Kybella is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that is used to eliminate a “double chin” by reducing fat that accumulates below the chin. It is an FDA approved injection that uses synthetic deoxycholic acid to naturally reduce fat. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule naturally found in the body that helps to break down and absorb fat cells. The elimination of fat cells results in a leaner looking chin and neck.
Before treatment, you will need to determine if Kybella is the best treatment option for you. Most adults with moderate to severe fat levels under the chin are ideal candidates, however if you are undergoing current or future facial surgery, have trouble swallowing, are pregnant or nursing, or have an infection or medical condition near the proposed injection site, then Kybella might not right for you.
If you are, in fact, an ideal candidate to prepare for Kybella, you will need to schedule a consultation with your doctor. During this consultation, your doctor will examine your chin and neck in order to make suggestions about the nature of your treatment. The day of the treatment, you will need to prepare by washing your face to rid the surface of any bacteria, and avoid ibuprofen and acetaminophen which cause bruising.
The procedure itself is relatively simple. During the procedure, multiple small injections will be made under your chin. You will receive an numbing solution before the procedure and the procedure itself is quick, lasting only about twenty minutes. Because of the nature of this procedure, Kybella may take multiple injections to achieve the desired results. It is uncertain how many injections it will take since the number varies on the individual. Generally speaking, however, it is not recommended to receive more than six treatments and each treatment should be spaced one month apart.
Although Kybella is not a surgical procedure, you will still experience a brief recovery period after the procedure. Most likely you will experience some degree of swelling, bruising, and/or numbness in the area around the injection site. This should fade in a few days, and you will need to call your doctor immediately if these symptoms persist, or if they are accompanied by uneven smile, facial weakness, difficulty swallowing, or open sores around the injection site.
Even with Kybella not being a surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. As with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects to be aware of. These include: nerve injury, trouble swallowing, and problems with the injection site, such as infection. These side effects are extremely rare, but to reduce the risk of developing these issues, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Since Kybella is categorized as a cosmetic procedure, it is unfortunately not covered by medical insurance. The actual cost of Kybella is dependant of various factors including: the number of treatments required, the provider’s fees, and geographic location. On average, Kybella ranges from approximately $1,500 to $1,800 per treatment, not each individual injection.
Interested in learning more about Kybella? Schedule a consultation today!