What is The Cost of Kybella?

Kybella, synthetic deoxycholic acid, is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for eliminating unwanted excess fat. The body naturally produces deoxycholic acid, which helps break down and absorb dietary fat. Through several treatment sessions, Kybella injections gradually and permanently remove fat cells in the target area. With an expert injector like Dr. Green, Kybella treatment can be completed in minutes, has few side effects, and requires minimal downtime. Dr. Green was one of the first healthcare providers in New York City to offer Kybella injections for addressing a double chin and also uses Kybella to remove excess fat cells in areas such as the abdomen, knees, underarms, upper arms, and bra area.

Kybella is an excellent cosmetic treatment option for patients looking to target submental fat but who may not be suitable candidates for, or wish to avoid, invasive, costly, and potentially dangerous surgical procedures like Liposuction or a neck lift. Common side effects of Kybella may include mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness at or near the injection sites. Most patients require a brief series of 3 to 6 Kybella treatment sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart, to achieve their desired final results. Only an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC, should administer Kybella injections to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal results while reducing the risk of serious side effects.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over twenty-five years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-surgical procedures for body contouring and skin rejuvenation, including Kybella treatment for permanently eliminating a double chin. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, customizing each patient’s cosmetic treatment plan to meet their specific needs and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized as one of New York City’s top dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, the New York Times, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and her expertise. During your consultation with Dr. Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that enables you to look and feel like the best version of yourself.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is a synthetic derivative of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. Manufactured by Allergan, Kybella is an injectable treatment proven safe and effective for reducing fat in the chin area after a series of injections in clinical studies. Studies show that fat reduction from Kybella treatment is permanent. It is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for permanently eliminating excess fat in the submental area, typically known as the double chin. As a non-surgical option, Kybella is an excellent cosmetic choice for individuals looking to reduce submental fullness and stubborn fat in various body regions, such as the abdomen, upper arms, underarms, knees, and bra line, without plastic surgery. Although Kybella is FDA-approved only for treating double chins, an expert injector like Dr. Green may use Kybella “off-label” in other treatment areas. Receiving Kybella injections from a skilled, board-certified healthcare provider like Dr. Green is crucial to ensure safety, effectiveness, and optimal results.

How does Kybella work?

Kybella injections are a non-surgical treatment for submental fat, which received FDA approval in 2015. The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring enzyme in our bodies that helps break down fat in the intestines during digestion. When injected subcutaneously, it disrupts the membranes of adipocytes and destroys fat cells in that area. The fat cells are gradually eliminated from the body through the metabolic process. Since this process occurs naturally in the body, many patients find it more appealing than plastic surgery. This purified substance forms the basis of Kybella injections, permanently eliminating fat cells in the submental region. It can also target excess fat in other body areas, including the knees, stomach, back, and bra line. Kybella was initially designed to dissolve chin fat, aiding in the permanent contouring of the jawline. Results last as long as no significant weight gain after treatment.

Where can Kybella be used?

Kybella is FDA-approved only for treating submental fullness, commonly known as the double chin. However, experienced, board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Green in NYC possess the expertise to administer Kybella injections in other treatment areas safely. An expert injector such as Dr. Green may utilize Kybella in the following body areas to eliminate excess fat:

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

What is the process of Kybella treatment?

The Kybella injection process is simple. First, you will have a consultation with Dr. Green to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Kybella treatment. Medical photographs will be taken to help identify the best cosmetic approach for you and to monitor the results. Dr. Green will gather your complete family and medical history, conduct a physical evaluation of the areas you wish to treat with Kybella and review any previous cosmetic procedures or surgeries you may have had. Your current weight will also be noted during the consultation, as weight gain after starting Kybella can affect the quality of the cosmetic results. Based on your skin concerns and aesthetic goals, Dr. Green may recommend combining Kybella injections with other cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, Thermage, or fillers. Once Dr. Green determines you are an ideal candidate, the treatment can be administered on the same day as the consultation or scheduled for later, depending on your preferences and time limitations. During this consultation, Dr. Green will discuss the number of treatment sessions and Kybella’s cost. He will also explain any potential side effects and the downtime associated with the procedure.

