Deciding between Kybella and CoolSculpting for fat reduction involves understanding how each treatment works and what you can expect from them. Both methods offer non-surgical solutions to reduce unwanted fat, particularly around the chin area, but they use different technologies. Kybella involves injections that dissolve fat cells, whereas CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate them. But which of the two treatments should you choose? Here’s what you should know.
What are Kybella and CoolSculpting?
Kybella and CoolSculpting are both non-surgical fat reduction procedures but use different methods to achieve results.
Kybella
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable designed to reduce the appearance of a double chin, technically known as submental fullness. It contains a lab-made version of deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally produced in the body that helps break down and absorb fats.
Administered through injections directly into the chin fat, Kybella works by breaking down fat cells, which the body then naturally eliminates over time. The effects of Kybella are generally permanent, assuming there are no significant fluctuations in the patient’s weight.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, targets and eliminates persistent fat by freezing the fat cells. This method leverages the vulnerability of fat cells to cold, which are more susceptible than other cell types. During the procedure, an applicator chills the fat to a low temperature that causes the cells to freeze and break down, all while leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed.
In the weeks and months that follow, the body gradually disposes of these destroyed cells naturally. CoolSculpting has received FDA approval for its application on multiple body parts, including the chin, abdomen, thighs, and back.
Procedure Details: Kybella vs Coolsculpting
Both procedures are performed as outpatient treatments and do not require general anesthesia, making them convenient options for those seeking fat reduction without surgery.
Kybella
The procedure for Kybella primarily involves a series of injections under the chin. Before the treatment begins, the area may be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A healthcare professional then marks the specific injection sites with a unique grid to ensure precision. The number of injections per session can vary, typically ranging from 20 to 50, depending on the amount of fat being treated and the desired results.
Each session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. Patients might require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, generally spaced a month apart. Some swelling or bruising may occur post-treatment, but these side effects usually subside within a few days to weeks.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting sessions involve cooling the fat cells using a device that attaches to the targeted area, such as under the chin. During the procedure, the applicator draws the bulge of fat into a cup with mild vacuum pressure, where temperatures are then lowered enough to freeze the fat cells. Each treatment session typically lasts about 35 minutes to an hour, depending on the target area.
The process is pain-free, though patients may initially feel a tugging sensation and intense cold, which usually subsides as the area becomes numb. There is no downtime required; patients can immediately resume normal activities. Like Kybella, more than one session may be needed for complete results, with sessions spaced several weeks apart. The body gradually flushes out the frozen fat cells over the following weeks and months.
Ideal Candidates
Both Kybella and CoolSculpting cater to individuals not looking for weight loss but for specific areas of fat reduction. They require candidates to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what each treatment can offer. A consultation with a healthcare provider will help assess suitability based on individual needs and conditions.
- Kybella:
- Target Group: Individuals with moderate to severe submental fullness (double chin).
- Key Requirements: Candidates should have good skin elasticity and no active infections or significant medical conditions in the treatment area.
- Expectations: Patients should understand the specific outcomes of Kybella, which aims to reduce fat under the chin permanently through targeted injections.
- Health Considerations: Candidates should not have health conditions that could complicate the injection process.
- CoolSculpting:
- Target Group: This treatment is suitable for those with mild to moderate fat deposits not just under the chin but also in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
- Key Requirements: Candidates should be near their ideal body weight but struggle with stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise.
- Procedure Appeal: This method is favored by those seeking a non-invasive option with no downtime, allowing immediate return to daily activities.
Which To Choose? Coolsculpting Vs. Kybella
When choosing between CoolSculpting and Kybella for fat reduction, the decision largely depends on the specific areas of concern and the desired precision in targeting fat cells.
Kybella is notably more versatile and practical for precisely targeting fat in smaller or more confined areas. It’s the preferred treatment for submental fat under the chin and addresses localized fat deposits in other areas like bra fat, upper arms, elbows, love handles, the stomach, thighs, and even above the knee. Its ability to break down fat cells through targeted injections allows precise sculpting and reduction in these areas.
CoolSculpting works well for larger areas where the cooling panels can comfortably encompass the targeted region, such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. However, regarding the effectiveness of reducing submental fat, Kybella often has the upper hand due to its targeted approach. CoolSculpting can treat the area under the chin, but it may not match the precision or the extent of effectiveness that Kybella offers for such targeted fat reduction.
Ultimately, if your goal is to reduce fat in smaller or more defined areas or address submental fullness, Kybella is likely the more practical choice. For broader areas where a larger surface needs to be treated, CoolSculpting remains a strong option.
Takeaway
Discover the potential for a new you at Maven Medi Spa. Whether you’re interested in Kybella for specific, targeted fat reduction or CoolSculpting to smooth larger areas, our providers are ready to help tailor a plan that’s just right for you. Take your first step towards a refined look and enhanced confidence. Connect with us today to arrange your personal assessment and learn more about your options.
