Why can't Kybella be used wider out on the neck? Why can it only be used right under the chin?

Thank you for your excellent question.  Kybella has been used in off label manners to address bra fat and other smaller areas of localized adiposity.  The only FDA indication for Kybella use is in the submental (below the chin) region and it is not recommended to be used wider for concerns of a temporary injury to the nerve responsible for controlling your lower lip. Hope this helps.

If the pocket of fat under your chin extends to a wider margin, Kybella is still effective and can be used.  I've also had success using Kybella off-label in other small areas of fat such as bra fat, back fat, and lipomas.Good luck!

Kybella is approved for the reduction of fat under the chin.  However, Kybella can theoretically be used anywhere there is excess fat.  However, it is usually cost-prohibitive and not predictable to use in larger areas.  Kybella has been used in the lateral fat of the neck as well as pre-bra fat with good success.  However, in off-label use, it should only be used by the most experienced of injectors due to increase risk.

Kybella can be used on the neck and jawline if there is fat. I suggest you see an expert though for the best outcomes as it is currently only approved for under the chin other areas are off label. Best,  Dr. Emer.

Kybella dissolves and kills fat cells but it also creates large amounts of inflammation. That inflammation can injure nerves that move the lower face. There is a safe area where Kybella can be placed in the middle of the chin fat pad but as you move to the outer areas beneath the jaw the risk of injuring nerves and blood vessels rises. Kybella is a safe product but please consult with an experienced physician injector that understands the product's risks. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

The reason that Kybella is only FDA approved for the submental fat is that when it is used in other areas of the neck, it can cause temporary nerve injury. Kindly,Kouros Azar

Kybella is approved for the submental region and can be used very safely in this area. Going higher along the jawline has shown in the initial clinical trials to produce occasional nerve injury that was temporary. Use caution and make sure you are going to a skilled injector. 

Early studies demonstrated risk to branches of the facial nerve, either from the injection or the inflammatory response, when injected in the lateral neck. Consequently, and treatment of the lateral neck would be considered "off label."   Note that patients that have global adipose deposits in the neck often get more benefit from alternative treatments such as liposuction or a formal neck lift.  Best of luck. 

Kybella is FDA-approved for the fat under the chin (submental fat).  It can be used off-label further out to the sides of the neck when needed.  If you think you need Kybella further out to the sides of your neck, please make sure you are being treated to an expert injector.  Good luck!

Kybella is a relatively new treatment used to address the double chin, also known as submental fullness. Thus far the FDA has only approved Kybella for treatment in this area. This is because the studies have only been performed in this area and the safety is established. Kybella has not been studied in the United States in other areas of the body so we do not know about risks and side effects. For this reason, use of Kybella in other areas is considered off label. Studies are in progress to determine the safety and efficacy of Kybella and other injectable treatments elsewhere on the body. A number of non-surgical body contouring treatment options are available such as Cool Sculpting and SculpSure. I recommend consulting with a doctor in your area for more information. Good luck!