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 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 and body such as: the jowls, stomach, and thighs.

Deoxycholic Acid is the generic version of Kybella and works in the same way as above.

Read more FAQs below or get in touch

How many treatments of Kybella will I need?

For sub-mental fullness or “double chin” most people require 2-6 full strength treatments for optimal results.

The jowls may only require 1-3 treatments and other areas on the body will depend on the size and composition of the area.

For a more accurate assessment of your individual needs get in touch or book a free consult.

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 post-injection the majority of 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)t 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 complete list of side effects

How much does Kybella cost?

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure you are not just paying for the product but also the quality, expertise and technique of the injector.

The anatomy is complex in and around each treatment area so finding a qualified and experienced Kybella injector is very important. Schedule several consults and choose the provider you feel most comfortable with.

On average Kybella costs $600/vial but some generic versions may be cheaper. Most treatments require 2-4 vials for double chin, 1 for jowls and 2-4/body area.

Are payment plans available for Kybella treatments?

Unfortunately with the COVID19 pandemic many of the payment processing companies stopped offering this option. However, we do offer discounted rates with our packaged options as well as when multiple procedures are booked together.

Schedule a free consult below to chat with a provider about what would work best for you!