coolsculpting at Gulf Coast Institute of Rejuvenation

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Gulf Coast Institute of Rejuvenation
Kybella

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.

See Andra’s Treatment Journey
Age:36 | Weight (before/after treatment): 143 lbs/144 lbs | Total Treatments: 3
Actual patient. Unretouched photos taken before treatment and after final treatment. Individual results may vary. Multiple injections under the chin per treatment; up to 6 treatments spaced at least 1 month apart. 59% of patients received 6 KYBELLA® treatments in clinical studies. Treatment is tailored to the amount of fat under the chin and aesthetic goals.

How many treatments will I need?

Since everyone’s chin profile is different, the number of treatments varies from patient to patient. Our healthcare specialist will help determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals.

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.

Kybella® is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Kabella

Contact us if your question isn’t included on this list.

Is Kybella Safe?
Kybella® is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that is used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called, “double chin.” It is not known if Kybella® is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age. It is not known if Kybella® is safe and effective for use outside of the submental area.
How do I prepare for Kybella?
As a nonsurgical procedure, there is little preparation required for Kybella. It’s advisable to schedule the procedure well before any major events. Washing your face properly before the appointment can help reduce the risk of infection, and avoiding ibuprofen and acetaminophen can prevent post-treatment bruising.
Is Kybella right for me?
According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, 67% of people said they are bothered by the fullness beneath their chin. Sometimes, even with diet or exercise, the unwanted fullness may not go away. If you can relate, talk with us to determine if Kybella is right for you.
What areas can be treated with Kybella?
Kybella is approved by the FDA to improve the look and profile of submental fullness caused by submental fat. What’s that you ask? Submental describes the area underneath the chin. The fullness (fat) in this area is historically referred to as a double chin. Treatment of the double chin using Kybella has seen excellent results without the surgical intervention of liposuction.
How long is a Kybella treatment?
First-time patients are given 1 hour in the office so that they can ask questions, get specifics about the Kybella treatment and numb the treatment area using ice before starting. The actual injection portion of the treatment takes less than 5 minutes and is well tolerated.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on several factors specific to the individual. Treatments are spaced 6 weeks apart and can range from 3-6 treatment sessions depending on the fullness of the area. We suggest coming and meeting with one of our expertly trained staff for a custom complimentary consultation.
Are Kybella injections painful?
Kybella is an easy procedure with little pain or discomfort. Ice will be used to numb the area prior to injection. Immediately after the injections, some patients describe a hot and uncomfortable feeling that subsides within minutes. During this portion we have you remain in the office with ice packs to help ease this feeling of discomfort. Patients say that the first 15 minutes of the treatment is a little uncomfortable but in general, it is well tolerated by all of our patients.
What is recovery like for Kybella injections?
Patients experience tenderness and/or numbness to the area after the treatment. Kybella does cause some swelling that we tell our clients to plan for. This swelling is part of the Kybella process and is helpful as it can sometimes lead to some skin tightening along with fat reduction. We suggest you set aside 3 days for swelling. After that, the swelling continues to be minimal over the next several weeks and likely only noticeable to you and your immediate family.
How long will the results last?
After you have your series of Kybella treatment (3-6 sessions spaced about 6 weeks apart) and have achieved your desired result, you will not need further injections. While Kybella does not remove every fat cell, it does drastically reduce and remove the cells that you are targeting and these cells will not return.