Kybella, Belkyra or injection lipolysis for double chin? (photo)

Question

Hello everyone! My small double chin bothers me and I think it got worse over time. To prevent it from getting bigger I want to reduce the fat deposits. I know that Kybella and Belkyra are FDA approved but what’s actually the difference in terms of it’s chemical agents? Where I live Belkyra costs 5 times more than a lipolysis injection. How come that the prices vary that much? Are the results really that different?

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Belkyra and Kybella are the same medication. Belkyra is the name used in Canada and Kybella is used in the U.S. The medication contains deoxycholic acid, which destroys the fat cells under the chin so the body can flush them out through the lymphatic system. The procedure takes some time to work and patients usually need more than one session. However, the results are considered permanent. 
Liposuction under the chin is another choice for submental fat. This procedure uses tiny tubes called cannulas, which are inserted into the treatment area using small incisions. The tubes gently suction away the fat, producing a full result in a single session. I use the Awake lipo technique, which can be performed using local anesthesia and only requires a few days of recovery. 
No matter which treatment you choose, make sure you are working with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist who can ensure your procedure is both safe and successful for you.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Liposuction is more effective and safer than either of the products you mention. There is five times the risk of temporary paralysis with these agents because the bile acid used in them dissolves the fat that insulates the nerves in addition to the fat under the chin. The paralysis rate is 5% for the injectables vs 1% for liposuction. These fat dissolving injections usually take more than one treatment, while liposuction usually works the first time. The recovery is about the same.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

I'm not a big fan of Kybella though it seems to work in the right patient. Submental liposuction requires only one treatment with almost instantaneous results. In addition, the jawline can be contoured to provide a well-defined and youthful jawline!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It takes a series of treatments to get good results with Kybella. Keep in mind, Kybella is good for dissolving the submental fat under the chin area while contouring the jawline and making the chin more defined, but a combination approach is needed to get the most improvement with non-invasive options. I recommend a combination approach with Thermage, Ultherapy, and Exilis. 
InMode FaceTite / AccuTite with VASER Neck Liposuction is the best option for contouring and tightening the chin, neck, and jawline area. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Makemebeautiful123,
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

Kybella, Belkyra or injection lipolysis for double chin? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Kybella for Chin Fat Reduction - add Thermage, Ultherapy, Exilis vs. VASER Hi-Def Neck Liposuction w/ InMode FaceTite/AccuTite

Answer: Kybella for Chin Fat Reduction - add Thermage, Ultherapy, Exilis vs. VASER Hi-Def Neck Liposuction w/ InMode FaceTite/AccuTite

Answer: Kybella

Answer: Kybella

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.

Kybella, Belkyra or injection lipolysis for double chin? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Kybella for Chin Fat Reduction - add Thermage, Ultherapy, Exilis vs. VASER Hi-Def Neck Liposuction w/ InMode FaceTite/AccuTite

Answer: Kybella for Chin Fat Reduction - add Thermage, Ultherapy, Exilis vs. VASER Hi-Def Neck Liposuction w/ InMode FaceTite/AccuTite

Answer: Kybella

Answer: Kybella

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.