The first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin by physically destroying fat cells.
Kybella® is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin”. If you’re bothered by the fullness beneath your chin, you’re not alone. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, 67% of people said that they are bothered by the fat beneath their chin, or what your healthcare provider may refer to as “submental fullness associated with submental fat.”
How does Kybella® work?
Kybella is designed to reduce submental fullness due to fat under the chin. Submental fullness can impact a broad range of both male and female adults. Sometimes, even with diet or exercise, the unwanted fullness beneath your chin may not go away, and it could make you appear older or heavier than you actually are.
Some possible causes of submental fullness are:
- Genetics
- Weight gain
- Aging
When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella® destroys fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. The active ingredient in Kybella® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Fat cleared from the treatment area is processed through your body’s natural metabolism.
How do I know if Kybella® is right for me?
Kybella® may be right for you if:
- You’re bothered by fat under the chin, also known as submental fullness
- You don’t want surgery
- You feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you actually are
- You eat well and exercise, but submental fullness does not go away
If most of these statements apply to you, ask your doctor if Kybella® is right for you. Before receiving treatment, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck or chin; have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin; have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area; have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if Kybella® will harm your unborn baby); or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if Kybella® passes into your breast milk; talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive Kybella®).
How is Kybella® administered?
Kybella® is given during an in-office visit. The injection process may take 15-20 minutes. Your healthcare provider will give you a series of injections into the fat under your chin at each treatment session.
Your healthcare provider will help you determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals. Up to 6 treatments may be administered, spaced no less than 1 month apart.
What can I expect after my treatment session?
For most patients, downtime occurred most commonly after the first treatment session. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities, but are likely to have swelling, so keep your social plans and work commitments in a mind when scheduling your treatment.
Prior to your treatment session, your healthcare provider may apply ice/cold packs or topical and/or injectable local anesthesia to the treatment area to make you more comfortable. He or she may also suggest you take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment. After treatment, apply ice or a cold pack to the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes, as needed.
Kybella® has been featured in: Harper’s Bazaar®, Allure®, Elle®, and People®, as well as on The Today® Show.
Important Safety Information:
It is not known if Kybella® is safe and effective to use outside of the submental area and in children less than 18 years of age. You should not receive Kybella® if you have an infection in the treatment area.
Before receiving Kybella®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck or chin; have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck or chin; have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area; have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if Kybella® will harm your unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. (It is not known if Kybella® passes into your breast milk; talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive Kybella®.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine).
Kybella® can cause serious side effects, including nerve injury in the jaw (which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness) and trouble swallowing. The most common side effects of Kybella® include: swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. These are not all of the possible side effects of Kybella®. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.