Kybella for Thighs

For patients who are concerned with excess fat on the thighs, eliminating said fat can be very difficult. Even with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, thigh fat, sometimes also referred to as “saddle bags,” can stubbornly remain on the legs. This can make many people feel self-conscious, particularly with the continued emphasis on thin legs, including the ever elusive “thigh gap” on social media. Thigh gap is a pithy phrase for the space found between the upper thighs when your feet are together. While thigh gap is often revered on social media, without a very restrictive diet, a Hollywood-level personal trainer, and the right genetics, thigh gap can be impossible to achieve on your own. Luckily, advances in dermatology mean that eliminating stubborn thigh fat can be just a treatment away with the injectable treatment, Kybella.

Kybella is the only FDA-approved fat reduction injectable treatment available. Presently FDA-approved to dissolve submental fat, or fat that appears under the chin, many dermatologists have been employing Kybella to treat stubborn fat on the inner and outer thighs. The injectable treatment works by dissolving fat cells in the treatment area and triggering the production of collagen, which leads to permanent fat reduction and tighter, firmer skin. For patients who are intimidated by plastic surgery, such as liposuction, Kybella is an incredible solution for non-surgical body contouring. As the use of Kybella on thighs is an off-label use of the product, the procedure is best performed by an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green.

Experienced, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, has been Kybella for injections of the double chin since it was FDA approved in 2015. As one of the first dermatologists in NYC to use Kybella treatment to remove unwanted fat cells, she has had remarkable success with Kybella for bra fat and other areas of the body for non-invasive body contouring. Dr. Green is an expert in cosmetic dermatology treatments such as Botox and Dysport injections, dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, and collagen stimulating lasers like Thermage and Vivace. She is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York. Dr. Michele Green’s boutique dermatology office is located on the Upper East Side of New York City. If you are interested in facial rejuvenation, skin tightening, or body sculpting with no recovery time, Dr. Green is here to help.

What is Kybella treatment?

Kybella® is an injectable treatment that works to eliminate stubborn fat by dissolving fat cells around the injection site. A highly effective non-invasive treatment, Kybella is the ideal fat reduction procedure for patients who are not interested in receiving plastic surgery. The treatment was FDA-approved in 2015 to dissolve the subcutaneous fat cells, which are responsible for the appearance of a double chin and jowls along the jawline. While Kybella has not, as of yet, been FDA-approved to treat other areas of the body, dermatologists have found the treatment to be very effective in “off-label” treatment areas, including the outer and inner thighs. For optimal results, Kybella treatment can also be paired with Thermage® for skin tightening and CoolSculpting® for further fat reduction.

How does Kybella work?

The Kybella injection is made with a synthetic form of the naturally occurring bile acid called deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid can be found naturally in the body and is responsible for breaking down the membrane of fat cells. When the Kybella solution is injected into pockets of fat in the body, the injectable solution with the main ingredient of deoxycholic acid works to break down the fat cells in the treatment area. Once the membrane is dissolved, the fat cells burst and are metabolized by the body, thereby permanently eliminating the fat cells there. This process also triggers the body’s natural healing response, which stimulates the production of the protein collagen. Collagen give the skin its firm, youthful structure and the increased production of collagen serves to tighten the skin at the treatment area. Kybella works best when used on small pockets of fat for a slimmer, more contoured look.

Can Kybella be used on the thighs?

While Kybella is currently only FDA-approved for use on submental fat, meaning excess fat under the chin and along the jawline, dermatologists have found Kybella to be very effective when used on the thighs. This is an “off-label” use of the treatment, meaning it is not an FDA-approved use of the treatment. However, Kybella treatment is still very effective when used to eliminate moderate to severe pockets of fat on both the inner and outer thighs. As the treatment for thighs if an off-label use of the treatment, be sure to find an expert dermatologist with extensive experience in using Kybella, such as Dr. Green.

How do you use Kybella for thigh fat elimination?

Kybella can be used for sculpting the thighs in much the same way that it is used for contouring the jaw line. The injector will inject the Deoxycholic acid solution into the pockets of fat in the thighs, where the fat cells will be dissolved. The fat cells are then metabolized and eliminated as a result of the body’s natural processes, which leads to the permanent elimination of fat cells in that area.

What is the procedure for Kybella on the thighs?

