Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injections

Kybella Details

Bothered by the fullness beneath your chin?

According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, 67% of people said they are bothered by the fat beneath their chin, or what your healthcare provider may refer to as “submental fullness associated with submental fat.”

What causes submental fullness?

Submental fullness due to fat beneath the chin can impact a broad range of both male and female adults. Some possible causes are: Genetics, Weight Gain, and Aging

Who should not use Kybella?

You should not use Kybella if you have an infection in the treatment area.

KYBELLA® may be right for you if:

• You’re bothered by fat under the chin, also known as submental fullness
• You don’t want surgery
• You feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you actually are
• You eat well and exercise, but submental fullness does not go away

If most of these statements apply to you, ask your doctor if KYBELLA® is right for you. Before receiving treatment, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck, or chin; have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin; have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area; have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if KYBELLA® will harm your unborn baby); or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if KYBELLA® passes into your breast milk; talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive KYBELLA®).

KYBELLA FAQs

How does it work?

When injected into the fat beneath your chin, KYBELLA® destroys fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Fat cleared from the treatment area is processed through your body’s natural metabolism.

Before receiving Kybella, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions.
Have had, or plan to have surgery on your face, neck, or chin; have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin; have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area; have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if Kybella will harm you unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if Kybella passes into your breast milk; talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive Kybella).

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take.
Including prescription and all over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine).

How many treatment sessions will I need?

Your healthcare provider will help you determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals. Typically at least two to three treatments is necessary for optimal results, however up to 6 treatments may be administered, spaced no less than 1 month apart.

How is KYBELLA® administered?

KYBELLA® is given during an in-office visit. The injection process may take 15 to 30 minutes. Dr. Tsai will apply topical lidocaine to the treatment area as well as inject anesthetic to provide maximum comfort before administering a series of injections into the fat under your chin at each treatment session.

Who is a candidate?

Anyone over 18, in good health with moderate-to-severe submental fat can reap the benefits of this aesthetic treatment. If your chin has a twin, and you’d like to improve its appearance without the risk of surgery – you’re the perfect choice for this exciting new procedure.

Is it painful?

Pain is always relative, but most patients report only mild discomfort at the beginning of the procedure that subsides as the treatment progresses. Most people find an over-the-counter pain reliever is adequate to relieve any discomfort post-procedure. During subsequent treatment sessions, the level of discomfort lessens with the majority of patients. Dr. Tsai has learned various methods to minimize discomfort of Kybella injections in the dozens of treatments she’s administered.

Can anesthesia be used?

Yes. Topical anesthetics or lidocaine are available for those who feel they may need them. Be sure to broach this issue with your physician during your pre-procedure consultation.

How long does the procedure take?

The treatment is uncomplicated, so in most cases you are in and out within 15-30 minutes.

When will I see results?

Most patients see noticeable results after 2-3 treatment sessions. The number of treatments required will depend on the amount of fat being eradicated.

How long does it last?

Once your aesthetic goal has been reached, there is no need for further treatment. When Kybella kills those fat cells, they are gone for good!

Is there any downtime?

Kybella recovery can vary patient to patient. Most patients report swelling and some minor bruising that resolves within a week or two. Mild discomfort may be experienced at the injection sites but is easily treated with OTC pain relievers. Some patients jump right back into their routine while others prefer to lay low for a couple of days after the procedure.

What can I expect after my treatment session?

For most patients, downtime occurred most commonly after the first treatment session. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities, but are likely to have swelling, so keep your social plans and work commitments in mind when scheduling your treatment. Prior to your treatment session, your healthcare provider may apply ice/cold packs or topical and/or injectable local anesthesia to the treatment area to make you more comfortable. He or she may also suggest you take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment. After treatment, apply ice or a cold pack to the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes, as needed.

Will there be side effects?

KYBELLA® can cause serious side effects, including nerve injury in the jaw that can temporarily cause an uneven smile (Dr. Tsai can add a touch of Botox to even out smile temporarily) or facial muscle weakness (experienced by 4 out of 100 people in clinical studies) and trouble swallowing (experienced by 2 out of 100 people in clinical studies).

The most common side effects include:

• Swelling
• Brusing
• Pain
• Numbness
• Redness
• Areas of hardness

Who shouldn't get this treatment?

Check with your physician if you are taking blood thinners before considering Kybella for double chin treatment. Caution should also be used if you’ve had prior surgery in the treatment area. If you have an active infection at the injection site, you must wait until it clears. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing is ineligible for the procedure. Those with a history of dysphagia (trouble swallowing) are not suitable candidates for Kybella.

What are the potential complications?

Because of the location close to certain anatomic structures, there is a risk of tissue or nerve damage caused by the injections. This could cause facial muscle weakness or an off-balance smile. When the treatment is performed by a licensed professional, however, these risks are minimal.

Where can I find Kybella before and after photos?

Reading about this revolutionary new cosmetic treatment is one thing. You have to see the incredible Kybella images to appreciate just how life-altering this procedure can be. The best way to do this is to visit the official Kybella website for real Kybella before and after photos.

Some of Dr. Tsai’s Kybella patients have signed consent forms to allow in-office use of their Before and After photos for potential patients who may benefit from studying photos of Dr. Tsai’s Kybella results.