What is the treatment regimen for Kybella (deoxycholic acid) for a double chin?

Treatment Regimen for Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid) for Double Chin

Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injections should be administered at 2 mg/cm² into the submental fat, with each treatment consisting of up to 50 injections of 0.2 mL each (maximum 10 mL total), spaced 1 cm apart, with treatments given at intervals of no less than 1 month for up to 6 sessions. 1

Dosage and Administration Protocol

Pre-Treatment Assessment

• Identify appropriate candidates: adults with moderate to severe submental fat (double chin)
• Screen for contraindications:
  • Active infection in the treatment area
  • Excessive skin laxity
  • Prominent platysmal bands
  • Prior surgical/aesthetic treatments that may alter anatomy

Treatment Protocol

1. Dose: 2 mg/cm² (0.2 mL per injection site)
2. Number of injections: Up to 50 injections per treatment session
3. Maximum volume: 10 mL total per treatment
4. Injection spacing: 1 cm apart in the submental fat area
5. Treatment frequency: At least 1 month between sessions
6. Maximum treatments: Up to 6 treatment sessions

Injection Technique

• Avoid injecting above the inferior border of the mandible
• Keep injections 1-1.5 cm below the mandibular border to avoid injury to the marginal mandibular nerve
• Inject only within the target submental fat treatment area
• Ensure injections are made into pre-platysmal fat (between dermis and platysma)

Efficacy and Expected Outcomes

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Kybella is effective for reducing submental fat:

• 70% of patients showed at least a 1-grade improvement in submental fat reduction 1
• 13-19% of patients achieved a 2-grade or greater improvement 1
• 43% of patients had at least a 10% reduction in submental fat volume when evaluated by MRI 1

Most patients require multiple treatment sessions to achieve optimal results. The benefits of treatment are generally maintained over extended follow-up (up to 2 years after treatment) 2.

Side Effects and Management

Common Side Effects

• Swelling (most common)
• Bruising
• Pain
• Areas of hardness in the treatment area
• Numbness
• Redness

Serious Side Effects (Rare)

• Marginal mandibular nerve injury (causing asymmetric smile)
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Tissue necrosis
• Alopecia at the injection site

Management of Side Effects

• Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve within one treatment interval
• Cold packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort
• Patients should be advised to contact their provider if they develop:
  • Facial asymmetry or muscle weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Open sores or drainage from the treatment area

Patient Selection Considerations

Kybella is most effective for patients with:

• Moderate to severe submental fat
• Good skin elasticity
• Realistic expectations

Kybella may not be suitable for patients with:

• Excessive skin laxity (may result in worsened appearance after fat reduction)
• History of dysphagia
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Alternative Treatments

For patients who may not be suitable candidates for Kybella, alternative treatments include:

• Cryolipolysis using CoolMini handpiece 3
• Surgical liposuction (more invasive but may be more appropriate for certain patients)

Follow-up Care

• Schedule follow-up visits after each treatment session to assess response
• Determine the need for additional treatments based on clinical response
• Final assessment should be conducted 12 weeks after the last treatment

Remember that Kybella is specifically FDA-approved only for the submental area, and use in other body areas is not recommended 1.