CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella - Which is Right for You?

If you want to eliminate unwanted fat under your chin or on other parts of your body, non-invasive procedures like CoolSculpting and Kybella are worth considering. But how do you decide which treatment is right for you? Let's take a closer look at each treatment and compare their options, including safety, effectiveness, length of treatment, cost, the time it takes to see results, side effects, and who is an ideal candidate for these procedures.

What Is CoolSculpting Treatment?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, FDA-approved procedure that uses controlled cooling technology to target and kill fat cells without causing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue. During a CoolSculpting treatment, a medical professional uses a specialized cooling device to target specific areas of fat. Over time, the body naturally processes and removes the dead fat cells, resulting in a slimmer and more contoured appearance. CoolSculpting is primarily used to treat areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms.

What Is Kybella Treatment?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce the appearance of moderate to severe submental fat, commonly referred to as a "double chin." Kybella uses a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that breaks down and absorbs dietary fat. During a Kybella treatment session, your medical professional will inject the synthetic deoxycholic acid into the area under your chin. Over time, the acid breaks down and absorbs the fat cells, resulting in a more contoured appearance under the chin. Kybella is specifically designed to reduce submental fat.

Comparing CoolSculpting and Kybella Treatments

One of the most significant differences between CoolSculpting and Kybella is the method used to reduce fat. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, which involves freezing unwanted fat cells to shrink and destroy them safely. On the other hand, Kybella involves a series of injections of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. Additionally, CoolSculpting is primarily used to treat areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms, while Kybella is specifically designed to reduce submental fat.

Safety

Both CoolSculpting and Kybella are generally considered safe and have been FDA-approved. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks associated with each treatment. The most common side effects of CoolSculpting include temporary skin sensitivity, temporary numbness or lack of feeling, slight bruising, redness, and general discomfort around the treated area. These side effects resolve independently within a few days or weeks following treatment. On the other hand, some of the most common side effects of Kybella include swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and redness in the treated area. These side effects are usually mild and temporary but can last several days or weeks.

Effectiveness

Both CoolSculpting and Kybella have been shown to be effective treatments for reducing unwanted fat in specific areas of the body. However, the effectiveness of each treatment may vary depending on the patient's individual circumstances, including the amount of fat being targeted and the patient's overall health.

Length of Treatment

CoolSculpting treatment sessions typically last between 35-45 minutes, while Kybella treatment sessions usually take less than 30 minutes. CoolSculpting typically requires multiple treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results, whereas Kybella may require multiple injections during a single treatment session.

Cost

When it comes to cost, CoolSculpting can be more expensive than Kybella, as it usually requires multiple sessions for optimal results. The cost of CoolSculpting can vary depending on the area being treated, the number of sessions needed, and the location of the clinic, but it typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

On the other hand, Kybella is usually priced per vial, and the number of vials needed varies depending on the patient's individual needs. Kybella typically costs around $600 per vial. It's important to note that multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results, which can make the cost of Kybella add up over time.

Time It Takes to See Results

Both CoolSculpting and Kybella take time to show results, and patients need to be patient and consistent with their treatment to achieve their desired outcome.

CoolSculpting typically requires multiple sessions, and patients usually start to see results after a few weeks, with full results showing up after 2-3 months.

Kybella, on the other hand, usually requires 2-4 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, and patients usually start to see results after 4-6 weeks, with full results showing up after 2-3 months.

Side Effects

Both CoolSculpting and Kybella have potential side effects, but they are generally mild and temporary. CoolSculpting side effects can include temporary skin sensitivity, numbness, bruising, redness, and discomfort around the treated area. In rare cases, a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) can occur, which means that the fat in the treated area grows larger rather than shrinking, which can be treated with liposuction. Kybella side effects may include swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and redness around the treated area. In rare cases, nerve injury or difficulty swallowing can occur. It is essential to speak with a medical professional about the potential side effects of each treatment before deciding which one is best for you.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for These Procedures?

The ideal candidate for CoolSculpting or Kybella is someone who is in good health, has a stable weight, and is looking to reduce small pockets of fat in specific areas of the body.

CoolSculpting is ideal for people with pinchable fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and chin, while Kybella is ideal for people with excess fat under the chin.

Neither procedure is suitable for people who are significantly overweight or obese, as they are not weight loss solutions. People with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for these procedures, and it's important to consult with a medical professional before undergoing treatment.

People who shouldn't consider CoolSculpting include pregnant or breastfeeding women, recent surgery patients, or individuals with certain conditions, such as:

• Hernias near the treatment area
• Infected wounds or scar tissue in the treatment area
• Neuropathic conditions (e.g. diabetic neuropathy)
• Poor circulation or a clotting disorder
• Skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis)
• Raynaud syndrome

People who shouldn't consider Kybella include those who:

• Have trouble swallowing
• Have bleeding or blood clotting problems
• Have had or plan to have surgery on the area of treatment
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an infection in the area to be treated

It's essential to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine if CoolSculpting or Kybella is a suitable treatment option for each individual.

Contact Altaire Clinic Today to Schedule a Consult

If you're looking for a high-quality fat reduction treatment process or other cosmetic treatments, you need to talk to the experts at Altaire clinic. Our body contouring experts have years of experience providing patients like you with the treatment they want to look and feel their best. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced medical professional.