6 Frequently Asked Questions About Kybella

If you haven’t heard, in April of 2015, the FDA approved the first non-surgical treatment for submental fat, commonly known as the “double chin.” This actually is one of two non-invasive treatments for neck fat that were approved in 2015, the other being the CoolSculpting® CoolMini. 2015 was definitely a big year for cosmetic innovations!

But what is Kybella exactly? How does it work? And is it painful?

We wanted to answer a few of your most frequent questions in order to clear up some of the confusion and help you decide if this might be something you would be interested in learning more about.

What is Kybella?

As we mentioned above, Kybella is the first non-invasive FDA-approved treatment for the double chin. It is actually an injection that contains a naturally occurring molecule that eats away at the fat cells over time, leaving all other cells healthy and intact. After your treatments are complete, you should notice that the skin is substantially tighter and the jaw more contoured. Of the thousands of patients treated, almost 70 percent noticed both physical and emotional improvement after treatment.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Just like all cosmetic treatments, there is no one size fits all Kybella treatment. The number of injections and the number of treatments will vary from patient to patient. You may need only two or three visits total, spaced a month apart, or you may even need up to six. The only way to find the answer to this question is to meet with us in person to discuss your unique situation. On the plus side, your treatments should only take about fifteen or twenty minutes, so you’ll be in and out in no time for appointments.

How fast will I see results?

Like many injectables, the results aren’t instantaneous. You should expect to see results within four to six weeks.

How long will the results last?

The results are designed to be permanent since the fat cells are dissolved and are no longer available to store excess fat. However, it IS a new product there are technically no long term results. That said, three and four year clinical trials have been performed with great (and lasting) results!

Are the injections painful?

After finding out that the injections really work, one of the first questions people ask is “does it hurt?” There is minimal discomfort during the procedure although some patients do experience a mild burning or stinging sensation. On these occasions, holding an ice pack against the skin post treatment can help to minimize discomfort. Watch this RealSelf video and listen to a patient describe her experience getting Kybella injections.

What kind of recovery time should I expect?

The most common side effect patients experience is swelling. It typically resolves itself after two or three days but can take a few weeks to fully subside.