Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable that contains a modified form of deoxycholic acid.  Deoxycholic acid naturally occurs in the body to break down dietary fat.  When targeted at a particular fat deposit, Kybella® can destroy the accumulated fat cells it encounters which provides a slimmer, more youthful look.  Contouring of the area with the injectable is customized to your particular needs.  The dosage and delivery differ with each patient.  The total number of treatments also varies depending upon the amount of excess fat and desired results.

The treatment area is cleaned, and a pattern of injection dots will be applied under the chin. The procedure is quick (usually only a few minutes), and the treatment areas will be iced before and after treatment to minimize discomfort. A series of specifically placed tiny injections are injected to the submental fat with a fine sterile needle. Midway through the treatment, there may be a moderate burning discomfort. This pain usually improves and diminishes within minutes after treatment. This pain improves and diminishes within minutes to hours after treatment. Once the burning discomfort improves, there is usually numbness in the area which dissipates over a few weeks.

You should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen 7-10 days prior to treatment to minimize the risk of bruising. If you are taking aspirin under the direction of a physician, please do not discontinue the medication.  Contact our office for further instructions.

You should also avoid supplements including ginkgo biloba, garlic, cod liver oil, coQ10, flax oil, fish oil, vitamin E, St. John’s wort, as well as other omega supplements.

You should let us know if you are taking any blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin®, Plavix®, Xarelto®, Lovenox®, Eliquis®, etc) but do not stop these medications. If you are taking Coumadin® and regularly get your INR checked, please report any abnormalities to us prior to your appointment.

If you develop an infection, rash, or cold sore prior to your appointment, please call the office to speak with our medical staff.

You should avoid alcohol consumption 2 days prior to treatment as alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bruising.

After the procedure, patients should expect soreness, redness, swelling, firmness, numbness, and bruising in the treated areas. These effects should resolve within a couple of days to a few weeks. Once the swelling goes down, you will start to see results.

Once the swelling goes down (typically after a few weeks), you will start to see results.  However, the full effect of Kybella® treatment appears gradually and becomes apparent over several weeks. Most patients will typically require 2-4 treatments to see maximum results, and these additional treatments can be scheduled 6-8 weeks apart. Fat cells destroyed during this procedure are permanently removed and do not reappear in the event of later weight gain.

Treatment should not be performed on:

1. patients who are pregnant
2. patients who are nursing
3. patients who have skin that is infected or inflamed at the time of treatment.