An hour before your Kybella treatment session, a thick layer of topical numbing cream should be applied to the entire treatment area. Once you arrive at the office for your treatment, the numbing cream will be removed, and the skin in the treatment area will be sterilized. Additionally, since Kybella is an injectable, it’s advisable to stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, Motrin, fish oil, or multivitamins for one week before your treatment to lower the risk of bruising. Dr. Green will mark the treatment area with a grid to ensure the proper distribution of Kybella into the fat pocket. The number of Kybella injections required primarily depends on the size of the treatment area. After your treatment, ice will be applied to the injected area to help alleviate swelling, which is a normal part of the injection process and a common side effect.

Kybella Side Effects

One of Kybella’s most significant benefits is that it is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure with few potential side effects, especially when you receive injectable treatment from an expert injector like Dr. Green. The most common side effects of Kybella include mild tenderness, bruising, swelling, redness, and localized numbness at or near the injection sites. These side effects typically resolve on their own shortly after treatment.

Although exceedingly rare, serious side effects can occur if Kybella injections are administered incorrectly or too close to the marginal mandibular nerve, leading to potential nerve injury. Such injuries may result in an uneven smile, facial muscle weakness, or difficulty swallowing. These side effects usually resolve within several weeks but can mostly be avoided when an expert carries out the Kybella treatment.

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

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Temporary numbness at the injection site
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nerve irritation (can cause an uneven smile)
• Hair loss at the site of injection in men’s beards
• Skin ulceration

How much is Kybella? How much does Kybella cost?

Many patients in Dr. Green’s boutique dermatology office ask, “How much do Kybella injections cost?“ Two key factors determine the price of Kybella. The first is the amount of fat in the treated area, and the second is the desired outcomes for body contouring. Another consideration is the size of the treatment area, as larger body parts, like the abdomen, require more Kybella injections than smaller areas, such as the fat on the knees or under the arms. Generally, men tend to have more extensive fat deposits than women and may need more Kybella injections, resulting in higher costs.

Ultimately, considering these factors, Dr. Green will develop a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you. During your initial consultation at Dr. Green’s office, she will assess your suitability for Kybella injections. Generally, the average cost for each Kybella treatment ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. The price of Kybella may vary depending on the size of the fat bulge in the treatment area. Treating a larger fat area will incur higher costs and require more sessions than treating a smaller area. Most patients typically undergo 2-6 Kybella sessions to meet their aesthetic goals, and larger body areas will need additional Kybella. Therefore, estimating the total cost of Kybella treatment can be challenging without consulting a healthcare provider like Dr. Michele Green. When you receive Kybella injections from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will collaborate to create a treatment plan that best meets your needs, goals, and budget.

Which is better for double chin reduction? Kybella, Liposuction, or CoolSculpting?

Kybella, Liposuction, and CoolSculpting are different fat-reduction treatments, and many patients want to know which is best for them. The answer is that it depends, and none of the treatment options is inherently better than the others. Everyone’s anatomy is different, requiring different treatments to achieve the best cosmetic results.

Kybella injections are best suited to removing small to moderate pockets of unwanted excess fat. Patients typically require a short series of treatment sessions to get the best cosmetic results. Kybella has a few mild side effects, the most common of which are swelling and bruising around the injection sites. The initial results from a Kybella treatment session can take up to six weeks to observe. Most patients require 3-6 Kybella treatment sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart, to get their final desired results.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery performed by a plastic surgeon that uses suction to remove localized, excess adipose tissue from various body areas. It can permanently eliminate fat cells (adipocytes) that store fat from specific sections of your body you wish to improve. Liposuction effectively removes fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. As an invasive surgery, Liposuction has more side effects and longer downtime than Kybella or CoolSculpting. Patients will have scarring and at least one to two weeks of associated downtime after Liposuction. Patients will be able to see their results almost immediately following Liposuction.

