Can Kybella be used in other areas of the body? For example, fat that gathers just above the elbow?

Kybella is being used on other areas of the body with great results, outside of the submental area which is what it has been FDA approved for. It will likely take several sessions to see improvement, but for those who do not want to have an invasive procedure it is a great option. I would get a consultation. Best, Dr. P.

Kybella is FDA approved in the US for the area beneath the chin. Anything else would be an off label use, I do not recommend that at this point. There are other manufacturers that are in the process of developing an injectable that can be used in the abdomen area. It will not replace liposuction but be an adjunct therapy when approved.

Kybella is FDA-approved for use in the submental (double chin) area only. It is being used "off-label" in various body areas, similar to how certain fillers, Botox, etc are commonly used in areas outside of their FDA-approved region. Be sure to see an expert physician injector.All the best,

Kybella was approved by the FDA for the treatment of fat under the chin and only under the chin, so it should not be used under the arm. Mesotherapy which is a popular treatment in Europe is not officially approved by the FDA . It contains bile acids such as deoxycholic acid, the main ingredient in Kybella, plus other substances like phosphatidylcholine, carnitine, aminophyline etc... and is very effective .

The cost of Kybella is still to high to use on other,  larger areas of the body.  Go with the Coolmini applicator instead.My best,Dr. Nazarian@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Kybella is FDA-approved only for use in a very well circumscribed area under the chin, for safety reasons. Many physicians who were using "mesotherapy" in the past discontinued use of this non-FDA approved procedure for various reasons, including safety.  For the area that you are describing, tumescent liposuction can easily be performed using local anesthesia and a small suction cannula (tube) in the office of a dermatologic or plastic surgeon.  In my experience, most dermatologic surgeons (including myself) are specifically trained to perform tumescent liposuction using local exclusively local anesthesia, (which makes the procedure extremely safe); while most plastic surgeons perform liposuction using general anesthesia. 

Kybella is currently only approved for the used of under chin fullness.  Once additional studies have been completed there may may a chance they will approve the injection for use in other areas.  One thing to consider is the amount necessary needed to treat the fat.  It probably would be more cost effective (and safer at this point) to treat the area with in-office lipo.  

Kybella recently received FDA approval only for sub mental (under the chin) fat reduction.  In Europe and other countries, Kybella is used thru out the body including elbows, knees, and abdomen.I think its best to stick to on label as with all new products at first until we master the technique.  We have done the dame with Botox, fillers, and laser devices.  Safety first.  Time and experience in the U.S. will help us determine what other off label areas are safe and effective.Ran Y. Rubinstein, MD
200 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, New York
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon (ABFPRS)Fellow American Society forLaser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS)
Clinical Professor New York Presbyterian Hospital
National Education Faculty (physician trainer) for:
Allergan (Botox, Juvederm, Voluma), Galderma
(Scultpra, Restylane, Silk), Cynosure (Cellulaze, Precision Laser Lift)
& Solta (Fraxel, Thermage)Zeltiq( CoolSculpting)

Kybella is FDA indicated for the sub mental region and has been well studied to minimize complications such as nerve injury.  In theory, it can be used off label and does require a strong understanding of the underlying anatomy to be able to do this safely and effectively.  I would recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your are to discuss your options with you.

I have used this in other areas such as parts of the face, belly button and post liposuction deformities.  This is completely OFF LABEL but so far in my experience has not caused any issues.  It takes a number of treatments just like the submental/chin fat area. Sometimes however, areas like the elbow do very well with microliposuction that has almost no downtime.  You need a formal consultation.  Best, Dr. Emer.