Brabella: Kybella for Bra Fat in NYC

Stubborn pockets of fat can form in many areas of the body as a result of hormones, weight fluctuations, or genetics, making you feel self conscious. One such area in which stubborn fat can be particularly apparent is along the bra line. Bra fat is the fat bulge that forms between the bra line and the armpit or along the back. Many patients incorrectly believe that the only way to address these stubborn pockets of fat is a surgical procedure, such as liposuction. However, for patients who don’t like seeing the bra bulge, there is a non-surgical solution available at Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side Dermatology office that works wonders in dissolving fat cells with no incisions and no downtime necessary: Kybella injectable treatment.

What is the secret to celebrities, like Chloe Kardashian, chiseled jawline? Their secret is the FDA approved injectable by Allergan for fat cells called Kybella.  Kybella is composed of deoxycholic acid, which occurs naturally in the gut, and dissolves the fat cells present. If you are frustrated with your double chin or bra bulge, Kybella treatment can easily dissolve this area of fat without the need for invasive liposuction. With minimal downtime, Dr. Green’s expertise in Kybella can be the perfect solution for your fat reduction without plastic surgery. Kybella is the ideal non-surgical fat reduction treatment for the submental area, or other areas of fat on the body.

Dr. Michele Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to utilize Kybella to inject submental fat to effectively treat the “double chin.” As an expert injector and internationally leader in the field of cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years, Dr. Green has helped countless patients from around the globe achieve their ideal cosmetic results so that they look and feel like the best version of themselves. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York’s best physicians for her dedication to her patients and practice. Embracing a ‘less is more’ philosophy and taking a holistic approach to rejuvenation treatment, Dr. Green customizes the treatment approach for each patient so that it integrates the unique combination of in-office procedures and specially formulated skincare products to target their individual concerns and deliver their ideal cosmetic results.

How does Kybella get rid of fat?

Kybella is the only FDA approved injectable treatment designed to dissolve excess fat cells. Kybella is formulated from deoxycholic acid, also known as cholanoic acid. Deoxycholic acid, is derived from one of the secondary bile acids. The active ingredient in Kybella is Deoxycholic acid, and is a cytolytic agent. This means means that it causes lysis of fat cells, or permanently destroys adipocytes in the targeted areas. When Kybella is injected into the fatty tissue, a chemical reaction occurs with the deoxycholic acid dissolving the fat cells. Kybella permanently destroys these fat cells and they can no longer store or accumulate fat. The results of Kybella are permanent and once the treatment sessions are completed, no follow up or further treatment is necessary. Generally 3 or 4 treatments sessions are needed, approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart. Once the desired aesthetic goal is achieved, there is no maintenance required.

Kybella for Double Chin

The most popular area for Kybella is for the double chin, or submental area. In the past, plastic surgeons would perform liposuction to the neck area to remove unwanted fat. There was a great deal of pain, swelling, and recovery associated with traditional liposuction, making it feel difficult to access for many patients. Luckily, today there are many non-invasive alternatives to traditional plastic surgery. Many patients are genetically predisposed to chin fat and a double chin and want a non-surgical method of body contouring. The number of vials and treatment sessions for the chin area depends on the amount of fat in a given area. Typically, for the submental area, two vials are required, with 3 to 4 treatment sessions, to permanently dissolve the fat cells.

What is the cost for Kybella?

When patients ask, how much is Kybella for bra fat, the answer is: it depends. There are many factors that contribute to the overall cost of Kybella treatment, including the type of institution at which you receive treatment and the severity of the fat bulge in the treatment area. The cost for Kybella treatments ranges from $1200 and more per session, depending on how many vials are needed. Receiving treatment at an institution such as a MedSpa in New York City may be less expensive due to specials and discounts available. However, when receiving treatment, it is safer and more effective to seek treatment from an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. If additional vials are needed for a larger area, the price will increase based on the amount of Kybella needed for injection.

Can Kybella be used for Bra Fat and Armpit Fat?

While Kybella is only FDA-approved to treat submental fat, the treatment has several “off label” indications which have been used for fat pockets in other areas of the body. One very popular place to have Kybella injected is the area in the back or underarm known as the “bra fat” or armpit fat.  This area of fat is the result of many factors, including genetics, and hormones. Many patients have a fat bulge in the back or around their bra area and Kybella is a simple and effective way to permanently dissolve this fat. One of the advantages of Kybella is that a small area, no matter what size, can be treated with this injection.

