How Does Kybella Work?

If you are bothered by fat under your chin, aka a double chin, Kybella may be a good option for you.  When Kybella first hit the market in 2015, it was a breakthrough procedure because it was the first non-surgical treatment for fat below the chin.  But how exactly does kybella work?  

What Is Kybella?

Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, which is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and helps to break down and absorb dietary fat.  It is FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe submental fat in adults. 

How Does Kybella Work?

During treatment, Kybella is injected directly into the fat cells below the chin, and the deoxycholic acid destroys the membrane of the fat cells. The cells are therefore no longer able to store fat so there will be a lasting reduction in fat under the chin.  There will also be a significant improvement in the chin profile.  

Kybella is an in-office procedure that takes 15-20 minutes to complete. 

When Will I See Results?

You will need multiple treatments to contour your chin with Kybella, so it will take several months to see the final results.  A maximum of 6 treatments can be administered.  Most patients see some improvement about 12 weeks after treatment, but it can take 4-6 months to see the full effects. 

Am I A Good Candidate For Kybella?

If you have a double chin that you would like to get rid of and don’t want to undergo surgery, you may be a good candidate for Kybella.  Ideal candidates should be within 10-20 pounds of their goal weight and  practice a healthy lifestyle. 

For best results, Kybella should only be administered by a trained medical professional.   

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