Injection lipolysis (more commonly known as Kybella) is an FDA-approved, non-surgical fat reduction procedure that specifically targets the fat cells underneath the chin and provides targeted facial contouring.
Kybella works by injecting synthetic deoxycholic acid into the skin. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and helps break down the absorption of fat.
When injected beneath the chin, deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells and prevents the area from storing or accumulating more fat. This can lead to a more contoured face and slimmer profile, sometimes after just one procedure.
Is Kybella Right for Me?
Kybella may be right for you if you are bothered by the fullness of your chin and prefer to avoid surgery.
Before scheduling your injection lipolysis treatment, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your health care provider about your medical history and health conditions, including if you:
- Are taking any medications, especially blood thinners
- Have had trouble swallowing
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Have bleeding problems
- Have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck or chin
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- Have had medical conditions near the neck area
Knowing your medical history can help your provider recommend a treatment plan that is right for you.
Kybella treatment may NOT be right for you if you have had facial surgery, if you have trouble swallowing, are pregnant or nursing, or have an infection near the planned injection site.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Since Kybella is a non-surgical procedure, there is little preparation required before the procedure. You may consider washing your face prior to your appointment to reduce your risk of infection, and avoid taking certain over-the-counter painkillers that may thin your blood and lead to bruising.
During and After the Procedure
Currently, Kybella treatment can only be administered by a Kybella-trained health care provider. During the treatment, your provider will administer multiple small injections under your chin, and may numb the treatment area to help make you more comfortable during the procedure.
The specific number of injections depends on the amount of fat you have under your chin and your desired results. Typically, a single treatment takes between 15 and 20 minutes to complete.
Average Cost of Kybella Treatment
The average cost of a single Kybella treatment is between $1,200 and $1,800.
It’s important to note that you may have to get multiple treatments to achieve optimum results. If you decide to get multiple treatments, you should wait at least one month between each procedure. Your provider can discuss your options with you and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
Common Off-Label Kybella Uses
While Kybella was approved by the FDA in 2015 for non-surgical fat reduction targeting the chin, many professionals use Kybella to treat and contour other areas of submental fat. Kybella is increasingly becoming an attractive alternative to more invasive procedures.
You should be aware that while the areas below have no standardized form of dosing suggestions or guidelines (in comparison to targeting chin fat), experts have used Kybella to treat:
- Jowl Fat
- Bra Fat
- Belly Fat
- Arm Fat
Risks and Side Effects of Kybella
After the procedure, your chin area may be bruised, swollen or numb. This is typically normal, but if the condition worsens or you develop sores at the injection site, please notify your doctor immediately.
Other side effects may include:
- Nerve damage in the jaw, leading to facial muscle weakness
- Trouble swallowing
- A hardening of the skin around the injection sites
- Tissue cell death
- Hair loss around the injection sites