When it comes to getting rid of stubborn, hard-to-budge fat without resorting to invasive options, CoolSculpting and Kybella are the best fat-eliminating treatments. Both use proprietary technologies to target fat for a more streamlined and contoured appearance. However, deciding whether Kybella vs. Coolsculpting is right for you comes down to the area you want to treat, your goals, and the results you are looking to achieve. So before you make your decision, consider this your ultimate guide for everything you need to know about Kybella and CoolSculpting for fat removal.
How Kybella Works
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable medication that contains a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid naturally found in the body. Injecting Kybella into target areas, like under the chin, destroys fat cells to eliminate the look of a double chin since the deoxycholic acid in Kybella helps break down and absorb dietary fat in the treated area. Once the fat cells are broken down and dissolved, they cannot be replaced or returned to the treated area. Kybella is primarily used for smaller areas, like the chin, and requires multiple treatments for optimal results.
With Kybella, the results are seen slowly after each treatment. That’s because it can take a few weeks for the full fat-eliminating process to come to fruition. The results of Kybella are permanent but cumulative, so you’ll see full results after completing the recommended number of treatments.
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved fat-freezing procedure. During a CoolSculpting session, which is non-invasive, the fat cells below the skin’s surface are targeted with controlled cooling. The cold temperatures used force the fat cells to freeze, dissolve, and then be eliminated by the body. The entire process is called cryolipolysis. Unlike Kybella, which is primarily used under the chin, CoolSculpting can be used on many parts of the body.
Fat removal with CoolSculpting is permanent. Up to 25% of fat cells in the treated area are eliminated, and new cells do not grow back. However, the fat-freezing results take time and can take between one to three months to show since it can take that long for the fat cells to be eliminated. Maximum results may not be seen until up to six months following the last CoolSculpting treatment.
Since CoolSculpting uses different-sized applicators to freeze away unwanted fat, it can be used to treat large and small areas where persistent fat lives, including the abdomen, things, arms, and flanks, amongst other areas. Most patients need between one and three treatments to see the full effects, which are long-lasting with proper maintenance.
The Key Differences Between Kybella and CoolSculpting
The main difference between Kybvella and CoolSculpting is their action mechanism to target excess fat pockets. Kybella uses deoxycholic acid, whereas CoolSculpting relies on patented cooling technology to induce cryolipolysis. While both procedures are effective at reducing stubborn fat, the best procedure for you is based on the amount of fat in the treatment area that needs to be addressed. Kybella injections are better for removing small or moderate pockets of excess fat cells, such as chin fat, CoolSculpting is ideal for targeting larger areas of fat with a greater surface area. For those with large amounts of submental fat, a combination of Kybella and CoolSculpting is sometimes best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Kybella and CoolSculpting?
The main differences between Kybella vs. CoolSculpting are:
- The methods used to reduce fat
- The areas they treat
- The number of sessions required
Kybella is an injectable that uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells, whereas CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells. Kybella is also designed to reduce fat under the chin, while CoolSculpting can also be used there, as well as other areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms.
The results from each treatment are also different. Some patients notice faster results from Kybella than they do with CoolSculpting.
How does Kybella compare to CoolSculpting in terms of effectiveness and results?
Kybella is more effective at treating double chins and excess fat under the chin, but if there is more moderate fat under the chin or elsewhere on the body, CoolSculpting may be a better choice.
Who is an ideal candidate for Kybella? Who is an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is best for those with pinchable fat anywhere on the body, while Kybella is ideal for those with minimal excess fat under the chin. Neither procedure is intended to be a weight loss solution.
What should I expect during a Kybella treatment session?
During a Kybella treatment session, the treatment site is marked up using a special grid. Sometimes, a topical numbing cream is first applied to help make the treatment more comfortable. Then, the area under the chin is injected with Kybella, which targets and destroys the fat cells in the area. Several injections are required in a session to target all the fat cells in the area.
Are there any side effects or recovery differences between Kybella and CoolSculpting?
There’s some social downtime with Kybella and CoolSculpting, but both treatments are generally well tolerated. After Kybella, it’s normal to experience some swelling, redness, or bruising in the treated area. With CoolSculpting, swelling, bruising, and numbness in the area are expected. However, you can resume your daily activities and routine after both treatments.
Your Transformation
