Kybella Scottsdale

What is Kybella?

Kybella is the commercial name for a substance called deoxycholic acid. Our bodies naturally produce this substance in our digestive systems. This substance breaks down fats so they can be digested easily. It’s also used as a fat emulsifier in foods. In a cosmetic treatment, your practitioner will inject Kybella in several areas under the chin to break down fat, thus eliminating a “double chin.” It’s a great non-surgical way to whittle away excess chin fat, restoring your profile to a younger look. The most common side effects are injection site reactions like pain, swelling, and bruising. Kybella is only FDA approved for use on the chin area for now.

What to expect with Kybella

At your Kybella treatment appointment, you can expect a thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who will assess your specific concerns and determine if Kybella is the right treatment for you. The treatment typically involves a series of injections administered directly into the targeted area of submental fat. You may experience mild discomfort during the injections, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Afterward, you should expect to have swelling, bruising, or redness in the treatment area, which is normal and usually resolves within a few days. Your healthcare professional will provide you with post-treatment care instructions and may recommend a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.

Kybella Treatment Areas

Kybella is specifically designed for the treatment of submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. It is FDA-approved for use in the submental area and is typically injected directly into the fat pockets beneath the chin to reduce excess fat and sculpt the jawline. It can be used off-label in areas with pinchable fat, such as: back of arms, belly pooch, front and back underarm/bra bulge, knees, and banana roll (lower buttocks).

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Kybella injections are temporary and localized to the treatment area. These may include swelling, bruising, redness, pain or discomfort, numbness, and mild skin tightness. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as infection, nerve injury, or difficulty swallowing may occur. It’s important to follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by your healthcare professional and report any unexpected or concerning symptoms promptly to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.

How many Kybella Treatments Needed

The number of Kybella treatments needed to see results can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the submental fat being treated. On average, most patients may require 2-4 treatment sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart to achieve the desired results. However, some patients may require more treatments for optimal outcomes. The healthcare professional administering the treatment will evaluate your specific needs and provide a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. It’s important to follow the recommended treatment plan and have realistic expectations, as individual results may vary.

Kybella FAQ's

How long does Kybella last?

Because Kybella works by eliminating fat cells, (which don’t grow back) the effects of Kybella are permanent.

Does Kybella hurt?

Most people find no major discomfort with a Kybella treatment, and the procedure can be done in 15-20 minutes. Your practitioner will use a numbing medication prior to injecting Kybella.

What is Kybella used for?

Kybella is used for breaking down the fat under the chin, or “double chin,” and restoring a more youthful profile and look.

How long does it take for Kybella to work?

Depending on the client, healing time, and how much fat is to be broken down, anywhere from 1 to 6 months and then the results are permanent.

Is Kybella worth it?

Because it’s a non-surgical “chin/neck lift” many clients feel Kybella is worth it.

How many Kybella treatments are needed to see results?

Most clients will be visible effects within 2-4 treatments, spaced one month apart. Some clients will receive up to 6 treatments.

Does Kybella really work?

Although the maximum effects take a little time, Kybella really works!

How long for Kybella swelling to go down?

This really depends from client to client. Most people report swelling for up to 48 hours average, while some say their swelling lasted longer. Speak with your practitioner about tips to reduce the swelling quicker.

Can Kybella be used on the stomach?

While there are some practitioners who will use Kybella on their client’s belly fat, the product is not currently approved by the FDA for use on areas other than the chin area.

Is Kybella painful?

Most people find treatments with Kybella very tolerable, and numbing cream is normally applied first.

Can you get Kybella while pregnant?

It is not recommended to have Kybella treatments while pregnant or breastfeeding. There haven’t been enough long-term studies on how it might affect a developing fetus.

How long does it take to heal from Kybella?

Recovery time for most people will take from 2-14 days.