If you are interested in eliminating stubborn fat on the thighs, you will begin the treatment process by meeting with Dr. Green. In this initial appointment, Dr. Green will assess the treatment area and determine the treatment or series of treatments that will be best for your specific physical and aesthetic needs. When you arrive for the treatment session, Dr. Green will mark the treatment area for where the injections will take place. Most patients feel minimal discomfort when receiving the injections so an anesthetic is not necessary, though Dr. Green may use a topical numbing cream to further decrease any potential discomfort.

The number of injections and vials necessary to achieve optimal results will depend on the size of the treatment area and the severity of the excess fat in that area. The injections themselves will not take very long – typically about 20-30 minutes to complete. During the treatment, some patients may feel a mild burning sensation when the injections take place but the feeling should fade after several minutes. Following the treatment, Dr. Green will place ice on the injection site to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.

What is Kybella thighs before and after care?

The Kybella outer thigh before and after care is simple and straightforward. Before the treatment process, there is very little preparation necessary, however, Dr. Green recommends refraining from taking any blood thinners, such as Advil, before the treatment. Taking blood thinners prior to the injection can increase the risk of bruising at the injection site. Following the Kybella treatment, there is minimal downtime, meaning you can return to most regularly scheduled activities immediately after the procedure. Following the treatment, Dr. Green recommends refraining from intense physical activity for 24-48 hours and keeping the treated area of the body elevated during the first day and over night. In terms of skincare, Dr. Green may also recommend icing the injection site after the treatment in order to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.

How many Kybella treatments do you need?

The number of treatments necessary to eliminate excess fat in the inner and outer thighs is dependent on several factors, including the size of the treatment area and the severity of the fat accumulation in that area. Areas with a more severe accumulation of fat may require more treatments than in areas with a mild to moderate fat accumulation. Most patients may need between two and four treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, however, many patients see an improvement after just one session. As the injectable solution containing deoxycholic acid works via the body’s natural fat elimination process, the results of the procedure show themselves over time. Typically, the effects of the treatment become visible after several weeks. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will be able to provide you with a more accurate prediction about your treatment schedule and the number of treatments you will need for total elimination of fat cells in the treatment area.

Is Kybella inner thighs permanent?

Yes! After the necessary treatment sessions, which can range from two to four depending on the severity of the fat accumulation in the treatment area, Kybella fat cell elimination is permanent. The fat cells in the treatment area become metabolized and are absorbed by the body and therefore are permanently gone. That said, Kybella is a procedure that is best performed if you are already near your desired weight. If you gain more weight in the future, more fat cells may accumulate thereby reversing the effects of the procedure.

What are the side effects of Kybella treatment?

Kybella injection treatment is a safe and effective procedure that requires minimal downtime with limited risk of developing any side effects. The most common side effects are mild and may include swelling, redness, or bruising at or near the injection site. These mild side effects cause minimal discomfort and typically go away within several days following the treatment. The risk of developing more serious side effects can increase if you receive treatment from an inexperienced injector, which can include hair loss or infection around the injection site. It is particularly important to seek out an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, for an off-label Kybella procedure.

Can Kybella be used on outer thighs?

When patients ask about Kybella for outer thighs, the answer is that Kybella is a great off-label solution for stubborn fat on the outer thighs. Kybella is particularly well suited for small pockets of moderate to severe fat in different areas of the body and is best for patients who are at or very near their target weight. Kybella is not a weight-loss procedure but rather works to eliminate fat cells that have remained in an area of the body even with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. For patients without access to a Hollywood-level personal trainer or a discomfort with the idea of plastic surgery, Kybella is a great option for eliminating fat on the outer thighs.

Does Kybella work for inner thighs?

When patients ask about the effectiveness of Kybella for inner thighs, the answer is that the treatment works well to eliminate pockets of fat in the inner thigh. Most patients will need between two and four treatments for optimal thigh contouring results and the effects of the treatment can take about four weeks to fully show. Following treatment, however, fat cells on the inner thigh will be eliminated permanently without ever having to undergo any surgical treatment. No need to find a plastic surgeon when expert dermatologist, Dr. Green, can perform Kybella treatment for the inner thigh.

Will Kybella tighten skin on the thighs?

Kybella treatment works by eliminating fat cells that can accumulate in an area of the body. The injectable solution works to breakdown the membrane of fat cells to destroy those cells. Further, the treatment triggers the production of collagen in the body, which can work to tighten the skin in the treatment area. However, if the Kybella treatment is for a particularly severe pocket of fat, the result may be appear looser. As such, Kybella treatment can be paired with other skin tightening treatments, such as Thermage, which work directly to combat skin laxity, or looseness. Following your treatment, Dr. Green will assess the treatment area to determine if pairing Kybella with Thermage for increased skin tightening is right for you.