Kybella and the treatment of bra bulge

When we try on clothes, sometimes there are small areas of fat that show through. These lumps or rolls of fat are especially noticeable about the bra line. Kybella is the hottest way to reduce the fat in this area, so that you can wear tight shirts or dresses. The term “brabella” has been coined to describe the injection of Kybella into the bra line area, to dissolve unwanted bra bulges. Patients who undergo this procedure tell Dr. Green that they are no longer self-conscious in wearing tight shirts or bathing suits. Since there is no need to incisions, and the only side effect is swelling, you can return to your normal routine immediately following your treatment of your bra bulge.

What is “brabella”?

Brabella is a name that has been coined to describe the treatment of Kybella being used specifically for the dissolution of fat under the armpit and along the back, in other words: the bra line. These pockets of fat can be particularly noticeable when wearing tank tops, dresses, or bathing suits. If these bra bulges are keeping you from wearing certain clothes or making you feel self conscious, Kybella for bra fat is the perfect solution. Kybella is a non-surgical, injectable treatment to dissolve mild to moderate fat that has accumulated in a given treatment area. Kybella is FDA approved to treat the dreaded double chin but can also be used as an “off-label” treatment for other areas of the body by an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.

Does Kybella remove back fat permanently?

Kybella is a permanent solution for getting rid of stubborn back fat. The injectable treatment works to destroy fat cells that have accumulated in the back, that form a bulge around the bra line. This back fat can be difficult to get rid of, even with a healthy diet and regular work out routine, meaning patients need to turn to cosmetic procedures. Kybella is highly effective in reducing stubborn pockets of fat and once the treatment has been performed, the fat cells are permanently destroyed.

Does Kybella remove bra fat permanently?

Kybella injectable treatment does work to remove bra fat permanently. The active ingredient in Kybella solution, deoxycholic acid, works to destroy the membrane of fat cells in the targeted area, leading to the destruction of the fat cells there. Once the body’s natural metabolism processes work to flush the ruptured fat cells, there is a reduction in the concentration of fat cells in the treatment area. After the fat cells have been destroyed, they are permanently removed from the treatment area, making Kybella a permanent fat reduction treatment that does not require any annual updates to maintain the results. Kybella does not, however, prevent new fat cells from forming should patients experience weight gain following the procedure.

Does bra fat come back after Kybella?

Kybella is a treatment that works to permanently destroy fat cells at the injection site to reduce bulges of fat in the bra area. Once the fat cells have been dissolved and metabolized by the body, they cannot reform. Kybella treatment is best for patients who are already at or near their target weight, and looking to reduce stubborn pockets of fat. While the dissolved fat cells will not be able to reform following treatment, Kybella cannot prevent the formation of new fat cells if patients gain weight. If new fat cells form in the area, Kybella can be performed again to maintain results.

How many vials of Kybella for bra fat?

When patients ask about the number of vials necessary to reduce bra fat with Kybella, the answer is: it depends. The biggest factor in determining the number of vials necessary is the scope of the treatment area and the severity of fat development there. Kybella works best to treat mild to moderate fat bulges and will require more vials of solution for higher concentrations of fat cells. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, the two of you will discuss your aesthetic and physical goals and Dr. Green will be able to determine the number of vials necessary to best suit your needs.

Can Kybella treatment be used in other areas of the body?

Kybella can be treated in various “off label” areas, where there is a fat bulge, such as the bra line, the lower belly, the tops of the knees, calves, back, thighs, abdomen and lower buttock area. “Off label” treatment means that Kybella has not been explicitly FDA approved to treat those areas but the procedure is still safe and effective to be used. It is important, however, when receiving a treatment “off label” to seek out an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.

What are the side effects of Kybella

The main side effects of Kybella are localized bruising and swelling in the treatment area. Due to the chemical reaction that occurs from the deoxycholic acid, Kybella, swelling at the injection site is a normal and expected part of this procedure. Generally patients have swelling for a few days, although there are a subset of patients who have swelling for a few weeks. The swelling always resolves with each treatment, the fat cells are decreased and there is some skin tightening effect. Some patients have some temporary redness or soreness at the treatment site, which also resolves in a few days.

