gained, the fat cells get bigger.
CoolSculpting comes in and actually reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area by up to 25%, leaving you with fewer cells to store fat. That means this process isn’t a weight loss treatment—it’s a fat loss one. The results are long-lasting and noticeable, and in many patients, can be seen as soon as 30 days afterwards, with peak results at 120 days.
What’s the CoolSculpting Process Like?
After agreeing on a customized CoolSculpting treatment plan to achieve your goals, the area to be treated around your chin is marked, then a gel pad and vacuum applicator are positioned, and controlled cooling is applied to the targeted fat by our certified CoolSculpting specialist.
Initially, you may feel some intense cold, but that feeling usually subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area numbs. Pulling, tugging, or mild tingling sensations may also be experienced, but most patients report minimal discomfort. During the treatment, you can relax, work on your laptop, read, or even scroll through Instagram—it’s your choice! The procedure time typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on the number of cycles you need.
What Happens After CoolSculpting?
The great part about CoolSculpting is that there’s little to no downtime! You may feel some slight numbness, redness, or swelling in the treated areas afterwards, but those side effects will eventually go away within a few days to a few weeks.
Typically, with CoolSculpting, only one treatment may be necessary—and the results can be permanent. This is because the fat cells that are destroyed during the treatment do not return. However, proper diet and exercise are still important to prevent the remaining fat cells from growing.
Kybella
Kybella is the first of its kind—a non-surgical injectable treatment that targets and permanently destroys the fat cells of a double chin. The result is a noticeable reduction in chin fat from both a head-on and profile appearance. It’s important to note that, unlike CoolSculpting, which can be used on other parts of the body, Kybella is only FDA-approved to be used under the chin.
The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule that is naturally occurring in our bodies and helps break down and absorb fat. During a Kybella treatment, a synthetic deoxycholic acid is used to target and destroy stubborn fat found under the chin. Once those fat cells are destroyed, they’re gone for good.
What’s the Kybella Process Like?
After discussing your chin-shaping goals with one of our specialists, we’ll create a tailored injection map that will include how many injections you’ll receive during your series of Kybella treatments. Once your chin has been marked up, you’ll receive a series of quick, tiny injections.
You may experience mild pain from the injections—however, thanks to our years of experience, most patients report very little discomfort during the Kybella treatment. The process typically takes around 30 minutes to complete.
What Happens After Kybella?
It’s important to note that Kybella treatments tend to have more downtime than CoolSculpting. You may experience some moderate swelling, and mild to moderate bruising or tenderness around the injection site, which can last up to a week or more.
With Kybella, patients will require a minimum of at least two treatments, and may even require four treatments to achieve their desired appearance. For best results, Kybella treatments are spaced eight weeks apart, and results can start to be seen in four to six weeks.
However, just like CoolSculpting, the results are permanent! It may take a few weeks for the results to finalize, but once the fat is gone, it’s gone. (However, like all treatments, diet and exercise are still important to maintain your fat reduction.)
Key Differences Between CoolSculpting & Kybella
While CoolSculpting and Kybella are both effective at reducing fat underneath your chin, the results are achieved in different ways. Check out the Venn diagram below to explore the key similarities and differences between the two treatments.
Come to AESTHETICS 360º for Your Chin Fat Treatment!
As the only full-service medical spa in downtown Milwaukee, AESTHETICS 360º is proud to offer CoolSculpting and Kybella for effective and long-lasting chin fat reduction. If you’re interested in exploring a chin fat treatment, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians or try our virtual assessment tool on our website. We’ll work with you to find the perfect treatment that best suits your aesthetic goals!
