Kybella™

Q: How does KYBELLA™ work?

KYBELLA™ is a brand name for deoxycholic acid, a molecule already produced by your body. Deoxycholic acid helps your body break down and absorb dietary fat, which is the fat you get from the food you eat. When administered into the fat beneath your chin, the deoxycholic acid in KYBELLA™ injections destroys the fat cells to create a flatter, smoother appearance.

Q: Is KYBELLA™ permanent?

KYBELLA™ injections are a permanent solution to the submental fat that causes a double chin. The deoxycholic acid in KYBELLA™ kills the fat cells, which means the treated cells can never again store fat. Gaining a significant amount of weight after KYBELLA™ treatment can trigger the growth of new fat cells under your chin, however, but the reappearance of a double chin will likely be minimal.

What is Kybella?

KYBELLA™ injection is the first and only FDA approved nonsurgical treatment that improves the appearance of submental fullness, also referred to as a “double chin”.

What Is The Active Ingredient in Kybella?

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.

How does Kybella Work?

Kybella is a brand name for deoxycholic acid, a molecule already produced by your body. Deoxycholic acid helps your body break down and absorb dietary fat, which is the fat you get from the food you eat.

When administered into the fat beneath your chin, the deoxycholic acid in Kybella injections destroys the fat cells to create a flatter, smoother appearance.

Kybella Side Effects

As with any treatment, Kybella may cause side effects. These effects usually involve reactions at the injection site, and may include:

- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discomfort or pain
- Numbness
- Warmth
- Itching
- Redness
- Hardness
- Skin tightness
- Tingling or a burning sensation
- Nerve injury

Kybella Aftercare

There is no downtime associated with Kybella treatment, so you can go about your day as normal. After Kybella injections, it is normal to have some swelling and bruising under your chin; you may even experience some pinpoint bleeding at the injection sites. Kybella aftercare focuses on minimizing swelling and bleeding, and can include:

- Applying ice to the injection sites – hold a small bag of frozen peas or crushed ice in a sandwich bag on the treatment area for 20 minutes; remove the ice for at least 20 minutes before applying again and repeat as needed for 48 hours
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours
- Avoiding rubbing or massaging the treatment area; you may wash your face with a gentle cleanser
- Using sunscreen and moisturizers as needed
- Sleeping with your head propped up
- Take over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen, for discomfort

Because it is a non-surgical option, Kybella recovery is very short – any Kybella swelling and tenderness typically goes away in a week or two.

How Many Kybella Treatments Are Needed For Best Results?

Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in 2-4 treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart. Up to 6 treatments may be administered in total.

Is Kybella Permanent?

Kybella injections are a permanent solution to the submental fat that causes a double chin. The deoxycholic acid in Kybella kills the fat cells, which means the treated cells can never again store fat. Gaining a significant amount of weight after Kybella treatment can trigger the growth of new fat cells under your chin, however, but the reappearance of a double chin will likely be minimal.

For more information about Kybella recovery and Kybella treatment aftercare, consult with one of our top dermatologists in Portland and Hillsboro today.