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure that uses cryolipolysis to eliminate pockets of fat throughout the body. The patented cooling technology applies intense cold temperatures to specific areas, targeting only the fat cells and ensuring no damage to the surrounding tissue or skin. A single CoolSculpting treatment can reduce stubborn fat by 25% within the treated areas. There is no downtime; patients can return to their daily activities immediately. Some patients experience some soreness or numbness from the procedure, which resolves independently in a few weeks.

FAQs about Kybella Injections

Can Kybella be combined with other cosmetic treatments?

Yes! Since Kybella is a non-surgical procedure, there is minimal downtime, and it can easily be combined with other cosmetic treatments for optimal rejuvenation results. Many of Dr. Green’s patients pair Thermage FLX, which tightens skin, with Kybella injections to reduce submental fat and achieve the best jawline. Thermage FlX is a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the dermal layers of the skin, stimulating new collagen production in the area being treated. The result is smoother, tighter, and firmer skin texture. As a completely non-invasive treatment, Thermage has no downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure. The cosmetic effects of Thermage can take three months to be visible but typically last up to two years. Most patients participate in annual maintenance sessions for consistently stunning results. Since it can take up to three months to start seeing results with Thermage, Dr. Green often recommends that her patients begin with Thermage FLX and follow up with Kybella sessions to tighten the skin and eliminate excess fat simultaneously.

What is the best double chin reducer?

The neck is an area of the body where many people often feel self-conscious. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, many develop a double chin. Both men and women are concerned about this cosmetic issue and actively seek solutions to tighten and reduce submental fat in this region. The good news is that there are effective, non-invasive cosmetic procedures that can reduce your double chin without the need for incisions or plastic surgery. Two of the best options are Kybella injections and CoolSculpting. Kybella injections are ideal for patients with small to moderate pockets of fat, while CoolSculpting is better suited for reducing more significant fat deposits. The best treatment choice will depend on the amount of fat in the double chin. Dr. Green often recommends a combination approach, using CoolSculpting to decrease the fat pocket size and completely remove the fat with a brief series of Kybella injections. These treatments can permanently reduce submental fullness, provided no weight gain occurs after completion. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding your non-invasive double chin reduction, she will create a customized treatment plan tailored to remove your submental fat, giving you the smooth, contoured jawline you desire.

Is Kybella worth the money?

Many patients find that Kybella with Dr. Green is worth the money due to the convenience of the non-surgical procedure, minimal downtime, few potential side effects, and stunning permanent results! In fact, Kybella is one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood. Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for eliminating unwanted excess fat, offering patients an excellent alternative to invasive plastic surgery. In just minutes, an expert like Dr. Green can perform Kybella injections, which immediately work to destroy excess fat cells in the treatment area.

How much does one vial of Kybella cost?

Although Kybella is unavailable for purchase over the counter or online, many clinics, med spas, and dermatology offices offer Kybella injections. Researching the experience and credentials of the person administering your cosmetic injectables is essential to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Typically, clinics and spas do not have physicians performing these procedures. While they might be more affordable, the injector may lack the necessary experience and understanding of the anatomy of the injected area. For optimal cosmetic results and safety, Kybella injections should always be performed by a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green is a skilled artist with over 25 years of experience in cosmetic injectables and was one of the first dermatologists in Manhattan’s Upper East Side to administer Kybella for cosmetic reasons. Dr. Green’s “less is more” philosophy ensures a natural look, leaving you refreshed and youthful.

Is CoolSculpting or Kybella cheaper?

CoolSculpting and Kybella can have comparable costs depending on the treated area and the number of sessions needed. CoolSculpting employs cryolipolysis to eliminate fat cells, which are gradually removed over time, helping to prevent loose skin. The machine features several attachments, such as the CoolMini, which enables effective targeting of various fat pockets. Kybella is an injectable form of deoxycholic acid that breaks down adipose tissue when injected into stubborn fat areas, allowing the body to eliminate the fat. The required amount of Kybella varies based on the treated area and the volume of fat present. For some patients, Dr. Green recommends CoolSculpting first to debulk the fat pocket and then complete the fat removal with a short series of Kybella injections. During a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green regarding your non-surgical fat reduction treatment, she will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your aesthetic objectives while accommodating your budget and schedule.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Kybella?

