How is Kybella safe?

Kybella injecitons are FDA approved for the reduction of fat in the neck below the chin. The bile salts we use in our intestines to dissolve fat we eat, are used in Kybella to dissolve the fat underneath the skin. There are risks with all treatments, and although there can be numbness, soreness, temporary beard loss in the treated area, nerve weakness in the area treated and other risks including scabbing and scarring, there isn't evidence the company has shared with physicians that other organs such as the heart can be affected. The right candidate who only has fat accumulation in this neck area, has a high chance of being satisfied with the results after a few Kybella treatments as it has a good patient satisfaction rating, keeping in mind there is temporary bruising and swelling that may last a few weeks or more.

Yes Kybella is safe when used as described by the  company Allergan. It does have some side effects such as swelling and mild discomfort which can last a few days as well as numbness that lasts about 4-6 weeks. There are some other risks such as nerve weakness to the muscles around your mouth but these should be very infrequent and will slowly return to normal. The medicine works just where it is injected and I am not aware that it spreads into the rest of your body or organs.

Kybella is safe to use, or we certainly wouldn't be using it!Kybella acts locally, right where it is injected, to dissolve fat, and give our patients a more pleasing chin/neck contour. I too was skeptical of Kybella, having performed liposuction for years to help reshape the submental (under the chin) and neck contour. However, after having tried Kybella, and after seeing the results for myself, I've been very impressed.For very fatty necks, however, Kybella is not the answer, and liposuction will achieve better results. 

Kybella is composed of deoxycholic acid, which is a substance our body produces naturally. It is injected into submental fat, where it dissolves fat cells that are then eliminated from the body through the lymph system. Kybella does not enter the blood stream and so cannot affect the rest of your body or cross the blood-brain barrier. It is safe, quick, minimally invasive and quite effective. Generally it takes about three to five treatments to obtain desired results. Please see a board-certified dermatologist if you have other concerns.

Kybella is absorbed into the fat cells in the area under the chin where it is injected. It is a natural material and has a good safety record.

There are possible complications similar to any surgery.  If not injected properly infections, ulcers, irregularities, scarring etc.  I suggest you only go to an expert to inject this if you are considering treatment -- someone who does a lot of neck liposuction/surgery and understands anatomy and technique. Best, Dr. Emer.