Kybella FAQ

Kybella is a synthetic or man-made form of a substance naturally produced by our bodies. This is known as deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid works by destroying fat cells in the area where it is injected into the body. In 2015, Kybella was granted FDA approval for treatment of submental fullness, also known as “double chin.”

Without going into all of the details of the clinical trials, there are a few things you should know before receiving your Kybella treatment.

How does Kybella work?

Kybella, or deoxycholic acid, is injected into the tissue under the chin. It begins to break down the fat cells in the treated area so that they are unable to store fat. These fat cells are broken down into byproducts that are absorbed and eliminated from our bodies through our natural metabolic activity. 

Is Kybella permanent?

Yes, Kybella targets and permanently destroys fat cells in the treatment area.

How close together can I schedule my Kybella sessions?

Due to the length of time required for our bodies to heal from injections and to eliminate the fat, sessions are spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

How long does a Kybella injection appointment take? 

The majority of your appointment time will be spent talking with your provider about what to expect and waiting for our topical numbing cream to do its job. We generally ask that you allow 30 minutes for numbing so that you are comfortable during the injection process. The injections take about 10 minutes to complete.

Will I feel anything during the injections?

Our numbing cream works very well for most patients. You may feel subtle pinches when the needle enters the tissue. A warming sensation is often described as the Kybella is injected. Your provider will send you home with ice. You will continue to ice the treated area for the next several days. You may also take Tylenol before and after your appointment provided you are a healthy adult with no medical conditions permitting its use.

What should I expect when I am healing from Kybella injections?

As with all injectable procedures, bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness can be expected. These symptoms are usually mild-moderate and last from a few days up to 2 weeks. The treated area will actually look fuller for several days due to the body’s natural inflammatory processes and the length of time it takes the body to metabolize the destroyed fat cells.

Is there anything I can do to speed up healing or accelerate my results?

When you book your appointment, you will be provided with pre and post-procedure instructions to help your healing process go as smoothly as possible. In addition to following these recommendations, we suggest pairing your Kybella injections with Alastin Restorative Neck Complex (seem here).  This incredible product uses Tri-hex technology to smooth and tighten the skin, accelerate healing, and improve collagen and elastin production in the treatment area. 

Can I treat areas other than my chin with Kybella? 

Kybella is FDA approved for use in the submental area only. Other treatment areas are considered “off-label.” At McKinzie Aesthetics Center, we have what we believe to be a superior and more budget-friendly option if you are looking to permanently eliminate unwanted fat from problem areas on your body. Micro Lipo is a revolutionary procedure that allows a board-certified physician to safely and effectively remove fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, backs of arms, and more. All of this is accomplished without any need for general anesthesia. If you would like to learn more, feel free to text or call our office to set up a free consultation with Dr. McKinzie. 

We hope these FAQs regarding Kybella help you understand a little bit more about what it does, how it works, and if it’s right for you. We look forward to seeing you at your consultation where we can go over specific pricing, risks and benefits, and your health history to determine if Kybella is the right treatment for you!

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