Could Kybella be used to create contour around peri-oral area?

Question

So many good looking men have indentions in their cheeks, specifically in the area right beside where the lips come together on each side. Is this the peri-oral area? I was wondering if Kybella could be used to slim down the fat in this area? I have heard that facial liposuction of this region is dangerous, but it seems to me that you could approximate some of the contour by removing fat using Kybella? Do any of the doctors here do this procedure?

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

Honestly I would not inject Kybella in that lower cheek area, as it's definitely an off label area to be treated, and that probably isn't a "fat issue" anyway. More than likely if you had fillers added to your upper/lateral cheek area, that would lift the area of your concern and make it appear more hollow. The trick is to get enough filler to elevate that  area, probably 2-3 syringes. Without seeing a picture, another option would be to add filler along jaw line if needed,  to enhance that area also, then there is an option of Botox to lateral jaw area (masseter muscle) to thin a square jaw from masseter hypertrophy, if that's an issue.Best of luck, Dr. G

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

Kybella uses deoxycholic acid to melt fat underneath the chin. I have also used it for the jowls very successfully. Occasionally, I might treat a small area of fat elsewhere; this is an off-label use but can have nice results.
However, I wouldn’t use Kybella in the cheeks and particularly would not try to remove a small, defined area of fat. I commonly use Ultherapy to contour the lower face by tightening the SMAS (muscle) that helps reposition the superficial fat pads and makes the lower face more contoured without the destroying fat that keeps us looking younger. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to answer your question; you need to be examined in person to find the most satisfactory solution.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

This would be high risk because Kybella cannot tell the difference between fat, muscle and nerves. I would be concerned about muscle weakness, paralysis and drooling if this was injected here. Consider dermal filler and neuromodulators instead.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

That does not mean that it can't be done.  What it is more likely to mean is that we are still trying to figure out how to control kybella.  You could end up with the result you want or something else.  Let the buyer beware.

Lillian Overman, MD · Answer

Hello, 
You have posed an interesting question about using Kybella to create dimples on the face.
The following issues should be considered:
1. This would be an "off label" use. In this case, the word "label" refers to the information that the FDA allows and requires after a medicine is approved. "Off label" designates usage in ways other than those approved. Practically speaking, this means Kybella has not been tested and proven safe and effective for creating dimples.
2. Kybella spreads out from the injection site so the results might look more like a bowl than a puncture.
3. Dimples are caused by tugging while the smile muscles contract. Having a permanent dent in your face, even when you are not smiling, may not look attractive.
4. Kybella can damage the protective layer that surrounds nerves and can cause loss of sensation or paralysis. The approved area under the chin carries a much lower risk than the face of injuring a nerve and causing paralysis of a muscle.
Regarding dimples, I have a patient who had his cheeks pierced and small studs placed in the location typical of dimples. This was done before I met him. If he had asked me beforehand, I would have advised against it. However, the effect was surprisingly charming for this person's face and the site where the studs were placed. This might not work well or look good on your face.
I hope that this information is helpful to you.
Best regards,
Lillian Overman, MD

Could Kybella be used to create contour around peri-oral area?

Answers (9)

Answer: What you are proposing is off-label.

Answer: What you are proposing is off-label.

Answer: Kybella for dimples?

Answer: Kybella for dimples?

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Could Kybella be used to create contour around peri-oral area?

Answers (9)

Answer: What you are proposing is off-label.

Answer: What you are proposing is off-label.

Answer: Kybella for dimples?

Answer: Kybella for dimples?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Kybella

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.