Kybella NYC

For years patients have been bothered by their “double chin” but have had few options to treat this submental area. Historically, the only choice was liposuction, which is a painful, invasive procedure, performed by plastic surgeons. Now, thanks to the advent of Kybella®, dermatologists like Dr. Michele Green in New York City, can inject the submental fullness and melt the “double chin.” Kybella can be injected in a targeted way to dissolve the fat under the neck, without any recovery time. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to utilize Kybella as a treatment for submental fat in her discreet, private NYC office. Kybella is manufactured by Allergan cosmetics, the same maker of Botox injections and Juvederm dermal fillers. Kybella injections are a unique injectable treatment Dr. Green performs daily in her NYC office to dissolve the submental fullness and contour the jawline with no downtime.

The aging neck and unwanted fat under the chin are concerns that many patients feel self-conscious about. A recent survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) found that two-thirds of patients were bothered by submental fullness – nearly as many as those bothered by lines and wrinkles around the eyes.  Submental fullness detracts from your chin profile by making you look heavier and older due to excess fat under the chin. Coupled with skin laxity, these excess fat cells can worsen the appearance of your jawline and make you appear prematurely old. Despite diet and exercise, many patients cannot get rid of this excess chin fat.  Submental fat interferes with the cosmetic appearance and contour of the neck. Most patients have a difficult time reducing the fat cells in this area without cosmetic treatment. Kybella injections are a safe, effective, and nonsurgical way to remove these fat cells and permanently eliminate your double chin.

Dr. Michele Green has been injecting Kybella since it was first FDA approved as a painless treatment to permanently dissolve fat cells. Although Kybella was originally designed to use in the submental area to dissolve the “double chin,” Dr. Green successfully uses Kybella treatment to dissolve fat cells in other areas of the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, and bra area to achieve the ultimate in nonsurgical body contouring. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Green has been consistently voted as one of the best cosmetic dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine. If you are interested in facing contouring and melting away your double chin, Dr. Green is here to help.

What does Kybella do?: Melting a Double Chin with Kybella

Kybella injections have revolutionized non-surgical fat reduction for neck contouring. Gone are the days of invasive liposuction with anesthesia and a long recovery time being the only treatment option for submental fat removal. Kybella treatment is the only FDA-approved cosmetic injectable that will quickly, safely, and effectively, melt your double chin in as little as three treatment sessions. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and after some minimal swelling, the fat cells are permanently treated. Following each injectable treatment session, it takes between 4 to 6 weeks to see the full cosmetic results. After a short series of treatment sessions, the unwanted submental fat is gone, and a smooth, more youthful neck and jawline are created.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug for dissolving submental fat and reducing the appearance of moderate to severe fat under the chin. The active ingredient in Kybella is comprised of a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Kybella was under development for more than 9 years, by the Kythera Corporation, and has been the subject of over 20 clinical studies involving over 2,600 patients. Clinical trials went on for several years to ensure that Kybella injections were a safe and effective treatment for submental fat. Kybella treatment is designed to be injected into the targeted areas of excess unwanted fat under the chin to dissolve these fat cells.

Through a series of injections, Dr. Green is able to shape the jawline and help improve the overall contouring of the neck and chin area. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they are gone permanently. These fat cells can then no longer store or accumulate fat. The fat cells that are destroyed through these Kybella injections are processed and excreted from the body, through your body’s own natural metabolism. Since the process of fat metabolism is gradual, the fat that is dissolved through Kybella injections gradually disappears. The results of Kybella treatment are permanent. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight, it is possible for new fat cells to accumulate in the area treated. Due to the effectiveness of Kybella injections, they have become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Dr. Michele Green’s private NYC dermatology office.

Male patient treated with Kybella 

How does Kybella work?

Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment to permanently remove the double chin fat. Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that assists in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into the submental area or double chin, these fat cells are quickly destroyed. This process of dissolving fat cells is called lipolysis. Kybella injections prevent these fat cells from accumulating fat in those cells which are destroyed. Over the coming weeks, typically 4 to 6 weeks after Kybella injections, these fat cells are cleared from the body through natural metabolic processes.

