Kybella - Related Questions

Q. I am very concerned about my neck. I am only 35 years old, and although I am not more than ten pounds overweight, I have a fat neck. I just hate to see pictures of myself from the side. I look older and the fullness around my neck makes my entire face look heavy and pulled down. I feel it makes me look older than I am. I have two children and a great job, so I have no time for surgery. I also am afraid of surgical risks. Is there a machine or treatment to thin the fat under my chin?

A. Yes. You sound like a great candidate for Kybella, which is FDA approved to reduce sub-mental chin fullness. Kybella is deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in our bodies. The gall bladder produces deoxycholic acid and it is excreted into the gut to emulsify and digest fats in the food that we eat. I was a principal investigator in the pivotal clinical trial that resulted in FDA approval for Kybella as a safe and effective option to reduce under-chin fat and improve the appearance of the neck area. Participants in the trial noted significant improvement in their overall appearance. The product is injected with small gauge needles during the office visit without the need for sedation and its risks. The use of anesthetics was not done during the study and patients tolerated it well, but local anesthetic is an option if you are concerned about pain. Most patients needed 2-5 sessions. Swelling and bruising were the most notable side effects. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they do not regenerate. Please see a board certified and trained physician for this treatment. As a study participant, I have experience with this new drug and would be happy to discuss further at your visit and see if you are a good candidate for treatment.

Back to Kybella Home Page
Meet one of the countrys leading experts in the field of non-surgical skin rejuvenation.

Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin

Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.

Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.

Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.

She has also received the following awards:

  • 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;

  • 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.

Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.

Appointment Request:

If you submit an online appointment request, we will contact you to schedule the date and time. All new-patient appointments must be scheduled over the phone.


Success Stories

Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Review From Jennifer G.
Dr Lupo is the best! She has helped me for many years as my dermatologist look my best. She also has helped me with my TMJ. She suggested Botox for my jaw and it has been great. It has helped the jaw pain,headaches and the overall look of my jaw and face! Thank you Dr Lupo
More Success Stories