Double chin reduction is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments requested by both locals and foreign patients in Korea. Two major options dominate the market today:

• Kybella (the U.S. FDA-approved deoxycholic acid injection)
• Korean fat-dissolving injections (a range of locally formulated lipolytic products)

Both dissolve stubborn fat under the chin, but they work differently, feel different, and deliver slightly different types of results.

This guide explains how each treatment works and helps you decide which one may be better for your double chin.

What Is Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells permanently. It is known for:

• Strong fat-dissolving ability
• Permanent results once fat cells are destroyed
• A long track record internationally
• Consistent results when the injector uses correct mapping and dosing

Kybella is considered a high-strength fat-melting treatment, especially for moderate fat under the chin.

What Are Korean Fat Dissolving Injections?

Korean fat-dissolving injections are locally developed lipolytic formulas designed to:

• Reduce small pockets of fat
• Decrease swelling and fluid retention
• Contour delicate areas like the under-chin, jawline, armpit, and bra line
• Provide a gentler, more gradual reduction

These formulas vary slightly by brand, but most Korean clinics use multi-ingredient blends that target fat, inflammation, and lymphatic drainage.

They are extremely popular because they are:

• Less aggressive than Kybella
• More affordable
• Quick to administer
• Less likely to cause significant swelling
• Suitable for combination treatments like HIFU or RF tightening

How They Compare for Double Chin Reduction

1. Strength & Effectiveness

• Kybella:
  Stronger fat destruction; ideal for moderate to heavier double chin fat.
• Korean Injections:
  Effective for mild to small pockets of fat; gradual, subtle slimming.

2. Swelling & Downtime

• Kybella:
  Expect noticeable swelling for several days — sometimes dramatic in the first 48 hours.
• Korean Injections:
  Much lighter swelling; most patients resume normal activities immediately.

3. Number of Sessions

• Kybella:
  Typically 2–4 sessions, spaced weeks apart.
• Korean Injections:
  Often 2–3 sessions, but each session feels lighter and more comfortable.

4. Comfort Level

• Kybella:
  Burning sensation and post-treatment tenderness are common.
• Korean Injections:
  Mild discomfort; significantly easier for most patients.

5. Skin Tightening

Neither treatment tightens skin.
If skin laxity is present, Korean clinics often recommend pairing injections with HIFU or RF.

6. Price

• Kybella:
  Typically more expensive globally.
• Korean Injections:
  More budget-friendly, especially for travelers doing multi-session plans.

Which Works Better?

✔ Choose Kybella if:

• You have moderate or thicker under-chin fat
• You want more dramatic fat destruction
• You’re okay with swelling and downtime
• You prefer a well-established, high-strength formula
• You don’t mind multiple sessions

✔ Choose Korean Fat Dissolving Injections if:

• You have mild to small double chin fat
• You prefer a gentle, low-swelling treatment
• You want faster recovery
• You’re visiting Korea for a short trip
• You want a cost-effective option
• You plan to combine with HIFU or RF for sculpting

The Korean Approach: Combination Therapy Works Best

Many Korean clinics combine:

• Fat Dissolving Injections → to melt the fat
• HIFU → to tighten the deeper tissue
• RF → to firm surface skin

This creates a more defined jawline and prevents loose skin after fat reduction.

Final Verdict

• Kybella = Stronger, more aggressive, great for thicker fat
• Korean injections = Gentler, more affordable, ideal for smaller bulges and tourists

Both work — the best choice depends on how much fat you have and how much downtime you can handle.