Kybella® is a new injectable medication unanimously supported by the FDA’s Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee and recently approved for treatment of moderate to severe submental fat in adults, also known as submental fullness or a double chin.
The new drug is the first non-surgical treatment approved by the agency for this indication. Before FDA approval of Kybella, patients troubled by a double chin could only opt for liposuction or surgery, invasive procedures that are significantly more expensive. The new injectable compound is a patented synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that occurs naturally and aids in metabolism of dietary fat.
Submental fat is stored in fat cells that accumulate in the chin area. Kybella® has been described as a “fat-melting” compound, which is not completely accurate. It works by disrupting fat cell membranes, which causes cell destruction. This process is also known as cell “lysis.” When the membrane of the cell is destroyed, the fatty contents are released into the bloodstream and naturally metabolized by the body.
Kybella® is approved for adults over the age of 18 who wish to improve the appearance of submental fat deposits. It’s important to see a qualified physician for evaluation, since some patients may have submental fullness that is the result of an enlarged thyroid gland or enlarged lymph nodes and not due to fat. Patients with excessive skin under the chin may not be good candidates. Kybella® should not be administered to patients with an infection in the treatment area. The FDA suggests caution when considering Kybella® for use in patients who have had other surgeries or cosmetic treatments in the submental region. An experienced cosmetic dermatologist can help you determine if Kybella® is right for treatment of your double chin.
Treatment with Kybella® may require up to 50 injections in the submental region in a single session. Up to six treatments may be required, and they should be administered at intervals of no less than one month apart. Topical numbing medicine and local anesthetics will make the procedure more comfortable. Because this treatment is not invasive, it can be done in the office and should take less than 30 minutes. The recovery time is short when compared to liposuction or surgery, although common post-treatment effects include swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treated region. The treatment does not require maintenance, as destruction of fat cells is permanent. Doctors who participated in the clinical trial say changes will be visible within a few weeks of the first treatment.
Kybella® is approved only for use in the submental area. Common side effects like swelling or bruising should resolve within a few days. There is a risk of serious side effects that include nerve injury in the jaw. This can result in facial weakness or asymmetry. It may result in difficulty with swallowing. For this reason, it’s essential to choose a highly qualified cosmetic physician to perform the procedure. Other healthcare professionals may not have adequate familiarity with variations in anatomy in the area of the chin and jaw.
Kybella® can destroy skin cells if it is injected into the dermis of the skin, which is another reason to choose an experienced cosmetic physician for administration of this treatment. Patients with severe double chin may develop excessive loose skin after treatment of the submental fat. This can be improved with surgical tightening procedures or by use of non-invasive treatments.
Kybella® has only been approved for treatment of submental fat deposits. The safety and efficacy of Kybella® in other regions of the body are not known, and the manufacturer cautions against unapproved uses.