I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid disease). Are Kybella injections OK for me?

Question

I am a 56 year old woman, and I'm considering getting Kybella injections to reduce my post-menopausal double chin. I understand that the thyroid gland is not near the injection site. However, I am concerned about the immune response after the injections, because I have Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease). My thyroid disease is stable; I take Synthroid daily and my blood tests are good (except for the thyroid antibodies of course) . Should I be concerned about Kybella?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is important to understand that Kybella is best for doctors who do not do liposuction and for patients who are not open to having liposuction.  Most marketing for Kybella seem to suggest that a single treatment makes a difference.  That is far from accurate. In clinical studies, 60% of patients needed 6 kybella sessions each one month apart.  At the end of that series of treatments, only 60% of patients were satisfied with the result.  That is a huge expense of time and money for a service with a 40% likelihood of outcome dissatisfaction. Neck liposuction is a remarkably comfortable, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia.  I prefer to perform it under a brief intravenous sedation.  In one session, the localized fat can be removed with a single session of liposuction.  The procedure is, in my opinion, much more comfortable to recover from with less swelling than kybella service.  The ads are cute but you must look more closely to decide if this treatment really makes sense.  Also be aware that many people at your age do benefit from a face lift which should include neck work which includes the liposuction.
The stable history of Hashimoto's should not present a problem for cosmetic surgery.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There should not be any effect on the thyroid gland from being treated with Kybella under the chin.  So, there is no reason that someone with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or any other thyroid disorder could not be treated.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Kybella is a bile acid and a naturally occuring substance that should only treat fat and not have any effect on the thyroid gland.

Mitchell A. Kline, MD · Answer

It is not known as an allergy producing product. The distance of injection from the thyroid should be maintained in any case but Kybella is safe if your doctors has no concern.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question Linda385. Kybella is
the first and thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for
the double chin. It is important to share your medical history with your doctor prior to any treatments. It is important for your doctor to know of any conditions such as thyroid conditions in the area prior to a treatment. If I had a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis on synthroid without a history of surgery in the area and who is concerned with a double chin I would say she is a good candidate for Kybella treatment. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Paul Pietro, MD · Answer

Hello Linda385,Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Hashimoto's disease is not considered a contraindication to having Kybella treatments. The injection of deoxycholic acid (Kybella) is a chemical found naturally in all out bodies. Best to let your physician who monitors your thyroid condition know you are planning to have this done as well as the person performing the Kybella injections.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. There should be no issue with you getting Kybella treatment while having Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It is still important that you notify your injector of any past medical history prior to treatment. Good luck!

I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid disease). Are Kybella injections OK for me?

Answers (7)

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