Kybella
Kybella® (deoxycholic acid injection, 10 mg/mL) is our body's naturally occurring enzyme that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat), Kybella® lyses and permanently destroys adipocytes (fat cells).
An inflammatory response is immediate, noticeable, expected and even desirable during Kybella® treatment. Inflammation helps with reabsorption of the liquefied fat cells and with skin tightening.
FDA indication: improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called a “double chin.” Off-label use: small “pockets” of unwanted fat, such as jowls, bra fat, love handles, knee fat, back fat, jelly roll, belly pooch, or upper arm fat.
Visible results are expected in 2 – 4 treatment sessions, spaced at least eight (8) weeks apart. Once the aesthetic response is achieved, re-treatment is not expected.
Ideal candidates have moderate submental fullness and good skin quality (minimal skin laxity, normal skin turgor). Careful consideration will be used in clients with thyromegaly; disease or enlargement of submandibular or submental glands; prominent platysmal bands; excessive skin laxity; or scar tissue in the area of treatment.
Contraindications include bleeding or anti-platelet disorders, anticoagulant or immunosuppressive therapy; pre-existing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing); facial neuropraxia (loss of facial motor and sensory function); pre-existing infection, inflammation or induration in the treatment area. The safety of Kybella® has not been established for use in pregnancy, in breastfeeding, or in patients under the age of 18.
Common adverse reactions include localized mild to moderate swelling, itching, site warmth, redness, bruising, areas of numbness and firmness, and pain. Rare complications include induration, nodule formation, oropharyngeal pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, lymphadenopathy, syncope, headache, hypertension, and transient marginal mandibular nerve injury that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness.
How to prepare: schedule Kybella® treatment with your social calendar in mind. Male clients need to ensure a clean shaven treatment surface. Application of topical anesthetic is recommended prior to treatment.
What to expect: during the treatment, the submandibular area is cleansed, marked, and gridded to calculate the total Kybella® dose required and to ensure proper placement. Kybella® comes in 2 ml vials; typical dose is 2-3 vials. Treatment area is iced well prior to treatment. Shallow subcutaneous injections with a tiny needle are carefully placed in a grid pattern. Arnica gel is applied and swelling will persist for about a week.
Re-treatment can be scheduled when all swelling and numbness in the area of treatment have subsided, typically in 8 weeks. Subsequent treatments have less dramatic recovery due to a progressively smaller fat pad.