Liquid Lipo (Kybella)

Is liquid lipo safe?

Yes, when it is done by a trained, licensed provider. Kybella is FDA-approved to treat fat beneath the chin, and its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, is a molecule your body already uses to break down and absorb fat. Because it works by destroying fat cells, precise placement matters, which is why this is a medical treatment and not a spa add-on. As a nurse practitioner I map the treatment area against the anatomy underneath so we target the fat and avoid the structures around it. The most common effects are temporary swelling, some bruising, and firmness in the area as it resolves, and I go over all of that before we start. At your consultation I am also honest about whether you are a good candidate, because liquid lipo is built for stubborn pockets of fat, not for overall weight loss.

What areas can liquid lipo treat, and am I a candidate?

Liquid lipo works best on small, stubborn pockets of fat that hold on no matter how well you eat or train. The double chin is the most popular area, along with the jowls, bra and back fat, and a small lower-belly pooch. The best candidates are already close to their goal weight and just want to sculpt a specific area, rather than using it as a weight-loss tool. If you have loose skin along with the fat, we talk about that too, since removing fat alone will not tighten skin, and a collagen-stimulating treatment like Sculptra or a thread lift may belong in the plan. The goal is a natural, proportional result, so I would rather tell you honestly when another treatment fits your goals better.

How many sessions will I need, and are the results permanent?

Most patients need a series of two to four sessions spaced about six weeks apart, depending on the area and how much fat is present. The results build gradually as your body clears the destroyed fat cells over the weeks after each visit, so this is not an overnight change. The upside is that once those fat cells are gone, they are gone, so the reduction is considered long-lasting. That said, the fat cells that remain can still grow, which means keeping your results is about maintaining a stable weight with your normal healthy habits. I will give you a realistic sense of how many sessions your specific area is likely to need at your consultation, so there are no surprises.