Kybella for bra fat. What are the risks?

Question

What are the risks for this treatment? Side effects? I was old the ingredients of Kybella your body produces naturally.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

The FDA has only approved Kybella as being safe and effective for submental fat (double chins). However, a number of my colleagues and I have found it useful in off-label treatments as well. Off-label does not mean that it is not safe; it just means that the safety has not been verified by long-term prospective studies in that area of the body. However, as you noted, Kybella is composed of deoxycholic acid — a substance found naturally in bile, which our bodies produce. It will not harm you. Side effects for bra fat treatment are similar as that for the submental treatment: some soreness, swelling, bruising or tenderness that will resolve in a few days. Swelling can sometimes last a couple of weeks. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist will determine if you are a good candidate for Kybella bra-fat treatments.

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Kybella is FDA-approved for treatment of submental fat. The active ingredient of Kybella - deoxycholic acid - is naturally present in our biliary secretions, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the agent is harmless and Kybella injection should be performed by experienced physicians to minimize the risk of tissue injury. In theory, Kybella can be used to dissolve and reduce fat under the skin in other parts of body (off-label used), but specifically for reducing the bra bulge I recommend other treatments such as SculpSure which can reduce the fat significantly in a series of treatment with less risk of complications. I hope it helps and good luck!

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

While Kybella is only FDA approved for under the chin, it is often used "off label" to treat the bra fat and is very effective. It will probably take more than one session so keep that in mind. The risks are minimal but you can expect to have some bruising and swelling following your treatment. See a really experienced injector to be assessed in person and discuss.

Michelle Eagan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Kybella is great for bra fat.  It is FDA approved for fat reduction of the double chin area but many plastic surgeons use it off-label for reducing small areas of fat, including the bra-fat area. Similar risks of injevting under the chin apply but injection of bra fat, in the hands of experienced injectors, will be more commonly associated with swelling and possible bruising afterwards.  Multiple treatments may be needed depending on the volume of fat you want to reduce. Please see a qualified and experienced injector to see if Kybella would work for you.

Linette Rivera, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid which is a molecule that is normally produced in the gallbladder. It helps with the breakdown and absorption of fat. It is currently FDA approved to be used in the submental area or "double chin". It has been used "off label" in the underarm area or "bra fat" and under the buttocks. Unfortunately, long term risks cannot be established at this time, since it has not been studied for a long time yet. The short term side effects are pain in the injected area, swelling and you could develop some redness or bruising which resolves in around 4 days. Off label treatment in these areas have great results and reduce unwanted fat. I would recommend you get a consultation with a physician who has experience with this product and who knows how to inject it and how far you can go in the underarm region to prevent any unwanted side effects. I hope this helps, Dr. Linette Rivera- Bella Mia Medical.

George Ibrahim, MD · Answer

Kybella uses ingredients that your body has already, to destroy and remove unwanted fat.  Using this product to treat bra strap fat is very safe, with the only real risks being bruises and, rarely, infection, and those are the risks of any needle sticks.  Most patients will need multiple treatments.  So, get started soon!  And be sure your provider is experienced!

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

True, Kybella is made of deoxycholic acid, a substance that your body already has.  Kybella has only been FDA approved for use under the chin, but some physicians are using it off label in other locations.  There are no studies available currently to support the use of Kybella in non FDA-approved locations so the risks and side effects are unknown.  Under the chin, it can lead to swelling and may cause nerve injury if not performed correctly.  I recommend seeing a physician who has been trained and is experienced in its use and discuss the pros and cons of using it in the bra area.  Good luck.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi cg7734,
KYBELLA® is officially approved for use under the chin where it dissolves and destroys fat permanently. It is a synthetic deoxycholic acid which in its natural state is naturally produced by the body to breakdown fat. I've extensively used it in practice for the removal of bra fat and produced excellent results particularly in patients who have "pinchable" fat around the area. I don't recommend it for patients with very loose skin.
It will take a few treatments to reach the desired aesthetic goals but is a very good, non-surgical/noninvasive   alternative to liposuction. It is effective, precise, safe and well-tolerated. We are hoping the procedure will go "white label soon". Tell your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, anti-platelet or herbal supplements.
Each treatment session will last around 15-20 minutes. What you can expect are bruising, swelling, pain and redness. Report any other incidents that won't improve a week after the injection. Choose your doctor well so you can choose this option with confidence.
All the best, 
Justin Harper, M.D.

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