Kybella

Fat cells that have been destroyed are gone for good, so Kybella® treatments will produce long-lasting results. However, weight gain or other factors can cause the remaining fat cells under the chin to expand, resulting in reoccurrence of submental fullness. This is one of the reasons it is so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle following Kybella® treatments.

Yes. Many patients are interested in multiple non-surgical or surgical procedures, and often have these procedures combined. You and your surgeon will discuss your goals and choose the procedure(s) that are right for you. As long as your plastic surgeon feels it is safe, you may have multiple treatments performed at one time.

Kybella® is formulated with Deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule found in the body that helps break down and absorb fat. The concentrated formula can be injected directly under the chin to break down fat in this specific area, to great effect.

Depending on the amount of fullness you have under the chin, you may need more injections of the product. Some patients may want to consider surgical options instead, depending on the severity of the fullness, especially if they are already planning other surgical procedures. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on the treatment options that are likely to work best for meeting your goals, and will be able to estimate how much improvement you can expect from Kybella® treatments.

Even young people can struggle with isolated submental fullness, and treatment can be appropriate for most healthy adults. Only a qualified plastic surgeon can make individual decisions about your candidacy, however.

There are few risks to Kybella® treatments, as the formula is biologically compatible, but there are rare side-effects that can occur with any treatment. Choosing a skilled provider is the best way to minimize your risk for complications. Aside from temporary injection-related swelling, redness, tenderness, and soreness, rare complications from Kybella® may include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Nerve injury in the jaw
• Facial muscle weakness
• Contour abnormalities

The body disposes of destroyed fat cells gradually, and the results of Kybella® can take several weeks to become apparent. Some patients see benefits after only one to two Kybella® treatments, although more may be needed for full benefits.

Kybella® only targets submental fullness and does not affect the skin. Patients with good skin elasticity should not see loose skin after the procedure. Results appear gradually, giving the skin time to retract and contour to the new shape of the chin.

Currently, Kybella® is only FDA approved for use under the chin, and should not be used on other areas of the body. However, there are other surgical and non-surgical treatments optimized for other areas of unwanted fat to discuss with your surgeon.