Does a new non-invasive treatment for a double chin work? Is it safe?

A few people have asked me recently about Kybella.  I was curious, so I talked to Medical Editor Dr. Rod Rohrich and here’s what he told me.

Dr Rohrich, what exactly is Kybella and how does it work?

It is the only FDA-approved medication approved for this specific use for melting fat permanently in the neck, only in specific parts that have excess fat and NO sagging skin, so if you have jowls and loose skin, this will not work well. Please see your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist to see if you are a candidate.

How many treatments are needed to see results? 

Two to four treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and all are in the office procedures that take about 15 minutes or less.

Is it painful? 

No, not if done well and the patient has numbing cream on his or her neck for about 10 minutes prior to injections. I use local as well so it has mild discomfort only.

How expensive is Kybella? 

The cost is from $800 for 2 cc to $1600 for 4 cc. Each session is from 2-4 cc maximum in most cases so it is not inexpensive but works well in FDA trials done in the USA.

Is it dangerous?

No it is quite safe and uses a drug that has been used for years called deoxycholic acid which melts fat, or it is bile acid that we have in our body to melt or dissolve food. It comes from our own gallbladder.

Can Kybella be used to melt away fat on any other part of the body? And if not. is there any treatment on the horizon that can? 

Not yet but there are ongoing studies soon to perhaps show it can be used in other parts of the body like love handles, etc. This is a very exciting and safe new proven technology that is FDA approved and really works in selected patients.