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Kybella – The Injectable Solution to Eliminating Unwanted Fat

Introduction

If you are looking for a way to eliminate small deposits of fat without surgery, Kybella® may be the solution for you. Kybella ® is an FDA-approved injectable solution that uses synthetic deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells in the targeted treatment area. Keep reading to learn more about Kybella® and how it can benefit you.

While this article spells out some important information about Kybella, and we highly recommend you read the full article, here are the key points we will focus on:

Table of Contents

Kybella Villanova Collegeville

What is Kybella®?

Kybella ® is the first and only FDA-approved non-surgical solution for removing fat under the chin. The active ingredient in Kybella® is synthetic deoxycholic acid, which works at a cellular level to break down fat cells and permanently eliminate them.

How Do Kybella Injections Work?

Kybella® works by destroying the fat cells in the treatment area. Once the cells are destroyed, they will not return. The deoxycholic acid used in Kybella® is synthetic and is safely produced in a laboratory environment. When the acid is injected into the treatment area, it breaks down the cell membrane and destroys the fat cells. The body then metabolizes these cells and eliminates them through natural processes.

What are the Benefits of Kybella Injections?

Kybella offers a number of benefits over other methods of fat removal. The benefits of Kybella injections include:

1. Elimination of small deposits of fat without surgery

Kybella® is a non-surgical treatment option. This means that there is no downtime required after your treatment. You will be able to resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure.

2. Safe and effective, with a long track record of success

Kybella® has been used in Europe since the 1990s and is backed by extensive research. The FDA approved Kybella® for use in the United States in 2015. Clinical trials have shown that Kybella® is safe and effective, with minimal side effects.

3. Quick, easy treatment with minimal downtime

The Kybella treatment is quick and easy. You can expect to spend about 45 minutes in the office for your treatment. There is minimal downtime required, so you will be able to resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure.

4. Long-lasting results

The results of Kybella® treatment are permanent. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they will not return.

5. Treatment is tailored to your needs and goals

The amount of Kybella® used in each treatment session can be adjusted depending on the size of the area being treated. This means that you will receive a customized treatment plan based on your unique situation.

What Areas Can Be Treated With Kybella® Injection?

Kybella® is FDA approved to treat moderate to severe fat below the chin, also known as submental fullness. Kybella® can be used to treat a variety of areas on the body where there are small deposits of fat. These include the arms, legs, and abdomen.

1. Kybella® Injection for Chin Fat

Kybella® is FDA-approved for the treatment of submental fat, or a double chin. This area can be frustrating to treat as dieting and exercise do not typically reduce its size. Kybella® injections target this stubborn fat deposit by breaking down fat cells in the targeted area. Kybella® is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction that achieves permanent fat elimination.

2. Kybella® Injection for Stomach Fat

While Kybella® is FDA approved only for use under the chin, many people have received Kybella® injections in other areas to treat unwanted fat deposits. The most common area of cosmetic enhancement treatments with Kybella® has been the stomach area. This fat can be resistant to diet and exercise, but Kybella® can remove it.

3. Kybella® Injection for Face Fat

The face is one of the most commonly treated areas with Kybella®. This is because the fat in this area can contribute to aged or tired appearance. Kybella® injections can help to eliminate this excess fat, giving you a more youthful appearance.

4. Kybella® Injection for Neck Fat

Like the stomach area, Kybella® has been used as a cosmetic enhancement treatment in the neck area. Neck fat is typically caused by aging and can cause jowls or a saggy appearance of the neck. Kybella® injections can contour the neck and give you a youthful appearance.

5. Kybella® Injection for Arm Fat

The arms are a common area where small deposits of fat can accumulate. This is especially true as you get older and your metabolism slows down. Kybella® injections can help to eliminate this stubborn arm fat, giving you smoother, firmer skin on your upper arms.

