Facial harmony is vital in gender-affirming care, helping individuals feel more aligned with their identity. While facial gender-affirming surgery (FGAS) is a transformative step for many, some patients seek non-surgical options to refine their appearance while awaiting surgery or as a complement to their surgical results. At Deschamps-Braly Clinic, Jennifer Fick, MSN, FNP-C, CANS, offers Kybella®, an injectable treatment designed to reduce submental fullness (a “double chin”), enhancing jawline definition for a more sculpted and confident look.
Understanding Submental Fullness in Gender-Affirming Care
Submental fullness can affect individuals of all genders and may be influenced by genetics, aging, or weight fluctuations. Refining severe fat in the jawline in gender-affirming care can help create a more defined and sculpted profile, often a key aesthetic goal for those undergoing facial transition. Whether seeking a more angular jawline or a softer contour, Kybella® provides a non-surgical solution to address excess fat under the chin, supporting a more aligned self-image.
What is Kybella®?
Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment containing deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps break down and absorb fat. When injected into the submental area, Kybella® dissolves fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. Once removed, these destroyed fat cells cannot regenerate, leading to permanent fat reduction in the treatment area.
Benefits of Kybella® for Gender-Affirming Patients
For those in the process of gender transition, Kybella® offers several advantages:
- Non-surgical approach – Avoids the need for incisions or anesthesia.
- Permanent fat reduction – Once fat cells are destroyed, they do not return.
- Customizable treatment plans – Tailored to individual aesthetic goals.
- Gradual and natural-looking results – Enhances facial contours over time.
- Minimal downtime – Allows patients to continue daily activities with little disruption.
What to Expect from Kybella® Treatment
Consultation and Personalization
Jennifer Fick takes a patient-centered approach, understanding each individual’s transition goals and how Kybella® can best support their desired outcome. During the consultation, she evaluates the facial structure and medical history to determine the appropriate number of sessions for optimal results.
Procedure Overview
Each session lasts under 30 minutes and involves a series of small injections in the submental area. The number of treatment sessions varies based on the amount of fat present, but most patients undergo more than one treatment. Multiple treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart; most patients undergo two to four sessions.
Recovery and Results
Some swelling, redness, or tenderness is expected after treatment, but these effects typically subside within a few days. In rare instances, patients may experience temporary facial muscle weakness or nerve injury.
Results develop gradually as the body processes and eliminates the submental fat cells, with noticeable improvements appearing within weeks and optimal results achieved after multiple sessions.
Kybella® Injections vs. Surgical Jawline Contouring
While surgical procedures like liposuction or chin augmentation can provide dramatic changes, Kybella® offers a less invasive alternative with a more gradual transition. For patients awaiting gender-affirming facial surgery, Kybella® can help refine the jawline, offering confidence-boosting results in the interim. Additionally, some patients find that Kybella® enhances their post-surgical outcomes by further defining their profile.
Why Choose Deschamps-Braly Clinic for Kybella®?
Jennifer Fick is a master nurse injector with over 20 years of experience in non-surgical facial rejuvenation. As one of the few Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialists in the Bay Area, she combines clinical expertise with an artistic approach to achieving natural, balanced results tailored to each patient’s gender-affirming goals.
If you’re considering Kybella® as part of your gender-affirming journey, contact Deschamps-Braly Clinic to schedule a consultation with Jennifer Fick and our team. Take the next step toward a more sculpted and confident appearance.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and craniofacial surgery for adults and children. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders and innovators in facial gender confirmation surgery.
