Kybella: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Kybella?
A dermatologist (a skin doctor) or a plastic surgeon (a doctor who reshapes the body) usually gives Kybella. A doctor gives Kybella as an injection. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Kybella is the brand name of a medicine called deoxycholic acid. It is used to improve the look of moderate to severe fat under the chin, called submental fat or a double chin. It is a fat-dissolving injection that breaks down fat cells under the chin. The FDA approved Kybella in 2015 for adults.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors use Kybella to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat under the chin. The FDA has also approved a generic version of the same medicine.
How to prepare
- Tell your doctor about any allergy to medicines or to the ingredients in the injection.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take or plan to take.
- Tell your doctor if you take a medicine that prevents your blood from clotting, including aspirin.
- Tell your doctor about swelling or other signs of infection in the area to be treated. Your doctor will not inject an infected area.
- Tell your doctor about any past cosmetic treatments or surgery to your face, neck, or chin, or any medical conditions near the neck.
- Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems or trouble swallowing.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Your doctor may need to adjust your medicines or check on you more closely for side effects.
What happens during it
Your doctor injects Kybella as a liquid just under the skin. Your doctor may use a numbing cream or a cold pack on your skin first. How many treatment sessions you have depends on your condition and how you respond, as your doctor recommends.
Recovery
Common side effects include swelling, warmth, numbness, or bruising where you got the injection. Other side effects can include hardness or hair loss where you got the shot, headache, and nausea. Tell your doctor if any side effect is severe or does not go away. Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Risks and side effects
Some side effects are serious. Call your doctor right away for trouble swallowing, or for pain or tightness in the face or neck. Also call for an uneven smile or weak face muscles. Also call your doctor right away if you have pain, redness, sores, or drainage where you got the injection. Call your doctor right away if you get a rash, hives, or itching.
The FDA says nerve injury around the lower lips, tongue, and jaw has been reported. So have tissue damage, injury to blood vessels, and infection. The FDA also says lumps at the injection site may not go away on their own. They may need medical treatment.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A doctor gives Kybella injections. The FDA says only health care providers should give Kybella.
Common questions
Can Kybella be used on fat in other parts of the body?
No, Kybella is not approved for fat outside the area under the chin, and the FDA recommends against using it there. The FDA has received reports of serious problems after shots in other areas. These include blurred or reduced vision, muscle and nerve damage, numbness, and trouble walking.
How many Kybella treatments can a person have?
Patients can have up to six treatments, each at least one month apart. Your doctor decides how many you need, based on your condition and how you respond.
What should I do if I have a problem after Kybella?
Seek medical attention if you have a problem after Kybella. Call your doctor right away for trouble swallowing, an uneven smile, or weak face muscles.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Deoxycholic Acid Injection
- FDA - FDA Approves Additional Information in Labeling for Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid) Injection Warning of Adverse Reactions Associated with Unapproved Use
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
