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Kybella Specialist

Physician's Skin Solutions

Pamela J. Stuart, MD

Cosmetic Skin & Laser Specialist located in Morgan Hill, CA

Kybella Q&A

What is Kybella?

 
Kybella is an injection treatment that specifically targets moderate to severe fat below the chin, which is medically known as submental fat but commonly called a double chin. Kybella consists of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in the body where it breaks down dietary fat. The same action occurs when Kybella is injected into submental fat, where it destroys the fat cells, then they’re eliminated by being absorbed back into the body. 

The treatment consists of multiple shots targeting submental fat, but it only lasts about 15-20 minutes. Dr. Stuart will make sure you’re comfortable during the treatment by using a topical numbing cream. Most patients need several treatments to get optimal results, but Dr. Stuart will talk with you and develop a treatment plan depending on the amount of fat to be eliminated and your desired results. 

KYBELLA Q & A

How does Kybella work?

When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella destroys the fat cells. Once destroyed, those fat cells cannot store or accumulate fat.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

Dr. Stuart will help you determine how many treatments you will need based on the amount and distribution of your submental chin fat, and your personal treatment goals. Typically, the treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart.

What can I expect after my Kybella treatment session and will there be side effects?

For most patients, downtime occurred most commonly after the first treatment session. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities, but you are likely to have some swelling which can feel a bit jiggling in the treated areas for about a week. Bruising may also occur which is not uncommon with any injection.

The most common side effects include: swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of firmness or nodules. There is a chance of inadvertent nerve injury which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness, which has been seen in 4 our of 100 people in clinical studies. Trouble swallowing was also seen in 2 out of 100 people in clinical studies.

Kybella may be right for you if:

-You’re bothered by fat under your chin.

-You don’t want surgery.

-You feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you are.

-You eat well and exercise, but still have the fullness under your chin