Cosmetic Question: Can you explain Kybella? I am not sure what it is, how does it compare to liposuction.
Cosmetic Answer: Great question. Let me explain Kybella.
- Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a fat-dissolving, naturally occurring bile acid. It is injected in the office. Treatment takes a half hour. It is FDA approved to treat fat under the chin.
- Kybella can dissolve fat in other areas such as under the arms, saddle bags, inner thighs.
- The most that can be injected at one time is 5 vials (10 ccs.)
- Kybella treatment involves multiple tiny injections.
- Does it hurt? Yes, so topical anesthetic and speedy injections are used. Pain subsides in 3-5 minutes. You may need a pain pill the night of your treatment. The next day, the area is red and swollen. By the second day, redness should be gone, but tissues remain firm and tender.
- For fat under the chin, most people need 2 treatments. Some people need three and some only need one. It takes 6 weeks to see results. Treatments are scheduled 6 weeks apart.
- According to Realself.com, 90% of people who have had it done say it was worth it!
- Kybella is like liposuction in these ways:
- Fat cells are destroyed and can only return if you gain weight.
- Most fatty areas can be treated.
- Results are better than fat reduction machines.
- It can be used to touch-up irregular liposuction results.
- Kybella is unlike liposuction in these ways:
- Large areas cannot be treated at one time because the safe limit is 5 vials at a time.
- It requires no anesthesia (except for topical) and is done in a short office visit. Recovery is fast.
- It is less expensive for small areas. It can be more expensive for larger ones.
- Kybella cost $1200 for a treatment with 2 vials of Kybella. You get $40 of Brilliant Distinction points for each 2 vial treatment and often there are promotions that lower the cost further.
- Kybella is excellent for easy, fast, effective, minimal recovery treatment of localized areas of fat. Liposuction is a better choice for multiple, large areas of fat.