Continuing with Kybella more than a year later?

Question

I had 2 sessions of Kybella, a year and half ago. My doctor said the 3rd session could possibly be optional. I never went back for my 3rd session due to a full schedule of meetings/social events (didn't want to risk looking swollen). is it ok to continue with my 3rd session of Kybella? Any risks since I waited over a year between treatments? The injections left a dimpled surface in the pattern of the patch where I was injected, still there over a year later, should I be concerned?

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

There is no medical reason why you cannot have a third Kybella treatment more than a year after your first two treatments. Each of those treatments probably removed about 25% of your submental fat, which means there is still more to be dissolved. The only reason we suggest having the treatments closer together is so that you get your final results sooner.
As for the dimpling, I'm not sure whether that's from fat or collagen. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist will give you a better idea of what's causing the dimpling and whether it can be remedied simply by your third Kybella treatment, or if you need some other treatment to remedy it.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about an extended time-frame for Kybella treatments.  In our office we typically space our sessions 8-10 weeks (or more depending on our client's schedules) apart, and most people will need 2 to 4 sessions for a full treatment.  There shouldn't be any harm in having your 3rd treatment more than a year later, and the irregularities you see in your skin may improve.  If not, there are other treatments that can help with a smoother appearance. Your board certified provider should guide you through this process.  Best of luck with your treatments!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If there is residual fat after Kybella, despite a longer time frame than 5-6 weeks after the last treatment, more can still be done. The result may not be as consistent because of some mature collagen production that had developed over the year as a result of processing the dead fat cells. If there is a dimple a year after treatment, it is doubtful it would correct itself so patients who have any issues they are concerned about after a cosmetic treatment should see the doctor who treated them for a follow up examination.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

suggest seeing an expert, posting pictures and then we can give the best opinion.  There are options for lipo as well.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There would be no problem having your third Kybella treatment more than a year after the first two treatment sessions.  It is difficult to give you further advice about the dimpled surface you see without examining you or at least seeing a photograph of the area.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can return to your cosmetic surgeon or injector for a 3rd session at any time. Perhaps a 3rd treatment session can improve some of the dimpling that you are concerned about. Kybella works by dissolving fat at the site of the injection.

James D. Namnoum, MD, FACS · Answer

In my opinion, there is no downside to picking up where you left off with your Kybella® injections after taking time off. The interruption in your treatments should have not have any negative effects. Whatever fat cells were destroyed during your previous treatment sessions will still be gone.

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

It's fine to delay your third Kybella session. Each treatment session is helpful so the delay doesn't matter. So as long as you still have some fat you'd like to remove, your third Kybella treatment will still be effective months or years after your second treatment. As for the dimpled pattern, that can probably be resolved with Kybella or a tightening treatment such as Ultherapy – depending on what is causing it. Please see a board-certified dermatologist to have your submental area evaluated, get your last Kybella treatment, and smooth out the dimples.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I always wait at least four weeks between injections to have Kybella performed.  There is no problem at all in waiting a year in between injections.  Hopefully this will clear up whatever irregularities you have. Best, Dr. Green

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

I don't see why there would be any problem with your having your third Kybella treatment a year after your first two. Hopefully, this third session will help to address your remaining skin irregularities.

Continuing with Kybella more than a year later?

Answers (11)

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