Kybella®
Kybella® Injectable Double Chin Treatment
What is Kybella®?
Kybella® is a prescription medication made from a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a substance found in the body that breaks down fat. It is FDA approved to treat sub-mental fat under the chin, also called a “double chin.” When injected into the fat pad it causes the destruction of fat cells. It may require several treatments, but the effects are permanent. It is also used off-label, meaning for indications not yet FDA approved, for treatment of other areas of the face such as the jowls.
How many treatments of Kybella® will I need?
For sub-mental fullness or “double chin” most people require 2 to 6 treatments for optimal results. The jowls may only require 1 to 3 treatments. A more accurate assessment of your individual needs and total price will be determined at your consultation appointment.
How long does Kybella® last?
In theory the procedure is permanent. This is because Kybella® causes the destruction of fat cells and once they have been destroyed, they cannot come back or store more fat. Once optimal treatment is reached, additional sessions should not be needed.
Does Kybella® hurt?
Most people find the procedure to be tolerable and express feeling tiny pinpricks and an occasional burning sensation when the medication is injected. After 5-10 minutes pst-injection most people experience an intense burning sensation that lasts 5-10 minutes and is made tolerable by ice packs. After this initial burning, an experience of tightness or fullness is common and most clients are not bothered by it.
Is there swelling with Kybella® injections?
There is a large amount of swelling after Kybella® is injected under the chin in the submental region. It is often referred to as a “bull-frog” appearance. This is expected and is a desired outcome as the inflammation is occurring from destruction of fat cells. It typically lasts 3-7 days. In the jowl area patients often report looking like they did when their wisdom teeth were removed, like a “chipmunk” but the swelling typically only lasts a few days in this area.
What are the side effects of Kybella®?
The most common side effects are: swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area. More serious side effects, such as: hair loss, open sores (ulcers), tissue cell-death (necrosis) around the injection site, trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw (causing a temporarily uneven smile) are other possible side effects. In clinical trials, nerve damage in the jaw resolved on its own in an average of 30-40 days, and trouble swallowing resolved on its own in about 3 days. Talk to your injector for a complete list of side effects.
Read more about Kybella® at myKybella.com
