Kybella

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Kybella Before & Afters

Kybella is a nonsurgical cosmetic treatment used to reduce the amount of fat beneath the chin. During treatment, a series of deoxycholic acid injections are done to target the fat cells under the chin. Kybella is noninvasive, meaning no incisions are required and downtime after treatment is minimal in most cases.

The best candidate for Kybella is an adult 18 years or older with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. Kybella is not recommended for individuals who have had or are planning to undergo facial surgery, if they have difficulty swallowing, are pregnant or nursing, or have an infection or medical condition affecting the neck area.

Non-invasive

No downtime

Permanent results

Non-invasive

No downtime

Permanent results

How Kybella Works

Kybella injections use a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a bile acid naturally produced by the body to help absorb fat. Once the acid is injected, it begins to destroy fat cells beneath the chin area so that it’s unable to store fat. It’s important to have a trained healthcare professional administer Kybella injections because deoxycholic acid can kill other cells in the process.

What to Expect

Before making the injections, the healthcare provider will mark the injection sites with a marker and apply a topical numbing agent or ice pack to ease pain or discomfort.

The patient will typically receive 20 to 30 injections — possibly up to 50 — under the chin.

The acid will gradually kill fat cells, which will then be metabolized by the body over the following weeks.

The number of treatment sessions necessary to achieve results will vary. Patients will typically need multiple treatments to reach optimal results.

The specialist can administer up to six Kybella treatments for each patient, with at least one month between each session.

Am I a Candidate?

Before undergoing Kybella, it’s important to plan treatment with a qualified specialist to ensure the client is a good candidate for the procedure. During the initial consultation, the patient and specialist will:

Discuss the patient’s medical history
Review previous cosmetic procedures done on the patient’s face, neck, or chin
Discuss concerning symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or bleeding problems

Patients who are nursing, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant in the near future should let their physician know in advance because the effects of Kybella in these cases are relatively unknown.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I prepare for injection?

Because Kybella is a nonsurgical procedure, there is little preparation required for treatment. Patients should avoid scheduling the procedure right before any major events. Before the appointment, patients need to wash their face properly to help reduce the risk of infection, and avoid taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen to prevent post-treatment bruising.

Are there any side effects?

Though Kybella is a nonsurgical treatment, patients may experience common side effects. These include pain, redness, swelling, bruising, and numbness, which typically resolve within one to two weeks. The recovery process after Kybella is minimal in most cases and downtime will vary from person to person.

Serious side effects of Kybella include facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, uneven smile, or nerve injury in the jaw. Patients should discuss any post-treatment discomfort with their healthcare provider.