Overview
What is Kybella®?
Excess fat underneath your chin, known as submental fullness, is a common problem for both men and women. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this problem, including genetics, aging and weight gain. However, many people with fullness in this area aren’t overweight and aren’t able to get rid of this stubborn fat despite diet and exercise.
Deoxycholic acid, also known as Kybella, is a prescription injectable medication used to reduce submental fat. Kybella is administered in your healthcare provider’s office and is often tolerated well.
When injected into the submental fat area, Kybella destroys fat cells, leading to a gradual reduction in fullness under your chin. This procedure is a noninvasive alternative to liposuction surgery. Clinical studies showed the most common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and numbness, all of which were temporary and lasted fewer than four weeks. Some patients may develop significant swelling in the treated area (which will typically resolve after a few weeks).
Kybella is best for people whose double chin is caused by excess fat and who have mild to moderate skin excess. It’s not appropriate for people with significant excess skin.
Why choose us?
Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center can help you explore options to rejuvenate or refine your appearance (and your self-confidence). To get the best results from any cosmetic procedure, you need the highest quality team. You can rely on our experts, who are nationally ranked for their expertise and care.
Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.
What to Expect
How does Kybella work?
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in your body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat under the skin, it destroys fat cells, resulting in less fullness under your chin. The destroyed fat cells don’t regenerate, so the results can be long-lasting.
What does Kybella treatment involve?
The office visit is less than 20 minutes. First, you’ll have photos taken, then your skin is cleaned with alcohol. A physician will mark the treatment area and numb it with either topical or local anesthetic. They’ll use a special marking grid to determine the number of injection sites. It can range from 10 to 30 injections per treatment, depending on the size and amount of fullness. A small dressing is applied before you leave the office.
Discomfort after the procedure is minimal and is typically relieved with ice or NSAIDs (ibuprofen). Some patients may develop noticeable swelling in the treated area immediately after surgery. This swelling will resolve after a few weeks. After a series of three to six treatments, there’s significant improvement in fullness under your chin.
Where else can Kybella be injected?
Although it’s only been approved by the FDA to treat the submental area, clinical experience has shown that it can be used “off label” to treat other areas with stubborn fat — such as the jowls, abdomen, premaxillary area, flanks (“bra fat”) and the medial knees. It’s important to see your physician to determine if Kybella is appropriate for you in these areas.
Results
How long do the results from Kybella last?
Kybella causes a reaction in your fat cells, permanently destroying them and leading to results that last a long time. Studies with Kybella began in 2007, and it’s been proven to be safe, effective and provide lasting results. In addition to dissolving fat in the chin area, it may help with skin tightening and sharpening of your chin’s profile.
Insurance & Financing
Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.
