Kybella® (Deoxycholic acid) Injection for Submental Fullness

Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for unwanted fat below the chin (submental fullness or double chin). Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the body. When injected underneath the skin, the medicine destroys fat cells. 3-6 treatments administered at least 1 month apart may be needed to achieve the desired results. Each treatment session takes approximately 15-30 minutes. Common side effects of swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, areas of hardness, and itching can last 2-7 days, sometimes longer, but are usually temporary and often resolve on their own.

The risks and possible side effects of Kybella® injections include:

• Nerve injury of the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness which is usually temporary and self resolving.
• Trouble swallowing which is usually temporary and self resolving.
• Although uncommon, it is possible that treatment may yield no appreciable change in the appearance of the fullness under the chin.

Please notify your provider if you have had or plan to have surgery or cosmetic treatments on your face, neck or chin, if you have had medical conditions in or near the neck area, if you have had trouble swallowing, if you have bleeding problems, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan in the near future to be pregnant, or if you are on any blood thinners.

You should not receive Kybella if you are pregnant, if you have an infection in the neck/chin area, if you have trouble swallowing, if you have bleeding problems, if you have medical conditions in or near the neck area or if you have had cosmetic surgery of the chin/neck area.

Kybella® Postcare Instructions

• Redness, swelling, bruising and hardness of the skin are common for 2-7 days, but may last up to 2 weeks following the procedure.
• Numbness and soreness of the treated area are common and may last up to 1 month.
• Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area.
• Avoid irritants (e.g. products containing glycolic acid, retinoids) until all the redness and swelling have resolved.
• You may apply cool compresses intermittently for 15 minutes per hour for comfort and to reduce swelling.
• Make-up can be applied the following day if the skin is not broken or irritated.
• Tylenol (preferred over Ibuprofen within the first 24 hours) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can be taken as needed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Avoid alcohol consumption and strenuous activity the first 24 hours after the procedure.
• Sleeping with an extra pillow to keep the head elevated is recommended for the first 2-3 days.
• Immediately notify your doctor if you have any concerns, are experiencing any uncommon side effects of the treatment including:
  • Severe pain, spreading redness, swelling, bruising, lumpiness, warmth to the touch, a discharge of fluid from the treated area, fever.
  • A whitening or darkening/blackening of areas of skin, ulceration, skin breakdown.
  • Difficulty swallowing, an uneven smile or difficulty with movement of the mouth/chin muscles.
• Remember, in an emergency, our doctors can be reached after-hours and on weekends directly through our voice-mail system by calling 858-693-3000 and following the voice-mail prompts.