Non-surgical Procedure
Injectables
Injectables
KYBELLA®
KYBELLA® is a prescription medicine that is identical to the deoxycholic acid that is produced in the body. It is used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin, also known as “double chin.”
Deoxycholic acid produced in the body helps absorb fats. Kybella is a cytolytic drug that physically destroys the cell membrane when injected into tissue. When properly injected into submental fat, the drug destroys fat cells; however, it can also destroy other types of cells, such as skin cells, if it is inadvertently injected into the skin.
Why should I choose Kybella?
Kybella is a much less invasive option for fat removal than liposuction. It avoids the need for anesthesia and offers a better recovery.
If there is loose skin under the chin, Kybella can’t correct the problem, and liposuction and/or neck lift might be better options. Another option to consider is one of our non-surgical skin tightening treatments. Please email the office to see what we are currently offering.
have a question?
Kybella: Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds of treatment do you need, and what results should you expect?
Typically, 12-20 injections are needed per visit in 2 to 3 total visits, about a month apart, and each treatment takes about 15 minutes. Some people may get up to 50 injections in a single treatment, with up to six single treatments no less than a month apart. The majority of people notice results in 2 to 4 treatments.
How long does it last?
Kybella destroys the fat cells, so once you have reached your aesthetic goal, further treatment is not needed.
Is there any downtime?
Most patients report minor bruising and swelling for up to a few days. Most clients experience mild discomfort at the injection sites which is treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Please note that results may vary from patient to patient.
Can anesthesia be used?
To provide the most comfortable experience during and after treatments, we recommend and offer topical and anesthetic injections at the treatment site for pain relief.
Who should not receive KYBELLA®?
You should not receive KYBELLA® if you have an infection in the treatment area or if you had prior surgery in the neck region. The treatment is also not recommended if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Other conditions to be aware of include a history of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or if you are on blood thinners and have bleeding problems.
What are the possible side effects of KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® destroys fat cells, however, it can also destroy other types of cells, such as skin cells, or even nerve tissue. Kybella can cause serious side effects, including nerve injury in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness, and trouble swallowing. The most common side effects of Kybella include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Hardness in the treatment area
- Redness
- More serious, however rare, side effects can include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Nerve injury causing weakening of facial muscles
Could the drug help destroy fat cells in other areas of the body?
Using Kybella to treat fat outside the submental area is not approved or recommended. There may be considerable safety risks in using this procedure in small collections of fat cells, such as lipomas or eye bags.