The majority of patients are interested in a non-surgical option for removing excess chin fat. Since deoxycholic acid is a natural enzyme in the body, the mechanism of action is a more “natural” approach than surgery. In addition, except for some minor swelling after the injections, there is minimal recovery time and much fewer risks than in surgical procedures. The number of treatments needed will be determined at your consultation and the desired cosmetic results.

The consultation for Kybella treatment

If you are concerned with the appearance of your jawline or double chin, it is best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her Manhattan Dermatology office. Most of our patients do not want plastic surgery and prefer injectables and non-surgical treatments to invasive cosmetic surgery. They prefer quick injections of Kybella in our NYC office to liposuction which involves risk and prolonged recuperation. During the consultation, Dr. Green will review all of your medical conditions as well as past cosmetic procedures.  Dr. Green will examine the anatomy of your neck and jawline. Medical photos are obtained for your personal treatment records. Your weight is also documented during the consultation since significant weight gain can interfere with the treatment results of Kybella. If you were to gain weight, you might gain excess fat in the neck area and this can affect the results of your Kybella injections. A careful examination of the neck and jowls is done to determine if there is any skin laxity. If you have too much skin laxity, you may not be the best candidate for Kybella injections.

Your treatment plan is then reviewed and the number of treatments needed to dissolve the submental fat is discussed with you. Many patients see results in as little as 2 to 3 sessions. The number of treatment sessions depends on the degree of submental fat in the area and the desired cosmetic results. Kybella injections for the destruction of fat cells are typically spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the degree of swelling. The Kybella treatment, of deoxycholic acid, typically takes fifteen minutes to perform in Dr. Green’s NYC office and can be done during your lunch break. Optimal results are obtained if you do not have an excessive amount of skin laxity, although Kybella does tend to tighten the neck area as well.  Depending on the degree of skin laxity or excess skin, Dr. Green may recommend Thermage FLX for skin tightening or a neck lift and refer you to a board-certified plastic surgeon.

What does the Kybella procedure entail?

You will be prescribed a topical numbing cream which you can apply at home one hour before your appointment at Dr. Green’s NYC office. After one hour, when you arrive at the office, the numbing cream is removed and the submental area is marked with a grid applied to your neck area. The grid is removed and Dr. Green follows the grid pattern and injects Kybella into all of these pre-marked injection sites. Ice packs are immediately applied to the treatment area and you are advised to sleep with your head elevated on a pillow to decrease the amount of post-procedure swelling at the injection site.

Typically, patients may have three to five days of swelling from Kybella injections.  Dr. Green advises her patients to avoid exercise for several days after treatment, any strenuous activity or hot yoga, as this can prolong the length of the swelling and increase bruising. We advise all patients to refrain from any blood thinners for at least one week before Kybella injections to avoid excess bruising. Re-treatment is performed in four to six weeks depending on the degree of swelling in the treatment area. If there is prolonged swelling or numbness, Dr. Green will wait several additional weeks before she re-injects Kybella.

Male patient, before and after 4 Kybella treatments

What are the side effects of Kybella?

Common side effects of Kybella injections are localized numbness, pain, redness and swelling, and areas of hardness (nodules or lumps) at the site of injection.  Possible side effects of Kybella also include bruising or swelling in the treatment area, which is similar to bruising from other injectable procedures. Discontinuation of blood thinners (such as aspirin, or Motrin), fish oils, and vitamins, are advised for one week before the Kybella treatment.

More serious side effects have occurred, although rare, including nerve injury in the jaw, which can cause an uneven smile, facial muscle weakness, or trouble swallowing. These side effects such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or skin ulceration are exceedingly rare. Other side effects are the result of improper injections outside the approved submental area or injecting too close to the marginal mandibular nerve with subsequent nerve irritation. These side effects resolve in several weeks. There have also been reports of hair loss in the beard area in men, based on this study in late 2019, but it is not a common side effect.

To avoid these side effects, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in New York, who is an expert in Kybella and other cosmetic injectables for the best cosmetic results. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists to use Kybella treatment to permanently remove excess fat cells. If you experience any severe side effects post-treatment, you should immediately contact your treating dermatologist or healthcare provider. For more information about Kybella from its manufacturer, you can also go to mykybella.com for additional prescribing information.

The following is a complete list of possible side effects from Kybella injections:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Temporary numbness at the injection site
• Inflammation
• Difficulty swallowing
• Temporary nerve damage
• Hair loss at the site of injection in men’s beards
• Skin ulceration

Which areas of the body can Kybella be injected into?

