Charleston Facial Plastic Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions: Kybella

1. What is Kybella?

Kybella is a brand new non-surgical option for treating double chin fat. It is the first and only FDA-

approved treatment available and involves a series of injections to dissolve the fat over time. This is a

great option for younger patients with good skin elasticity who desire improvement with less downtime.

Kybella is the brand name of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in our bodies that

aids in metabolizing fat.

2. What areas can be treated with Kybella?

Kybella is designed for reducing submental fat. That is the fatty area that people often call a “double

chin” in the middle of the upper neck just below the chin.

3. Are there any off-label uses for Kybella? If so, are they safe?

Kybella is only approved for use in the submental area. Much of the excess fat in this area is located just

under the skin, and that is the target for Kybella injections. Some of the deeper fat layers in the neck

(under the muscle) are not safe for Kybella injections, and that is one of many reasons that these

injections should only be performed by an expert who has proper training and understands the anatomy

of the neck.

There is a lot of buzz about the potential to use this product to dissolve fat elsewhere in the body.

While that might eventually happen, we currently do not have any investigations that have looked into

the safety of trying to use it off label.

4. Kybella vs. liposuction for double chin? Which would you recommend and what is the

difference?

These are both very effective options. Kybella injections and liposuction are both perfect for the exact

same type of patient – the type of person who has stubborn fat causing a double chin that will not go

away. Good candidates also need to have enough youthful skin elasticity to allow the skin the shrink

and tighten after the fat is removed. Older patients with excess loose skin and muscle are better

candidates for a necklift and/or facelift.

The advantage of liposuction is that it is a one-time procedure. However, the recovery is longer since it

involves surgery. Kybella injections are the perfect option for a minimal downtime non-surgical

procedure for patients who do not like the idea of surgery or want something quick yet effective that fits

their busy lifestyle.

5. Are Kybella injections painful?

A topical numbing cream can be applied to the skin prior to starting the procedure. Kybella involves a

series of injections using a very small needle. This is similar to what patients experience with Botox. The

only difference with Kybella is a mild burning and stinging sensation that usually stops within 10-15

minutes. Most people hold a cold gel pack or ice against the skin for a few minutes after the injections,

which helps to minimize any discomfort.

6. How long is a Kybella treatment?

Treatments are very quick and can be performed within about 30 minutes. Our preference is to start by

applying a topical numbing cream that stays on the skin for 15-20 minutes. After that, the injections

take only a few minutes, and patients are ready to walk out of the office.

7. What is recovery like for Kybella injections?

The most common side effect is some swelling for a few days. This happens with the majority of

patients and resolves over 2 or 3 days. There can be some mild bruising, and occasionally patients

notice a mild tingling sensation or numbness for just a few days.

More serious side effects are possible, but they are rare when the treatment is performed properly. It is

best to avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for a day or two. For patients who are concerned with

swelling they can elevate their head using an extra pillow at night. Otherwise, there are no other

significant restrictions.

8. How long do results from Kybella injections last?

Results theoretically last forever, because the fat cells that are dissolved are destroyed and no longer

able to store excess fat. Since Kybella is a brand new product, we still don’t have long term results to

know exactly how well the results will last. There have been good results over the past 3 to 4 years

during the clinical trials showing that the results do last long term.

9. What do I do if I gain weight after using Kybella?

If you do gain weight after Kybella treatments there is no need to worry. In the clinical trials, all patients

had their weight monitored very closely. There were many patients who maintained good results

despite actually gaining weight overall with increased BMI.

10. How many Kybella treatments do I need to see results?

On average, most patients need between 2 and 4 treatment sessions to see the best results.

Treatments are spaced at least 4 weeks apart. A few patients may need 5 or 6 total treatments. There

are several factors that play into this. People with more fat and very heavy necks will obviously need

more treatments, but the response of every individual patient to a Kybella treatment is variable.