Cosmetic Treatments

Kybella injection is the first and only FDA-approved prescription nonsurgical treatment that is used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin.

The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.

Anyone who feels as if there is a little fat pocket under their chin, noticeable especially when their chin is tilted down, or from profile, may be a good candidate.  This submental fullness often bothers people, making them feel overweight or jowly, even though the area is often resistant to diet and exercise.  Sometimes this is genetic even in younger people, sometimes it is related to weight fluctuations, or a natural progression with age.  Men notice it on their profiles as often as women do, if not more so.

Kybella is an excellent non-surgical alternative to liposuction, producing results that rival it without incisions and risks of surgical complications.

Deoxycholic acid, the ingredient in Kybella, causes lysis then liquefaction of the adipocytes (fat cells).  The skin layer becomes tighter to the muscle underneath when the fat is destroyed, creating an even more impressive profile. Clinical results to date have been permanent.

About 15-20 minutes.  

You will need a consultation to determine the recommended number of sessions. Fat accumulates differently on everyone. If during your treatment program it is determined you need less (or more) sessions, that will be adjusted as required. You will never be treated with more cycles than required.

Your doctor will give you a series of injections at each treatment session, which are spaced a month or more apart. Most patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile approximately two months after the first one or two treatments, but require/desire one or two more. Up to 6 treatments may be administered as needed. Clinical results to date have been permanent.

Your skin will be numbed with lidocaine prior to the injections so the most you will feel is a small sting from the numbing injection. The needles used for injection are fine, small needles and the injections are placed quickly. Patients are usually surprised at how quickly and comfortably the process is completed.

Kybella will cause initial swelling and possibly redness and some minor bruising. You may feel numbness or tenderness for several days up to two weeks. These are normal and expected sensations and are caused by the action of the medication on the fat cells.

Within minutes of treatment, the patient can tell the medication is working; results are most noticeable and impressive after 4-6 weeks following each treatment session.

When injected into the fat under your chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After the aesthetic response is achieved, retreatment with Kybella is not expected.

We recommend discontinuing any blood thinners prior to treatment, and avoiding alcohol/aspirin/ibuprofen the day prior.  Men should shave the area before having a treatment.  As there will be initial swelling, plan social schedules bearing that in mind.

Tribeca Skin Center also offers Ultherapy: micro-focused ultrasound to tighten and lift skin. Depending on the results of your first Kybella treatment, your doctor can evaluate which treatment would be a desirable next step.