What is Kybella?
Kybella is a nonsurgical injection technique used to reduce excess fat beneath the chin. The process uses a series of deoxycholic acid injections to target the fat cells in this area. No incisions are required, and the downtime is minimal in most cases. It’s a well-tolerated alternative to surgical procedures such as liposuction.
Once the deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells in the submental area, the results should be lasting, and further treatment is not expected as the fat cells can no longer store fat.
KYBELLA® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. It is currently the only FDA-approved injectable to treat the appearance of a double chin.
In a clinical trial, 82.4 percent of people reported significantly improved satisfaction with their appearance. The same clinical trial concluded it to be safe and effective.
How does it work?
Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid, naturally produced by your body to help absorb fat. Injections use a synthetic form of this as an injection. Once injected, the acid destroys fat cells beneath the chin area so it can’t store fat anymore. Make sure that a trained healthcare professional administers your Kybella injections since deoxycholic acid can kill other cells in the process as well.
Before the procedure, we’ll mark the injection sites with a marker and may administer a topical numbing agent or ice pack to ease any pain or discomfort. Usually 20 to 30, and up to 50, injections are used under the chin. The acid then works gradually to kill fat cells, which are metabolized by the body over the following weeks.
The number of treatment sessions necessary varies for each person. Multiple treatments might be needed to reach optimal results. You can receive up to six treatments, with at least one month between each session.
How many treatments will I need?
Each Kybella® treatment session is given at least 1 month apart, and you should not receive more than 6 treatments. In clinical studies, 59% of patients received 6 treatments.