CoolSculpting on upper thigh area

Can Kybella be paired with other treatments?

Yes, Kybella can be paired with other treatments in order to address other concerns in the treatment area. Most often, Dr. Green will pair Kybella with CoolSculpting to further “de-bulk” the treatment area, and Thermage, in order to tighten the skin. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will lay out all of your treatment options and determine the series of treatments that is right for you.

CoolSculpting – Dr. Green will often recommend the use of CoolSculpting to help with “debulking” an area before proceeding with the Kybella treatment. CoolSculpting is an effective body contouring treatment in its own right that can be used to help reduce stubborn fat on many areas of the body, including the inner and outer thigh, abdomen, buttocks, and arms. The non-invasive procedure is performed with an applicator that is applied to the surface of the skin in the treatment area. The applicator freezes the fat cells that are beneath the surface of the skin, which causes them to rupture and be reabsorbed back into the body. Due to the fact that fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than other cells in the body, the treatment is able to target the fat cells while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Patients may experience some mild discomfort due to the cold applicator that typically subsides shortly after treatment. CoolSculpting can reduce the concentration of fat cells in an area by as much as 25% per treatment session and may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Thermage – Thermage is a treatment that employs radiofrequency (also known as RF) technology in order to reduce skin laxity at a treatment area. While Kybella can have some skin tightening properties, the skin at the treatment site is particularly lax, Kybella may not be sufficient for tight-looking skin. For that reason, Dr. Green may pair Kybella treatment with Thermage. Thermage works by using RF technology to gently heat the inner layer of skin. While the surface of the skin remains cool and unaffected, the heating of the inner tissue leads to controlled damage to the tissue. This damage triggers the body’s natural healing response, which leads to the increased production of collagen. Collagen is a natural protein in the body that provides structure to the skin, thereby tightening to reduce skin laxity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Thermage for knee and thigh area

Can you use Kybella for thigh gap?

Through the sharing of photos on social media, the discussion about the elusive “thigh gap” has been increasing over the last several years. Thigh gap is the idea that one’s thigh’s never touch even when their feet are together. While social media would have us believe that through the right diet and exercise a thigh gap can be achieved, this may not always be the case, as having a thigh gap can also be based on a genetic predisposition. Kybella, however, can help patients eliminate excess fat on the inner thigh that cannot be eliminated with diet or exercise. For patients who are at or close to their ideal weight, Kybella can eliminate fat cells on the thighs and may help to provide patients with a thigh gap. If that is one of your aesthetic goals, you can discuss with Dr. Green who can help to create the treatment plan to best address your needs.

How to get Kybella for free or a lower cost

The cost of Kybella for thighs depends on several factors, including the size of the treatment area, the severity of fat accumulation, how many treatments are necessary to achieve optimal results, and the type of institution at which you receive treatment. While Kybella may be available at institutions such as a MedSpa for a lower price, you are less likely to experience serious side effects if you receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. This is particularly important when considering that Kybella for thighs is an off-label use of the Kybella treatment. For that reason, it is particularly important to seek treatment from a dermatologist who is very comfortable with the procedure. In order to receive the highest quality treatment, it is vitally important to seek out an experienced practitioner. The procedure is not available for free.

On-label use: Kybella for double chin

Kybella was FDA approved in 2015 to eliminate subcutaneous fat cells under the chin. This treatment is typically used to reduce the appearance of jowls and double chins that can occur when excess fat accumulates under the chin. Kybella can also help with contouring the jawline for a slim, youthful appearance. Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for eliminating fat cells.

Who is a good candidate to receive Kybella treatment for thighs?

If you are unhappy about stubborn fat on your inner or outer thighs, and diet and exercise had not reduced them, Kybella treatment may be the best cosmetic procedure for you. Dr. Michele Green specializes in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, from Botox injections, CoolSculpting, chemical peels, Thermage, Fraxel, and Vivace lasers. She is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, the New York Times and Super Doctors. If you are looking for non-invasive body contouring to give you a slimmer look, then Kybella injections may be the answer for you. Kybella can help decrease the fat cells in your jawline, under your neck, in the bra area, and inner and outer thighs. With just a few treatment sessions, these fat bulges can disappear without any discomfort, plastic surgery, or recovery time.  Find out more and contact us online or at 212 535 3088 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Green today and find out if Kybella injections are the best treatment for you.