Uses of Kybella

Kybella Injections Reduce Fat in Many Places

Kybella holds the distinction of being the first and only injectable non-surgical procedure to reduce fat pockets in the submental area below the chin. Patients who want to avoid liposuction plastic surgery can choose this injectable treatment to reduce the double chin appearance.

As of now, Kybella injections have only been approved by the FDA to reduce submental fat tissue. But numerous treatment experts and researchers believe that Kybella can offer significant fat reduction results in a range of off-label areas too.

Board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin of the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery provide Kybella injections to patients in Richmond, Virginia, and surrounding communities.

How does it Work?

Kybella is created from synthesizing of a bile salt that helps in fat digestion in the body. Kybella medication is injected directly into the stubborn layers of subcutaneous fat. The medication will destroy the cell membrane of the unwanted fat cells. This leads to adipolysis, eventually resulting in elimination of the fat cells.

The fat released from the destroyed cells gets naturally absorbed in the body, while Kybella medication is removed from the body through natural excretion. Kybella injections usually do not require a re-treatment because the medication will permanently destroy the targeted fat cells. Without having to go through plastic surgery, the patient can achieve a smoother, more sculpted appearance in the treated areas.

Off-Label Uses

In addition to the submental region, Kybella injections may be used effectively for fat reduction in various off-label areas, including:

Axillary fat or armpit pooches Back fat Bra bulge or fat above the breast Inner knee fat on top or medial side of the knee Lower buttock fatty folds Outer thigh saddlebags

These are relatively smaller fat pocket areas that can be contoured most effectively with Kybella injections. In some cases, Kybella may also be used to treat major fat tissue areas such as the hips and abdomen. Liposuction in larger areas can occasionally create tiny bumps or lumps or skin irregularities. Kybella injections can be used to improve this condition. Plastic surgeons may use liposuction and Kybella injections together to create more even looking contours.

Kybella with CoolSculpting

Patients who want to avoid liposuction surgery to remove unsightly fat bulges may also have the option of Kybella injectable treatment in conjunction with CoolSculpting. Non-invasive fat reduction procedures such as CoolSculpting may sometimes leave an edge in the treated area. Kybella injections can be applied to soften these edges.

Although CoolSculpting is a successful treatment, but it may only reduce fat in the areas where the applicator head can reach easily. Therefore, hanging fatty tissue under the arms, the upper part of the knee, or areas that are hard to treat with liposuction or CoolSculpting can be effectively addressed with Kybella injections.

Kybella injectable treatment may also be performed in combination with body lift surgery or circumferential brachial arm reduction to create better results. The Virginia Institute receives patients from Richmond, Virginia, and nearby areas for Kybella injections.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.