6. Kybella® Injection for Bra Fat

Bra fat is the excess pockets of fat that often appear in the upper back area, just under the bra strap. This type of fat is hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. Kybella® injections can help to eliminate this fat and give you a smooth, contoured appearance.

7. Kybella® Injection for Back Fat

The back is an area of the body that often has excess fat. Kybella® injections in this area can help to eliminate this fat, giving you a more contoured V-shape. Patients who have received Kybella® injections to remove back fat reported a noticeable difference after their treatment.

8. Kybella® Injection for Thigh Fat

Thigh fat can be caused by genetics or the natural aging process. This can leave you with dimpled, uneven skin on your thighs. Kybella® injections can help to reduce this fat and give you smoother, firmer skin.

9. Kybella® Injection for Knee Fat

Many patients have Kybella® injection treatment in the knee area to treat excess fat deposits that make their knees look bulky. Kybella® injections can help to contour the knee and give you a sleeker appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella Injections?

The ideal candidate for Kybella® injections is an adult patient who wants to eliminate small deposits of fat on their face or body without surgery. The patient should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of Kybella®.

What Should I Expect After Kybella Injections?

You may experience some redness or swelling in the treated area after your Kybella injections. This is normal and will dissipate within a few days. You may also experience some bruising, but this too will fade in a few days. Since there is no downtime required after your treatment, you will be able to resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure. Kybella® also offers long-term results with no additional treatments needed.

How Many Kybella Injections Will I Need?

The number of injections you will need will vary depending on the size and severity of the area being treated. Most people require between two and six treatments to achieve their desired results. Kybella® treatments are usually spaced between four and six weeks apart to give your body time to process the Kybella injections before another treatment is performed.

How Long Do Kybella Injections Last?

Kybella® is a long-lasting treatment. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they cannot regenerate. As long as you maintain your weight with diet and exercise after your Kybella injections, the results will last indefinitely.

How Much Does Kybella® Cost?

The cost of Kybella injections varies depending on the amount needed. A Kybella treatment ranges from $600 to $1200 per session. Most patients require about two Kybella sessions for optimal results, but this will vary depending on your unique needs and desired outcome.

Is Kybella® Safe?

Kybella® is safe for use when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. The deoxycholic acid used in Kybella® is naturally produced in the body and helps to break down fat. Kybella injections simply help to speed up this natural process by directing this active ingredient toward the targeted treatment areas.

What are Kybella® Side Effects?

The most common Kybella side effects include redness, swelling, bruising or pain at the site of injection. These side effects are usually mild and will dissipate within a few days. You may also experience some numbness or tingling in the treated area, but this is temporary and will resolve on its own. More serious Kybella side effects are rare, but if you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Kybella® vs. Coolsculpting

Kybella® and Coolsculpting are both minimally-invasive treatments for the reduction of submental fat, or a double chin. Coolsculpting works by freezing the fat cells in the targeted area, which causes cell apoptosis (death). Kybella® works by chemically breaking down fat cells. Both Kybella and Coolsculpting can eliminate the total number of fat cells in the treated area, but Kybella is the only procedure available that is able to target small, well-defined, areas of fat accumulation resulting in precise contouring. At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we often combine the powerful debulking abilities of Coolsculpting and the precise defining capabilities of Kybella® to get optimal results.

Schedule an Appointment with a Dermatologist Today

If you are considering Kybella® for fat removal, contact us today to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, our skilled dermatologists will evaluate your concerns and determine an ideal treatment plan for your specific case. Our Bryn Mawr office is beautifully equipped, so you’ll feel at home as soon as you walk in the door.

Get started today by calling our dermatology team at (610) 525-7800 or easily book an appointment online. We look forward to caring for you!

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Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Content Review Committee at Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Led by Board Certified Dermatologist, Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD, Bryn Mawr Dermatology incorporates a patient-focused outlook in every decision since we first opened our doors on the Main Line in 2005.
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By: Bryn Mawr Dermatology, Published: Feb 22, 2022
Medically Reviewed By: Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD – June 25, 2024

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