How much Kybella is typically injected in each treatment, and what is the cost? (photos)

Question

I recently had a treatment of kybella done and they injected 1cc and there were 6-8 injections, the cost at the clinic is $650 (minus a $200 coupon from allergan) I've read online that vials are 2 ml, and are approx $650

Michael Tomcik, MD · Answer

Thank you for your great question. 
In our clinic, we typically use at least 2 vials of kybella per treatment. We have found that initially treating with this dose yields better results for our patients. 
In our area, kybella runs about $600-650 per vial. Some clinics will discount the additional vial. Hope this helps. 
Best, Dr. Tomcik

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

1 vial is a very conservative place to start, but you don't appear to have a lot of fat. In terms of cost, it's going to vary by location and surgeon but $650 a vial is within the normal range.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your
photographs tantalizingmystery. I understand your concern. Kybella is the first
and thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for the double
chin. The double chin can be formed by various factors including age, weight
gain, and genetics.The active ingredient in Kybella (deoxycholic
acid) is used by the body to digest the dietary fat. When injected into
the double chin it will dissolve the fat and it is eliminated by the body
naturally over time. The pivotal studies demonstrated that most
people require two to four treatments, sometimes up to six treatments. The
pivotal studies used two vials per treatment, which is what I use for my
patients. Some doctors use more or less than this amount, which is fine. Each
vial contains 2 mL of product and 0.2 mL aliquots are used for each injection per the manufacturer's guidelines; therefore, one vial would be enough for 10 injections using this
method.Although in the pivotal studies treatments were
performed at four week intervals, I find that performing treatments at twelve week
intervals provides for better results. This may be due to an increased amount
of time for healing of the skin, allowing nodules to dissolve and swelling to
completely subside. Therefore, I recommend that patients start with one
treatment, followed by a second treatment three months later, and return three
months after that to assess initial results. At that point, more treatments may
be performed if further enhancement is desired. Patience is important.With any injection, there is a risk for pain,
bleeding, bruising, redness, tenderness, swelling, and infection, We take
special precautions to minimize these risks. We numb the skin prior to the
treatment and apply cold air to maximize our patients' comfort. We treat
bruises with a laser as early as the next day. Bruises usually resolve by two
weeks and after a laser treatment they usually resolve in one to three days,
although it still can take up to two weeks for full resolution. Most people
feel a burning sensation for about 15 minutes after the treatment. This is
addressed by placing cold compresses on the area which we provide in our
office.The most common concern for our patients after a
treatment is swelling, which occurs 100% of the time and I feel that this is an
indication that the treatment is working. I tell my patients to expect swelling
for one to two weeks. Some people describe it as looking like a pelican or
bullfrog. Therefore, patients prepare for this by scheduling their treatments
at times where they are not planning any special events where they want to look
their best. Some people will wear a turtleneck or scarf during this time to
hide the swelling. For my patients, I recommend applying cold compresses such
as ice packs to the area to reduce the swelling. We provide cold compresses
which can be frozen and re-used which attach to a wrap that goes around the
neck and crown of the head. Also sleeping on an extra pillow if not
uncomfortable will help to reduce the swelling.Those interested in Kybella treatments for the
double chin are usually also interested in improving jawline definition. While
Kybella, Cool Sculpting Mini, and liposuction all improve jawline definition,
there are other treatments that can be performed to further improve the jawline
definition. Fillers such as Voluma can be placed on the jawline or in the chin.
This will sharpen the jawline. Such fillers can also be placed in the upper
cheeks to restore lost volume to the mid-face. This provides the structural
support for the face that is slowly lost over time. As a result, this will pull
up on the lower face to improve the jawline definition. Simultaneously it will
restore the youthful apple of the cheek and address nasolabial folds (the
wrinkles that go from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth),
marionette lines (the wrinkles that go from the corners of the mouth to the
jawline), and jowls. Skin tightening treatments such as fractional CO2 laser
resurfacing can stimulate the skin to form its own natural, new, fresh, and
healthy collagen. This will tighten the skin and pull the lower face upward. Finally,
Botox can be placed in the platysma muscle in the neck which pulls down on the
lower face. When this muscle is relaxed it will lead to a subtle lift of the
jawline further improving the definition. Combinations of such treatments yield
improved results.Pricing varies from office to office. Please
click the link above for more information. I recommend that patients look for a
qualified injector instead of the best price. Look for experience, before and
after photographs, and testimonials.Please consult with a doctor for specific
recommendations. Good luck!

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Kybella dosages are typically based on the surface area being treated - each 0.2cc injection of Kybella diffuses though a set area.  1cc is an exceptionally low dose - in the initial scientific studies, average first dose was 6.4cc (just over 3 vials).  I personally seldom use less than 3 vials per treatment, and often use more than that.  I find that patients see results sooner and with fewer treatments when they are dosed appropriately.  I hope this helps.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

Hi there-- most people need 2 vials (or 4 ml) per treatment, but some may need less-- depends on the amount of fat and how large the area is. Prices vary, in my area $600-$650/vial would be typical, with discounts often if you buy additional vials (most people need 2-4 treatments). It looks like you don't have a large amount of fat in the submentum, but that needs to be assessed in person. Most places will not offer to do less than 1 vial, so it is not surprising that they charged you for a full vial. They cannot be used later on another person.

How much Kybella is typically injected in each treatment, and what is the cost? (photos)

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