• Double chin/submental fat
• Jowls
• Arms
• Knees
• Abdomen
• Bra Fat
• Buttocks (banana rolls)
• Flanks

What post-op instructions are given after Kybella injection?

The most important recommendation is to ice the treated area to minimize swelling. It is best to remain upright the day of your procedure and sleep with your head elevated, (with two pillows), the night of your Kybella injections. Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, or heat, for two days after your treatment. Arnica can be taken to minimize any bruising from the injections.

Is Kybella permanent? What happens if I gain weight?

Patients typically ask “Does Kybella last forever?” or “How long does Kybella last?” Kybella is a permanent procedure. Kybella was specifically formulated to be a permanent way to accomplish the degradation and absorption of dietary fat. As a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, Kybella permanently reduces the fat cells in the area injected.  However, excess weight gain can impact the results of your treatment since new fat cells can accumulate in the treated area.

How many vials of Kybella are needed?

In general, two vials of Kybella are needed per treatment with 3 to 4 sessions to obtain optimum results to treat the double chin. If the submental fat is a very small amount, only one vial of Kybella may be necessary. Most patients experience visible results in 2 to 4 treatment sessions. Similarly, if there is a large area of submental fat, 3 vials may be required to reduce the double chin area with up to 6 treatment sessions.

If you are treating a larger treatment area, such as the banana rolls, knees, bra fat, or abdominal fat, additional vials of Kybella will be needed to permanently reduce these fat cells. During your consultation, Dr. Green can provide you with an estimate of the number of vials needed and the number of treatment sessions.

How much does Kybella cost?

The average price for a session of Kybella treatment of the submental area costs between $1,500 and $1,800. Since Kybella injections are a cosmetic treatment, the procedure is not covered under any health insurance. The price ranges both in the number of vials needed (based on the area and amount of fat) and the experience of your cosmetic injector. The total cost of Kybella depends on the total number of Kybella treatments needed to permanently reduce the submental fat cells. Larger areas, such as the abdomen or banana rolls, will be more costly as additional vials are needed.

Female patient treated with Kybella, Botox & Fraxel – 2 Treatments of Kybella

Does Kybella Work?

Yes! Kybella is an amazing treatment to permanently remove fat cells in various areas, especially the submental area. This treatment is popular in both men and women and is one of the most requested procedures in Dr. Green’s office.

Is Kybella painful?

Dr. Green prescribes a topical numbing cream with lidocaine to apply to the treatment area one hour before your Kybella injections. With the proper pre-treatment, the procedure is extremely tolerable.

Is Kybella safe?

Yes! Kybella is an extremely safe, FDA-approved, cosmetic procedure. Like all cosmetic procedures, it is best to consult an expert, board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC for the best cosmetic results.

Does Kybella tighten skin?

Yes! Kybella definitely tightens the area being treated, especially in the submental area. However, if there is an excess amount of skin laxity, Kybella can not be a substitute for a skin tightening laser or neck lift/plastic surgery.

When does the swelling from Kybella go down?

The swelling from Kybella is generally dependent on the number of fat cells in the area treated. Typically, patients will have swelling for a few days after the procedure. The first treatment generally has the most swelling since it has the highest number of fat cells being treated.

Can Kybella be combined with other treatments?

Many of Dr. Green’s patients combine Thermage FLX for skin tightening with Kybella injections to reduce the submental fat, thus giving her patients the best jawline.  In addition, patients who are concerned about the lines on their neck may also choose to have Botox with a Nefertiti Lift or fillers injected into these wrinkles to soften their appearance. Fraxel laser is often combined as well with Kybella to help treat the texture of the skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Why are so many patients bothered by their profiles?

We live in a world of Instagram, Facebook, “selfies” and social media. Many of us are concerned with our profile, especially that of our nose and chin profile. Treating this submental area with Kybella gives a beautiful and permanent aesthetic result.

Does Kybella work on the knees?

Kybella was originally FDA approved for the double chin, but it has been used to treat small localized areas of the body, including the inside of the knees. Kybella can be combined with Thermage to tighten the knees and give you a sleeker, rejuvenated appearing leg.

Does Kybella work on bra fat?

