The Complete Kybella Guide: From Cost to Side Effects

A double chin can be a cosmetic concern for many people. It occurs due to excess fat under the chin. It can appear even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help reduce a double chin. Kybella is one such FDA-approved treatment.¹ 

Kybella is a non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a substance that breaks down fat cells.² Your doctor will recommend it if you have submental fullness or a double chin that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. Adults over 18 years with unwanted under-chin fat can get Kybella.³ However, if you have allergies, bleeding disorders, swallowing difficulties, or infection and are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will advise against receiving the Kybella injection.⁴

Kybella has various benefits. It ensures effective and non-invasive chin-fat removal without needing surgery or anesthesia. It is a quick and simple procedure with little to no downtime. It improves the appearance of your chin with long-lasting results.⁵

Here’s more about Kybella costs, what to expect, and more.

The Kybella Procedure

Kybella is an injectable double chin reduction procedure. It uses deoxycholic acid to break down the excess fat and reduce the double chin. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule that is naturally found in the body. When injected into the area under the chin, it destroys fat cells. These fat cells are metabolized and eliminated by the body over time.⁶ This reduces the double chin and results in a more defined jawline. 

Kybella starts showing results after one treatment session. However, some people may need additional injections to achieve the desired results. The number of injections you need depends on the amount of fat to be reduced.⁷

Kybella Side Effects

Like most medical procedures, Kybella can have some risks. Common Kybella side effects include:

• Swelling: The area treated using Kybella may show swelling. It can last for a few days but usually resolves on its own. You can apply ice to the treated area or take over-the-counter medications to reduce Kybella swelling.⁸
• Redness and slight bruising: You may notice redness or bruising at the injection site. However, it resolves within a few days.⁹
• Pain: You may experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the injection site.¹⁰
• Numbness: After the Kybella injection, you may experience temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area.¹¹
• Hard skin or lumps: The injection site may develop hard skin or lumps, which may take a few weeks to resolve.¹²
• Difficulty swallowing: In some cases, Kybella injections can temporarily cause trouble swallowing.¹³
• Other risks: Kybella injections may cause bleeding, itching, headache, and nausea.¹⁴ They can also cause severe side effects, including ulcers, infection, skin tissue damage, or nerve injury in the jaw leading to facial muscle weakness and an uneven smile.¹⁵

Kybella side effects are usually mild and temporary, and most patients can resume their regular activities immediately after the procedure.¹⁶ Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent side effects.

Kybella Cost and Financing Options

On average, one Kybella treatment can cost between $1,200 and $1,800.¹⁷ But, the total cost depends on the number of treatments you need, your doctor’s fees, and your location.¹⁸

Kybella is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by medical insurance. However, you can check with your healthcare provider for other financing options.

Learn More About Kybella

If you wish to reduce your double chin, consult a qualified healthcare provider. They will examine your condition and help you understand whether Kybella is the appropriate procedure for you. To know more and find out what’s best for you, visit My Filler Treatment and access our repository of physician-reviewed articles on the latest cosmetic treatments. 

SOURCES:

1. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
2. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
3. Kybella: “Approved Use and Important Safety Information.”
4. Kybella: “Approved Use and Important Safety Information.”
5. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
6. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications.”
7. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
8. Healthline: “What to Know and Do About Kybella Swelling.”
9. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications.”
10. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications.”
11. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications.”
12. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
13. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
14. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
15. Kybella: “Approved Use and Important Safety Information.”
16. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
17. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.”
18. Healthline: “Kybella: Injectable Double Chin Reduction.