What Causes Stubborn Fat?

Excess fat can be the result of several factors—including genetics, age, hormones, and lifestyle—but it’s especially common in certain problem areas like under the chin, the lower abdomen, or the flanks. These pockets often remain even with healthy diet and exercise habits. Non-surgical body contouring options like KYBELLA® and CoolSculpting® are designed to reduce these localized areas of fat without the need for surgery, scars, or extended recovery time.

How KYBELLA® Works for Excess Fat

KYBELLA® is an injectable treatment specifically formulated to reduce submental fat—the layer of fat beneath the chin. This treatment uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that breaks down dietary fat. When KYBELLA® is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys fat cells, which are then gradually eliminated by the body over time. This injectable can also be used off-label to reduce fat in the jowl area and resistant pockets in other areas of the body. 

The procedure is quick, often taking less than 30 minutes. Most patients need a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart, with results gradually improving after each session. Once fat cells are destroyed with KYBELLA®, they don’t regenerate, which means results can be long-lasting with proper maintenance. KYBELLA® is ideal for patients who want a more defined jawline without undergoing surgery or liposuction.

CoolSculpting® for Non-Surgical Body Contouring

CoolSculpting® is a body contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells in specific areas of the body. This process, known as cryolipolysis, safely and precisely lowers the temperature of fat tissue, leading to the natural breakdown and removal of the cells. Like KYBELLA®, once these fat cells are gone, they don’t come back.

CoolSculpting® is approved for multiple areas, including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, and even under the chin. Each treatment area takes about 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the applicator size and treatment plan. There’s no surgery, anesthesia, or downtime involved—making it a highly convenient option for patients with busy lifestyles.

Many patients begin to notice results within a few weeks of their first treatment, with continued improvement over the next few months as the body processes the frozen fat. CoolSculpting® is especially popular with those who are close to their goal weight but need help refining their silhouette.

Which Excess Fat Treatment Is Right for You?

KYBELLA® and CoolSculpting® both offer highly effective ways to reduce excess fat, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and goals. KYBELLA® is most often recommended for patients who are concerned about fullness beneath the chin and want a non-invasive option to improve their profile. It’s best suited for small, targeted areas where injections can precisely break down fat over time.

CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, is ideal for addressing larger areas or multiple zones of fat in one or two sessions. It offers versatility across the body and is best for patients who want to contour more than one area or are dealing with stubborn fat on the stomach, hips, or thighs.

It’s important to choose a treatment that aligns with your comfort and goals. KYBELLA® uses precise injections to permanently reduce small areas of unwanted fat, such as under the chin. The number of sessions varies depending on the amount of fat and your desired results — some achieve their goal with a single treatment, while others benefit from a series. CoolSculpting® offers a non-invasive approach using controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells. Both treatments work gradually as your body naturally processes the treated fat, with results appearing over several weeks to a few months.

Ready to Target Excess Fat? 

If you’re ready to take the next step toward addressing excess fat, Madison, WI’s Radiance Skin Therapy offers personalized, non-surgical solutions designed to help you feel more confident in your skin. Call today at 608.240.0088 or schedule your consultation online.