Kybella

Kybella is the first and only injectable treatment for a double chin that is FDA approved! Kybella is (deoxycholic acid) injection 10 mg/mL, a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.”  Practitioners have found it can be used in other small areas of fat ie: above bra-line for small pockets of backfat. It destroys fat cells that are absorbed and then excreted.

Approved by the FDA in 2015, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals’ drug which hit the market as an alternative to liposuction or surgery, using a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid—a salt found in human bile that aids fat digestion—to destroy fat cells. In the digestive tract, deoxycholic acid breaks down fat by destroying the cell membrane. When injected into subcutaneous fat, this cytolytic drug does the same thing—in targeted locations. The dissolved fat is now cellular debris and gets cleared into the lymphatic and circulatory systems by specialized immunologic cells. This happens gradually over the span of several weeks. As for deoxycholic acid, it follows the same path; it gets metabolized and broken down, and then excreted as waste.

Before receiving KYBELLA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: Have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck, or chin; have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin; have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area or infection; have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if KYBELLA® will harm your unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if KYBELLA® passes into your breast milk; talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive KYBELLA®).

What to expect when getting Kybella: In most cases, several visits are required in which a series of injections with a small gauge needle is given in an area of subcutaneous fat.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine).

The most common side effects of KYBELLA® include possible bruising, swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. These are temporary and subside within a few days.