Renaissance Plastic Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions: Kybella

1. What is Kybella?

Kybella® is a prescription injectable medication used in adults to improve the appearance of

moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called a “double chin.”

Kybella is the trade name for ATX-101, a patented synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic

acid is naturally found in our body and helps metabolize dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into

the submental region, it disrupts the cell membrane of the localized fat cells and the fat cells are

removed through the metabolic process.

2. What areas can be treated with Kybella?

Kybella®is FDA approved to treat the submental or “double chin” region.

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

Safety outside of the approved submental area has not yet been established.

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

Both of the above mentioned procedures remove fat cells from the treatment area. The most

obvious difference is that lipo is a surgical procedure and Kybella is an injectable procedure.

Whereas lipo is generally a single procedure, Kybella typically takes 2-4 treatments with less

downtime than lipo. Treatment with Kybella is limited to the “double chin” or submental area. If

there is a substantial amount of fat outside of the treatment area, or if the patient has skin laxity, a

surgical intervention might be more appropriate. This can be determined with a consultation.

5. What is recovery like for Kybella injections?

Downtime with Kybella is minimal. There will be swelling and tenderness to the touch, that typically

resolves in 7-10 days. Other side effects can include bruising and temporary numbness.

6. How long do results from Kybella injections last?

The destruction of fat cells is permanent and once the desired aesthetic correction is achieved,

retreatment with Kybella is not anticipated.

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

The remaining fat cells can still expand with weight gain, however, the contour will still be improved

due to the fat cells that have been removed with the Kybella treatments.

8. Are Kybella injections painful?

There is a burning sensation that occurs during the injection process, as the medication destroys the

fat cells. The burning generally resolves in less than 10 minutes after the injections are completed.

9. How long is a Kybella treatment?

The treatment typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete.

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

An average of 2-4 treatments are typically needed. It takes about 4 weeks to begin to see the

results from a treatment, and treatments are typically spaced about 6 weeks apart.