Kybella is an injectable formulation of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat. When injected into areas of unwanted fat, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. It’s FDA approved to treat submental fat, otherwise known as a double chin. At The Derm Institute, we call it mini-liposuction in a syringe, and we have been designated by Allergan as a Kybella Center of Excellence due to Dr. Chiu’s extensive experience and pioneering techniques.

Kybella is most commonly used for the removal of fat underneath the chin. At The Derm Institute, we are the South Bay and Los Angeles’s Kybella Center of Excellence. This means Dr. Chiu has extensive experience in contouring the lower jawline, double chin, and also uses Kybella for other areas of body contouring, such as the armpit fat, bra bulges, and lower buttock fatty folds aka “banana rolls”.

Off label, Kybella can be used for other smaller areas of unwanted fat on the body. Dr. Chiu has used it with great results in patients for:

• Armpit pooches
• Back fat
• Bra bulge
• Inner knee fat
• Lower buttock fatty folds

If you have a double chin or other small area of stubborn fat where you want more contour and definition, then consider Kybella a safe alternative to liposuction and surgery. Only you and Dr. Chiu can decide if Kybella is the right treatment. Typically, Kybella treatment requires 2-4 sessions and leaves no scarring. Liposuction typically requires 1-2 sessions, but some patients do not like to undergo surgery, or have scars from liposuction. Kybella treatment does not leave any scars as it is injected through a tiny syringe.

There is some swelling right after Kybella treatment, which typically is most prominent in the first 2-3 days and is typically completely resolved in a week. After day 3, most swelling is not noticeable to others, although a scarf or a mock turtleneck can help camouflage. Dr. Chiu recommends scheduling Kybella treatments on Thursdays or Fridays to allow healing to occur over the weekend. Over the following month, you may feel (but not see) some bump under the skin of the treated area. This firmness signifies Kybella is working to dissolve the fat. Once the fat is dissolved, your body will naturally absorb the fat cells.

The results gained with Kybella are considered permanent and the fat will not return once dissolved if the weight of the patient remains stable. FDA studies show maintenance of improvement at 5 years after treatment.

Although fat cells treated by Kybella are permanently eliminated, the fat cells that remain can enlarge if you gain a significant amount of weight.

There is little pain during the Kybella procedure. There is a slight burning sensation when the product is administered, but at The Derm Institute, we use topical numbing and ice to ensure comfort for our patients. Two to four sessions are recommended with a follow up of 6 – 8 weeks between each treatment. Dr. Chiu and staff try to make each treatment as comfortable as possible. Most fillers can be virtually pain-free and bruise-free with Dr. Chiu’s expert “Needle-less” Micro-Cannula technique. See our pre and post Kybella instructions.

Kybella is an incredibly quick and easy “lunchtime” procedure. Most patients are in and out within 30 minutes, most of the time is used to allow topical numbing to work.

Every patient is different. As an expert injector for Kybella, Dr. Chiu will help you evaluate what areas are bothersome. Most patients need 2-4 sessions spaced 8 weeks or more apart and sometimes in combination with CoolSculpting. Dr. Chiu’s extensive experience and expert technique with Kybella allows for contouring of the jawline and faster noticeable results, even after one session.

Every patient is different. As an expert injector for Kybella, Dr. Chiu will help you evaluate what areas are bothersome. Most patients need 2-4 sessions spaced 8 weeks or more apart and sometimes in combination with CoolSculpting. Dr. Chiu’s extensive experience and expert technique with Kybella allows for contouring of the jawline and faster noticeable results, even after one session.