Kybella® Cost and Procedure Guide

A double chin can be the result of genetics, excess weight or aging. It’s not a medical concern, but if you’re bothered by yours and have ever wished that stubborn chin fat would just disappear already, Kybella^® may be able to grant your wish. It’s an injection that kills fat cells and is approved by the FDA to reduce a double chin or submental fullness, as it's also known.¹

Keep reading to learn more about Kybella, including what it costs and how it works.

What Is Kybella?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable cosmetic treatment made from a bile acid called deoxycholic acid. It’s a non-surgical alternative to liposuction used to reduce the appearance of a double chin.¹

Candidates

Kybella is for people who are looking for a non-surgical way to get rid of a double chin aside from diet and exercise.¹ Keep in mind that Kybella targets fat cells, not skin, so people with loose skin and poor skin tone may not be candidates for Kybella.² If this is the case for you, non-surgical skin tightening treatments or neck lift surgery may be better options.

Kybella is not recommended for people who:¹

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Kybella
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active infection in the treatment area
• Have blood-clotting problems
• Have difficulty swallowing

How Much Does Kybella Cost?

The national average cost^* of a Kybella treatment is $1,640 but ranges from $1,267 to $3,215, depending on the provider’s location and experience.³

The size of the area being treated also matters because it determines how much Kybella is needed. People typically require two to three vials of Kybella per treatment.⁴ The average cost^* of a single vial of Kybella is $640, but the cost can range from $492 to $1,150.³

Average cost of Kybella by state/district

Below you’ll find the average cost^* of a Kybella treatment in all 50 states and the District of Columbia:³

Is Kybella Covered by Insurance?

Kybella is considered a cosmetic treatment and isn’t typically covered by health insurance.⁵ Some providers may offer discounts for multiple sessions or in-house financing, so be sure to ask.

How Does Kybella Work?

Kybella uses a series of injections in the fatty area under the chin to break down and kill fat cells around the injection sites, reducing or eliminating a double chin.²

Each treatment session can include up to 50 injections, depending on the size of the area.⁴ Multiple treatments are usually needed and are spread out four to six weeks apart.² You can get up to six Kybella treatments.² However, most people achieve results they’re happy with after two to four treatments.⁵

Preparation

The first step in preparing for Kybella treatment is a consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who will review your medical history and examine your neck to see if you’re a candidate for Kybella.¹

They will give you instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. They may tell you to stop taking blood thinning medications for two weeks before your treatment, including ibuprofen, aspirin and certain herbal supplements.¹

Procedure

Kybella treatment is performed in a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon’s office. Treatment usually takes just 15 minutes.⁵

Kybella injections are known to be somewhat painful.⁶ Your doctor will use a topical or local anesthetic to numb the area first.¹ They may also ask you to take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, and apply ice to the area before and after treatment to make you as comfortable as possible.¹

Here’s a general overview of what to expect during your Kybella treatment:¹

1. The doctor will mark the areas to be injected.
2. A topical or injection anesthetic may be used to numb the area being treated.
3. Small amounts of Kybella are administered in a grid pattern for even distribution.

Possible Side Effects of Kybella

The FDA has found Kybella to be safe and effective for the treatment of a double chin when administered by a trained healthcare professional.⁷

Potential side effects from Kybella include:¹

• Areas of hardness
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Numbness
• Swelling

Complications from Kybella are rare and usually resolve on their own. These include difficulty swallowing and nerve damage causing an uneven smile.²

If you have a beard, you may lose hair at the injection sites. Again, this is rare.⁴

Recovery From Kybella: Tips and Timing

Most people can return to work after getting Kybella, but you may be told to avoid exercise for the first 48 hours. You may be given a compression garment to wear for the first few days. Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.⁴

You can expect some swelling after a Kybella treatment. It’ll be most noticeable for the first five to 14 days, but you may have some small areas of swelling that last for four to six weeks.¹

Most people are happy with their results after getting Kybella. Just keep in mind that results aren’t instant, and you may have trouble seeing an improvement while the area is swollen.² You should notice a reduction in the size of your double chin around four to six weeks after treatment.¹

When you'll see your final results depends on how many treatments you need based on the extent of your submental fullness. Remember, most people need at least two treatments spread out by four to six weeks, and some may require up to six treatments to achieve the best results. Kybella results are long-lasting as long as you’re able to maintain a stable weight.²

If you want faster results, liposuction may be a better option and is worth discussing with a cosmetic surgeon.⁵

Here are some things to do for the first 48 hours or so that can help make you more comfortable after your Kybella treatment:⁴

• Apply ice often to the area to help with pain and swelling.
• Avoid salty foods.
• Don't drink alcohol.
• Sleep with your head elevated.

The Bottom Line

Kybella is a safe and effective way to get rid of a double chin if you’re not a candidate for surgery or prefer a non-surgical option. A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon is the best way to find out if Kybella is right for you and learn about other options for improving your jawline.

Financing Kybella With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting Kybella or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.