Can Kybella be injected deep into the submental area to target fat behind the platysma?

Question

Is Kybella only approved to be injected to the fat that sits on top of the platysma muscle or are there instances where it can even be injected much deeper to target the stubborn fat pockets behind the platysma muscle that can otherwise only be accessed via a neck lift?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dan8595,
Kybella typically takes 3 to 5 treatments to work. This is why I've stopped carrying Kybella in my office.  I recommend neck liposuction more often then any injectable procedure for the neck now. It provides superior results gives me more control over the area than any injectable.  It also costs about the same as what you paid for your first kybella session. The liposuction can be done under local while awake in the office and recovery is about the same as kybella.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is not indicated for deeper fat as it can hurt the nerves and cause nerve weakness for a long time. RegardsDr. J

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Kybella is FDA-approved for use on fat under the chin that is above the platysma.  Kybella can be used in an off-label manner to treat other areas though.  Some doctors will use it to treat fat in the jowls.  I have used Kybella to treat fat under the platysma and had good success with this.  Not all physicians will do this however and it would be considered an off-label use.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

No, there’s a high risk of damage to surrounding structures. It should only be injected in the preplatysmal fat. Consult with your doctor to know more.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we would not recommend injecting Kybella into the deep space in the neck  because there is nerves and blood vessels in that location. It's not FDA approved for that application either. Best to consider a surgical neck lift

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

FDA approval is for fat reduction above the platysma using Kybella. Using Kybella is a challenge when trying to reduce fat layers above the platysma let alone below.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The sub platysmal fat pad as worthwhile assessing and conservatively respecting during open surgery. It is not something that is necessary to remove in order to get good facial contour through Liposuction of the supplemental area if a proper assessment has been made in the primary problem is fat.so many times the problem is primarily skeletal and not based on subcutaneous fat.Kybella It’s also so inferior to Liposuction that this doesn’t make sense unless someone is willing to try Liposuction which is the gold standard.  Injecting toxic substances whose primary purpose it is to destroy tissue deep into the neck sounds like a fairly disastrous suggestion. I question this medications use in the first place considering how successful Liposuction is.With an Alargan FDA study showing 4% facial nerve paralysis why would someone choose this as an option. To contemplate injecting this drug deep into the neck seems ludicrous.Sorry for my negative approach. Anyone With a medical background suggesting this should be seriously questioned.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Can Kybella be injected deep into the submental area to target fat behind the platysma?

Answers (7)

More Kybella Questions

Kybella/Belkyra vs CoolSculpting? (Photo)

Am I a good candidate for Kybella or would you recommend chin augmentation?

Should I do Kybella or continue with Morpheus 8 to treat the fat around my jaw? (Photos)

What would be best for my jawline fat since Morpheus 8 didn't help - Kybella or other? (photos)

Kybella in jowl area, good or not so good?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS