Kybella: Frequently Asked Questions

Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions: Kybella 1. What is Kybella?

Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injection, also known as ATX-101, is the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug that contours and improves the appearance of submentalfullness due to submental fat. Kybella is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat “double chin” in adults.

2. What areas can be treated with Kybella?

Submental fullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin,” is a common, yet undertreated facial aesthetic condition. It can detract from an otherwise balanced and harmonious facial appearance– leading to an older and heavier look.

3. Are there any off-label uses for Kybella? If so, are they safe?

Kybella has been available since 2015 and the treatment is done in the office to reduce fat under the chin. At this time we are not using Kybella for off label uses. Other areas of the face and body are being investigated for possible Kybella use and we plan to consider using it in other areas as they are approved and shown to be useful.

4. Kybella vs. liposuction for double chin? Which would you recommend and what is the difference?

Each patient is evaluated to see which procedure would get them the results they want to achieve.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and is usually done under local anesthesia and requires only one treatment. It is usually done as part of a surgical facelift as well which is most often done under general anesthesia. When done alone, the recovery takes about 7 – 10 days.

Kybella can take multiple treatments administered in our office in about 6 – 12 week intervals. It is administered by injections; we start with a topical anesthetic, and then inject a small amount of local anesthetic before marking the area with a pen and doing the treatment. Kybella can take up to two-three months or more to realize the full effect.

5. What is recovery like for Kybella injections?

Some bruising, swelling, firmnessand tendernessat the treated area maybe experienced. Ice is applied after the treatment to minimize the swelling and bruising. Some patients develop more swelling than others but it should fully resolve in two weeks or less.

6. How long do results from Kybella injections last?

The results are permanent if a patient keeps a healthy lifestyle. The fat cells that are destroyed do not come back. Enlargement of remaining fat cells can enlarge if weight is gained.

7. What do I do if I gain weight after using Kybella?

Kybella is effective at permanently removing fat cells however doesn’t remove all of them. If the weight gain is substantial then you will see the some submental fullness return, however not as much as you would have without the Kybella treatment. An additional Kybella treatment can be done long after the first one to deal with residual fat cells as needed.

8. Are Kybella injections painful?

We use a topical anesthetic and then inject a small amount of local anesthetic before starting. The treatment is generally well tolerated and not much of an issue for the patient.

9. How long is a Kybella treatment?

From the time the topical anesthetic is placed on the skin until the ice pack is placed on the area after the treatment is complete should be about 30-45 minutes.

10. How many Kybella treatments do I need to see results?

Some people see results with only one treatment; however many people need at least two or even three sessions of injections. We evaluate the results after 6 weeks and see if any additional treatments are desired. Depending on the amount of submental fullness and the desired results each patient is wanting will determine the number of treatments. As many as 6 sessions could be required but this would be very unusual.