Kybella injections prior to pregnancy - 4 vials total.

Question

I am strongly interested in getting two treatments of Kybella (4 vials total) done, my only setback is that I plan to try to conceive in the next year or two. Being that Kybella is a relatively new product, there are no studies that link Kybella to its effects on pregnancy. Is it worth injecting this new "naturally occurring acid" into my body without knowing how it could effect a future pregnancy? Thank you.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

Kybella is made of deoxycholic acid, which our gall bladder secretes naturally. When injected into the submental fat, Kybella works its effects in that area and is then metabolized by the body as if it were endogenous (produced in the body) deoxycholic acid. It doesn’t linger. It doesn’t change the blood or body chemistry. It is not contraindicated in women of child bearing age. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist will help you get all the answers you need to move forward with Kybella or to choose another effective fat-removal technique, such as liposuction or CoolSculpting.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would not recommend having Kybella treatments while you are trying to conceive, but I do not think there would be any harm in having the Kybella now and conceiving in a year or two.  If you are not comfortable with that, you could always have liposuction instead.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I recommend simply having neck liposuction, which does not require multiple treatments over time.  A single neck liposuction is much more effective than multiple Kybella treatments.  You get your result with a single treatment with a brief recovery period.  Because of the lack of information about how Kybella could effect your efforts to become pregnant, don't do Kybella while trying to conceive.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear nejsisjsnd:The deoxycholic acid in Kybella is secreted by your gall bladder to digest fats in the food you eat, and is also present in your blood in small quantities. It is understandable that you are concerned, but there is absolutely no reason that Kybella should affect your ability to conceive or bear children.All the best,Dr. Clark

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi nejsisjsnd,
The body produces endogenous deoxycholic acid and Kybella, a synthetic form is metabolized and excreted the same way. It does not get stored and is not likely to be in your bloodstream "in the next year or two".
While there are no human studies about Kybella's adverse effects on women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, there is a wealth of information on animal studies. Both male and female rats given the equivalent of five times the human dose did not suffer any ill effects. Fertility was not affected. In another study conducted on pregnant rats, there were no effects on the organ formation of fetal rats.
Talk to your doctor about your concern. There are other options like CoolSculpting, liposuction and surgery (depending on whether you intend to use it for submental fullness or the "bra fat" area).
All the best,
Justin Harper M.D.

Kybella injections prior to pregnancy - 4 vials total.

Answers (5)

Answer: Kybella and pregnancy

Answer: Kybella and pregnancy

Answer: Animal studies safe at dosage equivalent to 5X the human dose

Answer: Animal studies safe at dosage equivalent to 5X the human dose

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Everything you need to know about Kybella

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

Kybella injections prior to pregnancy - 4 vials total.

Answers (5)

Answer: Kybella and pregnancy

Answer: Kybella and pregnancy

Answer: Animal studies safe at dosage equivalent to 5X the human dose

Answer: Animal studies safe at dosage equivalent to 5X the human dose

Browse related questions

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.