Kybella® (Deoxycholic Acid): A Non-Surgical Solution for Stubborn Fat

Despite healthy habits, some areas of unwanted fat simply don't respond to diet and exercise. For many people, these small pockets of fat can be frustrating, especially when they affect the contour of the face or body. Fortunately, there is a non-surgical option available that we offer!

Kybella® (Deoxycholic Acid) is an injectable treatment that permanently reduces unwanted fat cells, making it an excellent option for patients seeking subtle, natural-looking improvement without surgery.

What Is Kybella® (Deoxycholic Acid)?

Kybella® contains Deoxycholic Acid, a molecule that naturally occurs in the body and plays an important role in breaking down and absorbing dietary fat. When injected into targeted areas, deoxycholic acid disrupts the membrane of fat cells, causing them to break down. Over the following weeks, your body's natural metabolic processes gradually eliminate these damaged fat cells.

Once these fat cells have been destroyed, they cannot store fat again. While future weight gain can affect the remaining fat cells, the treated cells are permanently removed.

Kybella® Is More Than a Double Chin Treatment

Kybella® (Deoxycholic Acid) is FDA-approved to treat submental fullness, commonly known as a "double chin." However, experienced medical injectors may also use Deoxycholic Acid off-label to treat other small, localized areas of unwanted fat when appropriate.

Potential treatment areas include:

• Submental fullness (double chin)
• Jowls
• Bra fat
• Upper arms
• Lower abdomen (small localized areas)
• Inner thighs
• Inner knees
• Banana roll (beneath the buttocks)
• Small areas of fullness along the jawline

Not every area or every patient is an ideal candidate for treatment, which is why a consultation is imperative. During your consultation, Kelly, BSN, RN will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine whether Kybella® (Deoxycholic Acid) is the most appropriate option or if another treatment may better meet your needs.

How Does Treatment Work?

Treatment begins with a consultation to determine whether Kybella® is appropriate for your concerns and goals. During your appointment, Kelly, BSN,RN will carefully evaluate the treatment area, create a customized injection plan and go over cost expectations. 

At your appointment Kelly, BSN, RN or Ashley, RN will administer a series of small injections into the unwanted fat. Following treatment, your body will gradually clear the destroyed fat cells (cellular debris) over several weeks using specialized immune cells (called macrophages), which are flushed out through the lymphatic system and normal metabolic processes. Because this process takes time, improvement occurs gradually rather than immediately.

Most patients achieve their desired outcome with two treatment sessions, although the exact number of treatments varies depending on the treatment area and the amount of fullness being addressed. Treatments are typically scheduled approximately 6 - 8 weeks apart.

What Should You Expect After Treatment?

One of the most important things to understand about Kybella® (Deoxycholic Acid) is that swelling is expected. In fact, swelling is a normal part of the treatment process and an indication that the medication is working within the treated tissue.

Common post-treatment effects include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Firmness
• Temporary numbness

Swelling is often most noticeable during the first two to three days after treatment and gradually improves over the following one to two weeks. The amount of swelling varies depending on the treatment area and the amount of product used.

Because of this expected downtime, many patients choose to schedule treatment when they have a few quieter days in their schedule. Your provider will review aftercare instructions and discuss what to expect throughout the healing process before your treatment.

Is Kybella® Right for You?

Kybella® is best suited for patients with localized areas of unwanted fat who are looking for a non-surgical treatment option. It is not intended for significant weight loss or lax skin, but rather to improve contour by targeting stubborn fat that has not responded to healthy lifestyle habits.

As with all aesthetic treatments, achieving the best outcome begins with a thoughtful evaluation and a customized treatment plan. We look forward to helping you explore your options and develop a treatment approach that supports your aesthetic goals!

September Special

Throughout the month of September, we are offering:

Purchase one area of Kybella® and receive 15% off your second treatment.

Enjoy 20% off the Epicutis Lipid Body Treatment throughout September.

If you've been considering treatment for a double chin, or another area of localized fullness, September is an excellent time to schedule your consultation and learn whether Kybella® is the right option for you.

To help support and maintain your results, we're also featuring the Epicutis Lipid Body Treatment at 20% off. This luxurious body treatment is formulated to deeply nourish and strengthen the skin barrier while delivering intense, long-lasting hydration to help keep treated areas smooth, supple, and healthy-looking following body contouring treatments like Kybella®. Powered by HYVIA®, the formula helps support barrier function and provides hydration that lasts up to 24 hours with a single application. It also features specialized botanical extracts, including Lychee Seed Extract and Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, which are designed to help firm and tighten the skin by reducing fat tissue thickness, decreasing neovascular activity, and improving the appearance of loose or crepey skin. The result is skin that looks firmer, more refined, and better supported as your body continues to reveal your contouring results. It's an excellent complement to your treatment plan and a wonderful addition to your ongoing body care routine!