What are the results from Kybella Injections?

Kybella is an injectable treatment that dissolves fat cells at the injection site, resulting in a decrease in fat in the treatment area. The results of Kybella are permanent and once the desired aesthetic results are achieved, no further treatment is necessary. A good candidate for Kybella injections is a patient with good skin tone, with little skin laxity, who want a small area of stubborn fat dissolved.

Kybella Vs. Liposuction?

In the past, liposuction was the only method to remove fat in the submental area, and treat the double chin. Liposuction, in any area of the body, requires numbing, cannulas, and a significant amount of recovery time. Due to the sudden loss of fat from a liposuction procedure, the skin is often left hanging. Many patients who have had liposuction on their legs, or other areas of the body, have been unhappy with the ripples that remain and uneven skin as a side effect of the procedure. With Kybella or CoolSculpting, the fat is gradually decreased and the skin is tightened as well with this loss of fat. Because of the slow reabsorption of fat with these procedures, you do not have the same side effect as liposuction. In addition, with liposuction, the fat can return to its original location after they are removed. With Kybella, there is a permanent destruction of fat cells in the treated area. The only down side of Kybella or CoolSculpting, is that it can take more than one treatment session to achieve the desired results.

Who is the best injector for Kybella?

It is important to consult a board certified dermatologist with experience in cosmetic injectables since Kybella is a permanent injection. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first injectors of Kybella in NYC and has been trained extensively by Allergan and Kythera in advanced techniques of Kybella and cosmetic injections. With other two decades of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green is an expert in dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Sculptra, and understands all the potential side effects with these injectable procedures. When having permanent cosmetic injections performed at a medspa, you are not having a trained New York physician performing your procedures. It is always best to consult an expert in the field to avoid any potential side effects or complications.

Kybella versus CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting and Kybella are both fantastic ways to reduce a bulge in the abdomen, flanks, bra fat, banana rolls (lower buttock area), arms, and inner and outer thighs. With CoolSculpting, an applicator is placed on a given area, and after 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the area, the fat bulge is treated. One of the advantages of CoolSculpting is that it can treat an area without needles, or any down time. CoolSculpting can also be used on larger areas of the body. Kybella has the advantage of being able to treat areas in which the CoolSculpting applicator does not fit. Both Kybella and CoolSculpting can require multiple treatments, depending on how much fat is in the treatment area. For the jowls and the submental area, if the double chin is large, Dr. Green will first treat the area with the Coolmini applicator of CoolSculpting. Once the submental fat is reduced to a smaller size, Dr. Green will then inject Kybella into the area to contour the stubborn fat and give you a beautiful jawline. In this way, Kybella and CoolSculpting can work together synergistically to provide the ultimate results in body contouring treatment.

Can I combine Kybella with Laser Skin Tightening Procedures?

Most patients today do not have the down time required for a facelift and want non-surgical, non-invasive procedures with little or no downtime. In order to have a contoured jawline, Dr. Green often combines Kybella with laser skin tightening procedures such as Thermage and BBL. Thermage is the gold standard for non-invasive laser skin tightening. Through radiofrequency heat, the dermal layer of the skin is stimulated to produce new collagen production. The result is firmer, tighter skin with Thermage. By combining Thermage and Kybella, your jawline will be smooth and taught and rejuvenated to give you a more youthful appearance.

Does Kybella work on armpit or bra fat?

Not only is Kybella a safe and effective treatment for targeting excess submental fat, but it can also be used to reduce stubborn fat deposits in the armpit and bra areas. Kybella is so effective for eliminating excess bra fat, in fact, that is is often referred to as “BraBella”. For patients who are looking for a non-surgical solution for permanent fat removal, Kybella may be the ideal treatment option. It is important to be selective when choosing an injector to provide your Kybella treatments in order to avoid unwanted side effects and ensure that your cosmetic results are satisfactory.

Dr. Michele Green in New York City is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with the best non-invasive treatment options available. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to rejuvenation treatment, considering the individual needs and unique cosmetic goals of each patient when creating their treatment plans. For her dedication to her patients and to her practice, Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. To learn more about body contouring and removing unwanted fat without plastic surgery, in addition to other non-invasive cosmetic treatments with Dr. Green, call 212-535-3088 or contact us online to set up a consultation.