Kybella is an FDA approved injectable made of synthetic deoxycholic acid which works to naturally breakdown and absorb dietary fat. Targeted destruction of fat cells improves contours in the treatment area. While the medication is approved for fat under the chin, other areas that benefit from treatment include jowls, bra fat and knees.
The Treatment
A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area
A marking grid is applied. There is temporary moderate discomfort during the procedure, which is brief. The actual treatment takes less than 15 minutes. Ice can be applied after the treatment for comfort
Benefits
- Any fat that is destroyed rarely repopulates the area
- No anesthesia or surgery is required
- Small areas of fat can be target without needling to lose weight
What are the Side Effects of Kybella?
The most common side effects of Kybella are swelling, pain, numbness, bruising, redness and hardness in some portion of the treatment area. Less common side effects can include hair loss in the area, temporary difficulty swallowing and numbness. Injury to the nerve resulting in a temporary uneven smile and necrosis around the injection is possible but rare.
Preparing for your Appointment
This is an injection and carries high risk for bruising, so avoid alcohol, ibuprofen, or blood thinners 24 hours prior to treatment
It can take up a to a month to see the benefits of your treatment.
- Swelling at the site of the injection is very common
- Swelling can last up to two weeks so plan accordingly
- Most patients require at minimum 2-3 sessions
*If you have not responded well after 2 sessions, other modalities should be considered