Kybella

Kybella is a medication containing deoxycholic acid or ATX 101, manufactured by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals. This is the first and only injection treatment approved by the FDA to improve the appearance of submental fullness due to fat beneath the chin.

Submental fullness, commonly referred to as “double chin,” is a common but undertreated cosmetic condition related to excess fat underneath the chin. Submental fullness can cause patients to look older and heavier than they actually are by disrupting normal facial balance and proportion.

Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that breaks down dietary fat and aids in its absorption. Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid. When injected into the fat underneath the skin, it causes destruction of fat cells. The results are permanent as the fat cells are eliminated.

Over 20 clinical studies have been performed on Kybella and more than 1,600 patients were treated in the initial clinical trials establishing safety and efficacy. Subsequently, the FDA approved Kybella for injection into the submental fat in April 2015. It has an excellent safety profile, with the most common side effects including bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and firmness at sites of injection. Nerve injury and difficulty swallowing are far less common but reported side effects.

Absolutely! Sculpted MD commonly combines Kybella with other injectable treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers (including Juvederm). We will discuss treatment options with you during your consultation.

Kybella is administered by injection into the fat under the chin. It is an in-office procedure. Treatment sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes.

In our experience, higher doses of Kybella result in quicker and better results. On average, in our clinic, we used 3-4 vials per session with most patients seeing noticeable improvement after 2 sessions spaced apart at an 8-week interval.