Seattle Kybella

Submental fullness or “double chin” is a very common manifestation of the aging process. Submental fullness can be influenced by factors such as aging, genetics, weight changes, and is often resistant to diet and exercise. Many people do not notice their double chin until seeing themselves in digital photographs from a side profile. Statistics indicate that 68% of people are bothered with a double chin which correlates with complaints of lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

KYBELLA™ (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness or double chin. It is a nonsurgical alternative to more invasive alternatives such as surgery or liposuction. Kybella is a simple office procedure requiring no anesthesia and very minimal downtime.  Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in two to four treatment sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.

The active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body to help break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat, Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your aesthetic goal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON SWELLING AND SIDE EFFECTS

What is Kybella®?

Kybella® is an injectable treatment designed to treat submental fullness (double chin). Kybella® is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells under the chin. The active ingredient in Kybella®, deoxycholic acid, is found naturally in the body and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.

What is the average cost of Kybella®?

Average cost of Kybella® is $600 per vial. We do offer discounts on multiply vials

Does Kybella® really work?

Yes. Kybella® (deoxycholic acid) permanently destroys fat cells in the area below the chin (submental area).

Does Kybella® tighten the skin?

Kybella® is not indicated for tightening the skin. It’s iniication is to destroy fat cells in the area below the chin (submental area). However, some patients will experience contraction of the skin post-treatment, causing some mild tightening in the area. For skin tightening post Kybella treatment be sure to set up a complimentary consultation with our Ultherapy expert Angelina Canty.

How many treatments of Kybella® will I need and number of syringes per treatment?

The number of injections needed to see the successful treatment of submental fat varies for each patient. One of our injection specialists will help you design a personalized treatment plan based on the amount of submental fat under the chin, your schedule, and your desired results. Most patients have 4-6 treatments  at least 1 month apart before they see their final results. However, once those results are achieved, you can expect to enjoy your new look permanently.  Most patients will need 2-3 vials per treatment. The average woman will need 2 vials per treatment, with most men needing 3 vials per treatment of Kybella®. Again, this will be determined at your consultation.

Can I just schedule a Kybella® treatment or do I need a consultation beforehand? Is there a fee?

Consultations are required prior to a Kybella® treatment.  There is a $50 fee for stand alone Kybella® consultations but that fee will be subtracted from your first Kybella® treatment. You can also come in for other injection services and do a complimentary Kybella® consultation during that time.

Can Kybella® be used on belly fat?

Kybella® is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental area), also called the “double chin.” All other areas are off-label. Please discuss with your aesthetic provider.

Which is better Kybella® or CoolSculpting?

Kybella® is likely best for someone with mild-moderate submental fullness and CoolSculpting might be more cost-effective for someone with a large amount of fat beneath the chin.

Does Kybella® hurt?

Topical numbing cream, along with ice may be used to minimize any discomfort associated with injections of Kybella®.

Does insurance cover Kybella®?

No, it is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.

How long does Kybella® last for?

Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your aesthetic goal.

What are the side effects of Kybella®?

Swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area.These are not all the possible side effects of Kybella®. Discuss all side effects with your aesthetic provider.

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION ON SWELLING AND SIDE EFFECTS

Can Kybella® cause permanent nerve damage?

Yes, it is certainly possible and that is why it is so very important to have Kybella® injections done with a licensed, skilled, aesthetic provider like our team at Skinlogic Med Spa.

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Swelling and Side Effects

Swelling and injection-site bruising are common side effects. These are temporary and should subside within a few weeks after your treatment. Anecdotal reports suggest that Kybella swelling can peak after a couple of days but then go down on its own within a month.

Talk to our Injection Team about ways you can minimize Kybella swelling. Some of these options include:

  • using ice or cold packs after your treatment
  • applying warm compresses within the first few days after your injections
  • wearing a chin strap post-treatment for added compression
  • taking an over-the-counter antihistamine prior to your appointment
  • using over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain and swelling after your treatment
  • firmly massaging the area as tolerated

If you do have post-Kybella treatment swelling, you’ll need to hold off on any more injections until the symptoms clear up.  Usually, the swelling will go away on its own during the recommended one-month timeline in between treatments. However, if you have swelling right before your next scheduled treatment, let our team know.

Effects Common and Uncommon Side Effects

You should also talk to our injection team about all the possible risks associated with Kybella, including infection. While not considered a common side effect, an infection is a serious one that requires prompt treatment.

Swelling may be a sign of an infection if it’s also accompanied by other symptoms, such as open sores and oozing. Swelling alone doesn’t necessarily meant you have an infection, but it’s important to monitor your condition closely to see if your symptoms change at all.

Common side effects from Kybella may include:

  • swelling
  • redness
  • numbness
  • itching
  • slight bruising
  • bleeding
  • mild pain
  • hard skin around the injection area
  • headache
  • nausea

Call us at Skinlogic Med Spa if you experience more serious side effects, such as:

  • uneven smile
  • trouble eating and swallowing
  • muscle weakness in the face
  • skin tissue damage (necrosis)
  • hair loss at the injection site
  • severe bruising
  • ulcers
  • open sores, with or without drainage
  • infection

Call us if your swelling gets worse or if you experience any new or worsening side effects.

Results and Timeline

While swelling from Kybella is a normal side effect, it can still cause some discomfort and become an overall inconvenience. The good news is that the swelling is temporary. The overall recovery timeline is about one month according to Allergan, the company that makes Kybella.

This is why it’s recommended that you wait at least one month between treatments, too.

Multiple treatment sessions

Multiple sessions are usually needed, and six treatments is the maximum for Kybella. Your provider may recommend one injection per month over a six-month timeframe.

At minimum, you’ll need to wait one month between Kybella sessions. Some people may require fewer treatments, depending on the amount of chin fat as well as the desired outcomes.

When to expect results

According to the manufacturer of the Kybella solution, each treatment session takes between 15 and 20 minutes at a time. Your provider selects several injection sites where Kybella is administered.

The process is then repeated 4-6 weeks later. Users report noticeable effects after 12 weeks or at least 2 sessions. Maximum results can be seen after six months and are meant to be long-lasting.

Allow time between injections

It’s important to space Kybella injections apart. Not only does this allow the active ingredient time to target submental fat in the chin, but it also gives your body time to heal in between treatments. If you have too many injections too close together, this could increase your risk of side effects, like swelling.

The Bottom Line

If you do have swelling after your Kybella injections, know that this is a normal side effect and not usually a cause for a medical emergency.

As uncomfortable as the swelling might be, this reaction is from the deoxycholic acid working on fat cells under your chin. Our team can offer additional tips to minimize swelling following your treatments.