KYBELLA™ (deoxycholic acid) is an injectable treatment used to improve the appearance of the “double chin,” also known as submental fat. Naturally produced by our livers, Kybella’s formula is safe, effective, and presents a low risk of possible side effects.
To see full results, patients should plan for multiple treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart. Over time, you’ll see a significant improvement in your chin’s appearance and a tighter, slimmer neck profile overall.
At Desert Bloom, our new Kybella clients often ask us if it’s true that Kybella can cause hair loss. While Kybella is generally a very safe process, there is a small risk of hair loss in the treatment area. Dr. Wallin believes patients must have a full understanding of all the possible complications or side effects of a procedure before making an informed decision, along with our team’s expert advice.
Below, we’ve broken down all the possible risks of Kybella and what’s most important to consider before choosing this groundbreaking procedure. If you have any further questions, please contact our St. George, UT office at your earliest convenience.
The Risks of Kybella Injections
Any injection, cosmetic or otherwise, comes with a certain degree of risk. During clinical studies specific to Kybella, the following risks were reported:
Common Potential Side Effects
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Numbness
- Redness or itching
- Areas of hardness or skin tightness in the treatment area
- Tingling
- Nodules
- Headache
All of these more common side effects tend to resolve on their own and generally don’t stop our patients from continuing their treatment plan.
Uncommon Side Effects
- Small patches of hair loss may occur in the beard area.
- In rare cases, Kybella can cause temporary nerve injury to the treatment area, which may result in facial muscle weakness or an uneven smile. During clinical trials, these symptoms were resolved without treatment in an average of six weeks.
- Kybella injects may also cause temporary difficulty swallowing, which is thought to be caused by neck swelling following treatment.
- Superficial skin erosions or ulcerations are also possible.
- There is also a slight possibility of unsatisfactory results, such as more noticeable platysmal bands, or asymmetry in the treatment area.
What to Consider Before Getting Kybella Injection
Before getting Kybella, it’s critical to talk with your healthcare provider about all of your medical history and any present conditions. This includes discussing:
- Any infections in the treatment area
- History of or plans to have surgery of the head, face, or neck
- Medical conditions in or near the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding issues or current blood-thinning medications
- If you are pregnant/breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant/breastfeed
- All of your current medications, including OTC medicine, prescriptions, supplements, and vitamins––especially medicine that prevents blood clotting (i.e., antiplatelet or anticoagulants like aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications)
Once Dr. Wallin has a clear understanding of your medical history, he can help you make a personalized treatment plan to meet your goals safely. Together, we will find a solution as unique as you are.
Questions? Ask Us.
Kybella is a powerful treatment with the ability to reduce submental fat, or “the double chin.” That said, patients do face some risk of side effects developing, as with any injectable procedure. While most of these are minor and dissipate on their own, there is a chance of hair loss in the beard area following treatment.
At Desert Bloom Plastic Surgery, your safety and confidence are our number one concerns. Our team will do everything we can to ensure you are fully informed when making any decisions about which cosmetic treatment is right for you.
If you’d like to learn more about Kybella, or any of our other non-invasive or surgical offerings, the next step is to schedule a consultation. To schedule your in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Wallin at our St. George, UT office, please give us a call at (435) 627-8150 or contact us online today.