Kybella: Cost, Side Effects, And What To Expect - Healthline

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Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Lucie Wisco — Updated on June 15, 2018

Overview
Preparation
Target areas
How does it work?
Risks and side effects
What to expect
Cost

Fast facts about Kybella

About:

Kybella is a nonsurgical injection technique used to reduce excess fat beneath the chin.
Each treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
It uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid.

Safety:

Kybella was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015.
It’s a well-tolerated alternative to surgical procedures such as liposuction.

Cost:

One Kybella treatment costs between $1200 and $1800.

Efficacy:

In a clinical trial, 82.4 percent of people reported significantly improved satisfaction with their appearance.
The same clinical trial concluded Kybella to be safe and effective.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is a nonsurgical injectable technique used to target the 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.

The best candidate is an adult 18 years or older with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. You might not be a good candidate if you have had or are planning to have facial surgery, if you have trouble swallowing, are pregnant or nursing, or have an infection or medical condition in or near the planned injection site.

A 2015 consumer survey done by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) found that 67 percent of individuals are bothered by excess fat under the chin or neck. Kybella is currently the only FDA-approved injectable to treat the appearance of a double chin.

Preparing for Kybella

It is important to plan the Kybella treatment with your healthcare provider and make sure you are the right candidate for the procedure. Discuss your medical history, as well as any cosmetic procedures you had done on your face, neck, or chin. Tell your healthcare provider about any trouble swallowing or bleeding problems. The research on Kybella’s effect on a fetus or infant is still ongoing, so let your healthcare provider know if you are nursing or pregnant, or planning to become pregnant in the near future.

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.

Target areas for Kybella

Kybella is FDA-approved for use in the following area:

submental area (under the chin)

How does Kybella work?

Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid, naturally produced by your body to help absorb fat. Kybella 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, your healthcare provider will 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 Kybella treatments, with at least one month between each session.

Risks and side effects

Though Kybella is nonsurgical, some common side effects include pain, swelling, bruising, redness, and numbness. The recovery process associated with Kybella is minimal in most cases, and downtime varies from person to person. Minor side effects typically subside in one to two weeks.

Serious side effects have occurred, including facial muscle weakness, uneven smile, trouble swallowing, or nerve injury in the jaw. Any post-treatment discomfort should be discussed with your healthcare provider. If you experience any of these severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What to expect after Kybella

Your healthcare provider should design a treatment plan according to your specific needs. Most people require more than one treatment to reach desired aesthetic goals with Kybella. In clinical studies, many people who’ve received Kybella treatment achieved visible results after two to four treatments. Six treatments were necessary in 59 percent of cases.

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.

How much does Kybella cost?

Each Kybella treatment costs between $1,200 to $1,800 on average. Your total cost is affected by the number of treatments needed, your healthcare provider’s fees, as well as your geographic location.

Kybella is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by medical insurance.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

2015ASDS consumer survey on cosmetic dermatologic procedures. (2015).https://www.asds.net/uploadedFiles/Doctor_Resources_NEW/Member_Center/Patient_and_Public_Education_Tools/2015%20Infographic_FINAL.pdf
2016Cosmetic surgery national data bank statistics. (n.d).https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2016.pdf
Deoxycholicacid. (n.d).https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/deoxycholic_acid#section=Top
Deoxycholicacid injection. (n.d).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615026.html
Drugtrials snapshots: Kybella. (2015).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/informationondrugs/ucm448086.htm
FDAapproves treatment for fat below the chin. (2015).https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm444978.htm
Highlightsof prescribing information. (2015).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/206333Orig1s000lbl.pdf
Kybella.Frequently asked questions. (n.d).https://www.mykybella.com/kybella-faqs
Kybella(deoxycholic acid) injection. (2015).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2015/206333Orig1s000TOC.cfm
Label: Kybella- deoxycholic acid injection, solution. (2015).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fe431ed4-ea6f-4e99-b4bc-ec25ae7b8553
Rotunda’sresearch leads to new fat-dissolving drug. (2015).https://www.asds.net/_Media.aspx?id=9212
Shamban AT. (2016). Noninvasive submental fat compartmenttreatment. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.1097%2FGOX.0000000000001155

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Lucie Wisco — Updated on June 15, 2018

Kybella: Cost, Side Effects, And What To Expect - Healthline

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Skin Care

What is Kybella?

Preparing for Kybella

Target areas for Kybella

How does Kybella work?

Risks and side effects

What to expect after Kybella

How much does Kybella cost?

How we reviewed this article:

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