Do Kybella Injections Work for Belly Fat?

Kybella is an FDA-approved fat removal treatment. It was designed to remove moderate to excessive fat buildup under the chin. However, its use was later expanded to fat removal in other areas of the body like armpits, knees, and bellies.

This treatment is done by injecting synthetic deoxycholic acid into the target area. This molecule destroys fat cells permanently, greatly decreasing the chances of recurrence. This also means that you don’t need to undergo future Kybella treatment once desired results are reached.

Since Kybella is administered through injection, no surgery is required. 

While there are procedures like liposuction that eliminate this fat, you may want something less intrusive like Kybella. Read on to know more about Kybella and its viability in removing belly fat.

Does Kybella Work On Belly Fat?

Yes, Kybella is an effective treatment option for removing belly fat. In the same way that Kybella works underneath the chin, it can help destroy fat cells around the abdomen leading to less subcutaneous fat. 

This is a fantastic option for those searching for less invasive fat removal treatments such as liposuction. 

Although Kybella was originally introduced to help remove “submental” fat (fat under the chin), its application has been expanded to include areas like the armpits, knee fat, lipomas, and other areas of the body.   

However, it should be noted the only FDA-approved usage of Kybella is through under-chin injections, which means that any use of Kybella to treat other areas of the body is categorized as “off-label”.  

Off-label drug prescription is no cause for alarm and simply indicates that the prescribed drug is being used in a way other than recognized by the FDA. This is a common practice, and in fact, one in five prescriptions are written for “off-label” usage.

Nevertheless, you should consult a specialist before getting Kybella for your belly fat. This is to avoid complications and to determine if Kybella is the appropriate treatment for your particular case.

How Long Does it Take for Kybella to Work on Belly Fat?

On the neck, it takes an average of two-four treatment sessions to see visible results from Kybella treatment. Depending on the size of the neck and the amount of fatty tissue, patients may require up to 6 sessions spaced out by at least one month. 

This means that for the average patient, it takes a minimum of 8-12 weeks to see visible results on the neck. 

For the stomach, a similar timetable is expected. Since the use of Kybella for fat removal is “off-label”, no formal studies have been performed delving into the amount of time/number of sessions required to see results on the abdomen.

Each patient is different. Some have much more adipose tissue than others, meaning that the number of sessions will vary significantly from patient to patient. 

To figure out exactly how many treatments are needed to reach your weight loss goals, you must first meet with a healthcare physician. These professionals will work with you to create a personalized plan to safely and effectively shed your extra pounds. 

How Many Sessions Would the Treatment Take?

To achieve the best results, you will need to undergo two to four sessions of Kybella treatment. However, up to six are needed in case of substantial fat buildup. There’s an interval of four to six weeks in between each session.

More sessions are usually needed for belly fat removal since the abdomen can house more fat than other areas like the chin or armpits. Regardless, you’re likely to see gradual improvement as early as the second session or three months from the beginning of the treatment. 

On average, two vials are injected on the target site per session. This number may change depending on the scale of the area, your build, and other personal health conditions. Each injection is placed one centimeter apart, and the entire procedure should take no more than 20 minutes. 

How Long Is the Recovery Period?

Since Kybella injection for belly fat is a non-surgical procedure, the recovery period shouldn’t take too long. Most people can attend to their regular affairs and duties immediately after each procedure.

However, swelling, bruising, and redness may develop on the injection site. It’s even possible for you to feel under the weather for a couple of days, and the mild side effects can take a week or two to completely disappear. 

If you experience severe side effects like difficulty swallowing, severe swelling, and skin ulceration, you should contact your doctor immediately. Moreover, aspirin, blood thinners, and supplements can heighten the risk of bruising and bleeding, so avoid taking these medications at least two weeks before your scheduled session.

Where Can You Get Kybella Treatment?

Kybella treatments, which are used to reduce the appearance of submental fullness or “double chin,” can be obtained in Baltimore at Weight Wise Weight Loss Center. 

Our weight loss center offers a range of non-surgical aesthetic procedures, including Kybella injections, to help individuals achieve their desired body appearance and boost their self-confidence. 

The skilled medical professionals at Weight Wise Weight Loss Center will work with you to create a personalized plan that is sure to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

If you are interested in Kybella treatments for the removal of excess fat, please schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare professionals today!