Kybella is FDA-approved to destroy the fat cells underneath the chin. It is made out of a naturally occurring secondary bile salt called deoxycholic acid. This substance destroys fat cells permanently, but optimal results take up to 3 treatments. This helps to highlight the sharpness of the jaw and the prominence of the chin. The procedure takes no more than 30 minutes but there is a period of swelling that can last as long as 1 month. Other side effects include feelings of numbness, tenderness, tingling and bruising. This procedure carries a rare risk of facial nerve damage which could cause a crooked smile for up to 6-8 weeks.
This treatment has fewer risks than liposuction and is more time and cost effective than submental CoolSculpting. However, it is important to receive 3 treatments (6 vials) and to expect a month of swelling for each treatment.
Try to avoid high salt foods, blood thinning agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen and multivitamins. Take Arnica Montana up to 3 days prior to your appointment to aid in decreased bruising and swelling. If you are sick avoid treatment. Schedule your Kybella appointment when your calendar has a month free of any important events. Many people like to take advantage of winter months so that scarfs and turtlenecks can be worn to disguise any swelling.
At your appointment we will go over the side effects. You will begin to ice the area. The injecting takes about 5 minutes and then there is 5 more minutes of a sort of burning sensation. A total discomfort of 10 minutes that clients breathe through. Then the pain subsides to numbness.
We recommend icing as much as possible for the first week after injection. This can really decrease the swelling. It’s important to stay away from alcohol, blood thinners, and high intensity work outs for 24-72 hours.