Can Kybella be used on the nose?

Question

I have a bulbous "fatty" nose . I went to a surgeon to see if we could make my nose thinner but he said he could only do so much because of how small my nostrils are and he did not want to compromise my breathing which I completely understood . I'm considering getting fillers in the future to fix the problem since I really don't want to make any permanent changes at the moment however I've read some articles about how kybella can be used on other parts of the body including the nose .

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, I don't recommend Kybella for this. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to go over your desired results. Facial fillers (voluma, restylane, juvederm) along with Botox can be used to improve the symmetry of the nose. However, it won't make the nose appear smaller. Surgery would be needed to improve nostrils or overall shape. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael Loffredo, MD · Answer

I do not believe that it is a good idea to consider kybella treatments to the nose. The effects of kybella  are difficult to predict and especially in the nose where you need very definite results, kybella would not be a good option.  You should seek the consultation of a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While there are some off-label uses of Kybella that I think can have nice outcomes, I would not recommend using it in the nose. Deformities of the nose are not usually due to fat tissue but rather deformations of the underlying cartilage or structural framework of the nose. Kybella only treats fat, so it would not only be dangerous, but would most likely be ineffective as well. I would suggest seeing a local board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in rhinoplasty to get an accurate assessment of your anatomy and treatment options.Hope this helps!

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

I would not advice you to have Kybella injections on the nose. Kybella is approved by the FDA for submental fat reduction, otherwise called “double chin”, only, although it can be used off label elsewhere.

Christine Stanko, MD · Answer

Hello beam195,
Thank you for your pictures and questions. I do not suggest injecting Kybella in the nose. I suggest scheduling a consultation with a provider in your area to find out what your options are. Best of Luck!

Violetta Mailyan, DO, MS · Answer

Hi, 
No, the cause of bulbous nose may be multiple, Kybella is not the answer. See another plastic surgeon for 2nd option. Hope you get the results you desire, Dr Violetta Mailyan.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Kybella should not be used on the nose. It is not FDA approved for that area and you are under serious risk of damaging the delicate structures of your nose. There are other ways to reduce the thickness of the skin and fat around the nose but Kybella is not one of them. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery@drjohnsonlee

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi beam195, Kybella is FDA-cleared for submental fat because injection in that area is relatively safe. The nose on the other hand, does not contain a lot of fat. It is mostly cartilage - something Kybella won't be effective with. There are many dangerous structures in the nose and since Kybella can cause swelling , it might compromise the airway etc. The sinuses are also interconnected and this can cause complications.All the best,Justin Harper, M.D.

Can Kybella be used on the nose?

Answers (8)