SERVICES: Kybella™

Are there alternatives to Kybella™?

Kybella™ is the only medication in its class, so there isn’t a clear minimally-invasive alternative to Kybella™.  Although Kybella™ is the only medication approved to treat fullness under the chin, there are other options available to rejuvenate the neck area. 

 

One options for neck fullness is neck liposuction, a procedure that can be combined with a face lift.  Neck liposuction and facelift surgery both have a long track record of success for rejuvenating the neck and lower face.  But neck liposuction is invasive and has a prolonged recovery period.  For many patients, the invasive nature of neck liposuction isn’t a good fit for their active lifestyle, especially if they only have moderate fullness beneath their chins. 

 

Beyond surgical procedures, there are other new options for neck rejuvenation.  One option is Ulthera®, a technology that has garnered significant attention.  Ulthera® uses focused ultrasound energy to tighten tissues beneath the skin.  Ultrasound energy has an established history of safety in medicine, including examining babies before birth.  That safety profile makes Ulthera® an exciting option for many patients, but since Ulthera® doesn’t dissolve or break up fat within the neck, it isn’t a clear substitute for Kybella™.  Some people may be a good candidate for Ulthera® and others might be a better candidate for Kybella™.

 

How does Kybella™ help rejuvenate my neck?

Kybella™ is also known as deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring compound in our digestive system.  Deoxcycholic acid plays an important role in breaking down the fat we eat, so it is particularly well suited to break down unwanted fat cells within the neck.  Kybella™ breaks up the fat cells in the neck, helping to slim the overall profile of your neck.  

 

How do I know if Kybella™ is the right choice for me?

Kybella™ is for people with moderate-to-severe fatty fullness beneath the chin and jaw.  It isn’t designed to tighten skin, rather it targets the troublesome “double chin” some patients struggle with.  Stop in to the office to talk with Dr. Repp about whether Kybella™ is the right choice for you. 

 

Will I need to come back regularly to maintain the desired effect? 

Kybella™ permanently breaks up fat cells.  After these cells break down, they can’t store fat, so the effect of Kybella™ effects are expected to be long-lasting.  Keep in mind, however, that many patients will need several treatments to achieve their goal.

 

How many treatments will I need?

Each person is different, but many good candidates for Kybella™ will need two or three treatments to get the best results.  It does take time for Kybella™ to work, so treatments should be spaced at least four weeks apart. 

 

Dr. Repp will work together with you to tailor a treatment plan to your goals.  

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What should I expect the day that I see Dr. Repp?

You can expect a chance to talk with Dr. Repp about your goals and whether Kybella™ is the best choice to help you meet your goals.  If you and Dr. Repp both agree Kybella™ is a good option, you can plan on treatment the same day as your consultation. 

 

Are there any side effects?

As with any rejuvenation procedure, there are risks to treatment. Patients may develop bruising, swelling, redness and numbness in the area treated with Kybella™.  Rarely, there is a risk for more significant side effects, such as injury to the nerves of the lower face.  This may lead to an uneven smile, difficulty swallowing or weak facial muscles, in rare instances. 

 

Can you use Kybella™ anywhere else?

At this time, Kybella™ is only approved for use in the neck.