Is Kybella worth it? Is it guaranteed results? Good idea for a poor college student who has been saving up? (Photo)

Question

I've been seriously considering Kybella injections. I talked to 3 dr's offices and one didn't even offer Kybella. They said the dr thinks there will be problems with patients who got it done long term. Another office said 4-6 sessions are needed, when I've read everywhere online 1-3. I am a poor college student but I really want to get it done. I've been saving up, but is it worth it? Any info is appreciated!! Below are pictures I photoshopped, minus the first one which is me currently.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is really targeted to doctors and nurses who do not perform surgery.  That include dermatologist without liposuction training, nurses, family doctors and internists who do not offer lower face/neck liposuction.  Compared to lower face and neck or submental liposuction, liposuction is a much more powerful treatment that accomplishes in a single treatment session what it takes Kybella treatment up to 6 months to do.  However, if you don't perform submental liposuction, Kybella is really your only option.  Allergan, the drug company that makes this product, charges an enormous premium for this product.  As a result, you will pay far more for a series of Kybella treatments than you will for a submental liposuction.  It turns out that most patients getting Kybella receive 6 sessions over 6 months.  The first service cause a tremendous amount of swelling that takes about 1 week to settle down.  In my opinion, Kybella causes more swelling that the liposuction.  Kybella commonly causes significant bruising, and numbness not commonly associated with neck liposuction.  Unless you are dead set against having a minimally invasive neck liposuction procedure that is very comfortable performed under tumescent liposuction with or without intravenous sedation.  So as amusing as the Kybella ads are, ask how much will a series of 6 treatments cost you. My advice is, unless your are totally afraid of the idea of having a liposuction, save yourself 5 1/2 months and some cheddar and get the liposuction.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

I haven't heard of any long-term issues with Kybella. I was in the long-term follow-up study and patients continued to look great after injection, so I am not sure why anyone would say this as there are no data to support this. It is a very safe treatment consisting of a series of injections of deoxycholic acid – a component of bile that dissolves fat during digestion. The procedure takes about 5 minutes in the office. You will be a little bruised for a few days afterward, and swollen for 1 week. You will need at least two treatments to see a noticeable result, but up to 4 (sometimes requiring less drug at each treatment). Especially since you are young and seem to have good skin tone, your jawline and chin will look much sleeker a month or so after your final Kybella treatment. It does take time and patience, because your body has to gradually eliminate the melted fat cells. While no procedure can ever be guaranteed, the patients I've treated with Kybella have been thrilled with their final results. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist who already has a lot of experience with Kybella should alleviate some of the confusion you are feeling now and give you a good timeline for your results.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Kybella will dissolve your submental fat and you do have good skin quality and elasticity.  You will probably need several treatment with 1-2 vials.  I would estimate a total of 5-6 vials would be necessary.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Only on examination can a doctor determine what is the main contribution to a large neck. It could be loose muscle bands, loose skin, fat accumulation or a combination of these. If there is only a collection of fat that needs to be addressed, then one still has to be examined to determine how many vials of Kybella would be needed per treatment and what can't be guaranteed is how many treatments, or the results. Some with large necks need more than four treatments, 5 to 6 weeks apart. 
CoolMini CoolSculpting may need two or three applicators, and a few or several treatments.
Liposuction done without or with ThermiTight usually require one treatment and could be less expensive than a number of non-invasive procedures, but these are minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

Kybella definitely works well, and it appears you would be a good candidate.  There are no studies showing long term ill effects to date.  Most people do require several treatments.  You would likely need 2 or 3 if not more.  It can get a little pricey when you start going over 2 to 3 treatments so try to weigh all options well.  If you need more than 3 treatments, there is probably an equally effective alternative that would be more cost effective.  Best of luck,  Dr. Giordano

Kenneth A. Godwin, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. So far, my patients have been satisfied with their Kybella treatments. Based on the photos you sent I would say that you will likely need to undergo 3 treatments to achieve your desired look.
You may want to consider other options  for neck contouring as well such as Precision Tx  and cool sculpting.  You will find that these will be comparable in price due to the fact you will need more than one treatment. I hope this helps you and best of luck.

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

I have had pretty good results with Kybella, and there is no evidence to suggest that there are long term problems associated with this product. From your photos, I believe the second photo is achievable, but the third might be a little difficult, depending on how much you want to spend. Typically 1-2 vials are used per session, and 1-3 sessions are required. Some patients might require a few more treatments.  Pricing is different per office, where some physicians charge per vial,while others charge per session. Good luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question ashleyannmerk.
Kybella is the first and thus-far
only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for the double chin. Most patients require 2-4 treatments, sometimes up to 6 treatments. For my patients I recommend starting with at least two treatments and assessing the results after that. I let them know to be prepared that further treatment may provide benefit. Please consult with a doctor for specific
recommendations. Good luck!

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

Kybella is a great option for you given the pictures you have posted. Most people require a few treatments but I feel the results are more consistent than coolsculpt of the chin. Also, Kybella is easier and less invasive than chin liposuction. Its more convenient and you don't have to wear a head wrap for two weeks! Kybella can be customized for you and will also lead to skin tightening over the area.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Kybella can be extremely effective, but honestly, only you can judge whether or not it's worth it to you. The results will take time and it will definitely take more than one session. As long as you are realistic in terms of your expectations, I think you'll be happy with your results.

Is Kybella worth it? Is it guaranteed results? Good idea for a poor college student who has been saving up? (Photo)

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