Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness. However, Kybella can be used off-label for body fat reduction.
Kybella is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin. But off-label Kybella can be used for areas like upper arm fat, fat around the elbow, knees, “bra fat”, “love handles”, thighs, and even stomach fat.
The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
Following subcutaneous injection, Kybella is rapidly absorbed into the plasma and enters the body’s bile acid pool in the enterohepatic circulation, where it is then excreted along with the endogenous deoxycholic acid. Post-treatment, deoxycholic acid plasma levels return to the endogenous range within 24 hours. Swelling, discomfort, and bruising at the injection site are the most common and normal side effects. The severity varies from patient to patient.
