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

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

Kybella & CoolSculpting will suffice. If you can fit the CoolSculpting applicator then you can do the CoolSculpting. More pictures are needed to assess what fillers will be helpful to you. Consult a trusted practitioner to know in full.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Kybella is not very effective, and usually involves  many treatments to see a mini result, with significant swelling for many weeks after each procedure.  Best ot consider liposuction of the fat under the chin which is usually a one time procedure under local anesthesia

Thomas Copperman, MD · Answer

Kybella and Belkyra are the same product. Kybella is the US version and Belkyra is the brand used in other countries. They are both deoxycholic acid and used to dissolve fat via injection.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The two products are the same just different names for different markets.this is also why the price are different.  It’s sold under different names in different regions.  Personally I think your chemical lipolysis is a terrible way to remove fat but that’s just my opinion. The primary reason you have a double chin is because your mandible is small and lacks projection.  This is also why you have a dental overbite. Even though the primary problem is skeletal fat removal is very effective in this area.  Liposuction is and always will be the gold standard.  It’s done under local anesthesia in the office and you’re out the door in 30 to 40 minutes.  There really isn’t very much swelling.  Nothing in comparison to  Chemical lipolysis treatments which often have to be done multiple times.  My recommendation would be to find a local experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who can show numerous before and after pictures and does this as an office base procedure. Kybella does work though most people require a few treatments. And some individuals its reaction is beyond what was anticipated leaving patients skeletonized.  Not a liposuction doesn’t have its problems when done by incompetent providers.  When done by somebody who knows what they’re doing their results are consistent and it delivers 100% of the time.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

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

Answers (9)

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