Kybella is an excellent option for reducing submental fullness; however, some patients wonder if there are more affordable alternatives. The primary treatment alternative to Kybella is CoolSculpting, which is similarly priced. The least expensive option for addressing submental fullness will depend on the quantity of fat present. The best way to find the most affordable solution for your submental fullness is to consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your skin before creating a tailored treatment plan that meets your aesthetic goals while considering your budget.

How much is each Kybella treatment?

The cost of each Kybella treatment will vary depending on the geographic location, the type of office, and the area being treated. Treatment in large metropolitan centers will be more expensive than in other locations. Medical spas may provide cheaper treatment but often have inexperienced nurse injectors. The risk of experiencing unwanted and adverse side effects increases exponentially when an unqualified or inexperienced injector performs treatment. It’s best to have your Kybella injections provided by a board-certified dermatologist in a medical setting to guarantee that your procedure is performed appropriately using the proper injection technique. The treated area will determine the number of vials required per treatment.

Does my insurance cover Kybella?

Kybella is a cosmetic treatment not medically necessary or covered by insurance. Contacting your insurance provider directly is the best way to determine your coverage.

How much is Kybella for the chin?

Many patients in Dr. Green’s private dermatology office ask, “What does Kybella cost for a double chin?” The answer is that it depends. The total cost varies based on the amount of fat present and the desired aesthetic results. More fat in the submental area will require additional Kybella to reduce it. Most patients need three to four treatment sessions; however, Dr. Green may recommend additional sessions to achieve optimal results. For some individuals with very minor chin fat to address, only two Kybella treatment sessions may be necessary. Once the desired results are achieved, patients can enjoy a more contoured jawline permanently, as long as they do not gain additional weight. When you consult with Dr. Green about Kybella for the chin, she will review the treatment cost and schedule after evaluating the target area.

How much is Kybella outside the US?

The cost of Kybella varies by country outside the US. The average price per treatment may be lower than in the United States; however, this does not include travel expenses, the provider’s and facility’s reputation, or recovery-related costs when considering the price difference. It is always best to receive Kybella injections from an experienced board-certified physician, such as a dermatologist, rather than a nurse injector who may not have the experience or training to administer them safely. When you consult with Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will evaluate your skin before creating a treatment plan that safely and effectively improves your submental fullness.

Why is Kybella so expensive?

Kybella is a minimally invasive fat reduction treatment that can yield permanent results. The cost of Kybella injections is affected by the skill level needed to perform the procedure, the manufacturing expenses, and the FDA approval of the treatment. Additionally, the size and scope of the treatment area and the geographic location of the office where you receive treatment can influence the final cost of Kybella injections. While opting for non-surgical fat removal treatments with a non-licensed professional might be cheaper, the risk of experiencing undesirable cosmetic outcomes or dangerous side effects increases. To ensure safety, effectiveness, and optimal skin rejuvenation results, it is always advisable to undergo non-surgical fat reduction treatments with an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

How do I get started with Kybella injections in NYC?

Kybella is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment designed to reduce excess fat. As the first and only FDA-approved injectable for submental fat removal, patients appreciate that Kybella can eliminate the appearance of a double chin with few potential side effects and minimal downtime. It can also be easily combined with other non-invasive cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation. Kybella injections can help achieve a slimmer, more defined jawline and chin profile, and they can also reduce excess fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, knees, upper arms, and bra area. Dr. Green was one of the first healthcare providers in NYC to offer Kybella injections for non-surgical fat removal and has assisted many men and women from around the globe in achieving their ideal body contouring goals.

Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience delivering some of the best non-surgical procedures for body contouring and skin rejuvenation, including Kybella, to the world’s most discerning individuals. Dr. Green adopts a holistic approach and follows a less-is-more philosophy, customizing each patient’s treatment plan with in-office procedures such as Juvederm fillers and targeted skin care regimen to meet their specific needs and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized as one of NYC’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, the New York Times, and New York Magazine for her dedication to patient care and expertise. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about Kybella, contact us online or call the NYC office at 212-535-3088 today.