One of the most popular areas on the body to use Kybella is the bra fat area, known as Brabella. Unwanted bra bulges are simple to treat with Kybella injections and allow you to wear tank tops and dresses without being self-conscious.

Does Kybella work on jowls?

Kybella can be used to treat submental fat and fat around the jowls and cheeks. This is an off-label use of Kybella injections but yields excellent cosmetic results. If a patient is interested in treating the appearance of loose jowls due to skin laxity, however, they may benefit more from having a non-invasive skin tightening treatment. Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis of the skin, stimulating new collagen production in the treatment area. There is no downtime associated with Thermage, meaning patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately upon completion of their treatment.

Can Kybella be used to treat fat in the arms?

Yes! Although Kybella has only been FDA approved for injection into the submental area for fat removal, it has been shown to be a safe and effective injectable treatment for fat removal in other areas of the body, too. Kybella can be used effectively on various areas of fat on the body, including the arms, bra area, abdomen, and thighs. Kybella injections, especially in these areas, require an advanced injection technique. Patients should only have their Kybella injections with a board-certified healthcare professional with the expertise and experience required to perform the treatment safely and effectively, such as cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience as a leader in the field of cosmetic dermatology and can help you to create a customized fat removal treatment plan that works best for you.

How does Kybella compare to CoolSculpting?

Kybella injections are best suited to removing small to moderate pockets of excess unwanted fat, such as chin fat. Patients typically require a short series of treatment sessions to get the best cosmetic results. CoolSculpting is a method that freezes the fat cells in a treatment area to destroy them, and then the destroyed cells are metabolized out of the body over time. CoolSculpting can be used to debulk larger areas of fat, with greater surface area, with no downtime involved whatsoever. If someone has a large amount of submental fat, they can optimize their results by first being treated with the CoolMini applicator to debulk the fat, and then follow up with Kybella injections for the remaining fat cells. CoolSculpting also has multiple applicators that can be used to target different areas of the body such as the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, flanks, buttocks, banana roll, bra fat, and upper arms.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Kybella?

The best way to know if Kybella is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her private New York City dermatology office. Dr. Green is an expert in non-invasive cosmetic injections, Thermage, Fraxel laser treatments, CoolSculpting body contouring, skin care, Botox, dermal filler injections, anti-aging procedures, and was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to inject Kybella- the only FDA-approved injectable for fat removal. Dr. Green will need to assess the amount of fat in the area and skin laxity, in order to customize the best treatment for you. The treatment is available for both men and women. In fact, studies show that the Kybella procedure is just as popular with men as it is with women.

Male Kybella patient before and after photo, after two treatments of Kybella

Is Kybella worth it?

Yes! One of the most common FAQs patients have about Kybella treatment is: Is it worth it? Kybella injections are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the office of Dr. Michele Green, simply because it works! Within a few minutes, fat cells can be treated and permanently reduced. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology with access to the most cutting-edge lasers and technologies and considers Kybella to be one of the most revolutionary cosmetic procedures of this decade.

How long does it take for Kybella to work?

The first cosmetic effects of Kybella injections become observable four to six weeks after the initial treatment session. Subsequent sessions of Kybella will provide additional fat reduction in the given treatment area. The exact number of treatment sessions that will be required for a patient to achieve their ideal cosmetic results will ultimately depend on the amount of unwanted fat in the treatment area. Patients with a greater amount of excess fat will require more treatment sessions of Kybella injections than patients with a lesser amount of excess fat. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will evaluate your areas of concern and help you establish a timeline for your treatment sessions.

How do I get started with Kybella today?

If you are frustrated with the appearance of your neckline, jawline, sagging jowls, or stubborn pockets of fat, Kybella may be the best treatment for you. Beyond the “double chin,” Kybella injections have revolutionized non-surgical body contouring. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in providing Kybella injections and has been consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC for over 25 years by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to rejuvenation treatment. She works with each patient to discover their unique skin concerns and personal aesthetic goals, creating customized treatment plans for every individual that helps them to look and feel like the best version of themselves. It’s time to find out more about Kybella injections and how you can remove unwanted fat on the upper neck and chin areas, and say goodbye to the “double chin.” To schedule a consultation today, contact Dr. Michele S. Green for additional information, and to schedule an appointment to see if you are the right fit for Kybella or call 212 535 3088 today.