You’ve probably seen people comparing Coolsculpting vs Kybella as a solution to get rid of stubborn chin fat, but are they the same? If so, how? And if not, what’s the difference? Well, we’re here to tell you, as well as help you figure out whether Coolsculpting or Kybella is the best solution for stubborn chin fat.
What is CoolSculpting?
Before we can compare Coolsculpting vs Kybella, we have to know what type of procedures they are and what they are used for. CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved fat-freezing cosmetic dermatology procedure. During a CoolSculpting procedure, which is non-invasive, fat cells below the skin’s surface are targeted with controlled cooling. This causes the fat cells to eventually freeze, dissolve, and get eliminated by the body in a process called cryolipolysis. CoolSculpting can be used on many parts of the body, not just the chin.
What is Kybella?
Unlike CoolSculpting, Kybella is an injectable treatment specifically for the chin. Kybella is made up of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that naturally occurs in the body. During a Kybella treatment, your dermatologist marks the different injection sites in a grid-like pattern. Kybella is then injected into each mark. Once injected into the skin, Kybella helps break down and absorb dietary fat in the treated area.
How Long Does Coolsculpting Last?
Although a CoolSculpting appointment is relatively short (only about an hour), its results are long-lasting. Up to 25% of fat cells in the treated area are eliminated and new cells do not grow back.
How Long Does Kybella Last?
Similar to CoolSculpting, a Kybella appointment typically lasts about an hour and also produces long-lasting results. Kybella produces long-lasting results because the deoxycholic acid breaks down fat cells. And just like fat cells that are frozen and dissolve, broken down fat cells cannot be replaced.
What is More Effective, Fat Freezing or Fat Dissolving?
While both CoolSculpting and Kybella are effective and provide long-lasting results, there are other things to consider when asking which is more effective, such as possible side effects. Since CoolSculpting is not an invasive procedure, its side effects are minimal. Common side effects, which can last from a day up to a month, include slight numbness, redness, and pain.
Kybella, because it is a minimally invasive procedure, does have more potential side effects. The most common side effects include temporary swelling, pain, bruising, numbness, redness of the skin, and areas of hardness.
How Quickly Will I See Results from Coolsculpting vs Kybella?
You will begin to see results one to three months following a CoolSculpting procedure as fat cells are slowly eliminated from your body. Maximum results may not be seen until up to six months following your last CoolSculpting treatment.
Similarly, results following a Kybella treatment can be noticed in as little as one month. However, some people do not begin to notice results until six weeks following treatment. More than one treatment is often necessary, so maximum results are not seen until four to six weeks following your last Kybella treatment.
What Are The Differences in the Coolsculpting vs Kybella Healing Process?
Because CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure and Kybella is a minimally invasive procedure, the healing process does differ. Most people are able to resume normal daily activities immediately following a CoolSculpting procedure.
Because swelling is often a result of a Kybella treatment, three days of downtime are often needed following a Kybella treatment. However, most people can resume a normal routine the day after treatment despite the swelling and bruising.
What is the Cost of Coolsculpting vs Kybella?
While an individualized CoolSculpting treatment plan can range from $2,000-$5,000, your personal cost will be determined following a consultation with your dermatologist. During this consultation, you and your dermatologist will discuss and examine the areas you’d like targeted and the number of treatments that will be required, which will lead to a better understanding of your expected cost of CoolSculpting. Most areas will require at least two sessions spaced eight weeks apart to achieve full results.
Like CoolSculpting, the cost of Kybella treatment will vary from patient to patient, and the number of treatments needed to achieve maximum results will affect the total cost. Typically, a total of three Kybella treatments are needed. On average, Kybella treatments cost between $1,000-$2,400, which can add up to between $3,000 – $7,200 for three treatments.
Your dermatologist can work with you to choose the best procedure to fit your concerns and your budget.
Can I Get Coolsculpting After Kybella?
While you can schedule a CoolSculpting appointment after Kybella injections, most people schedule a Kybella procedure following CoolSculpting for the chin. This helps to debulk the chin area before going in and fine-tuning the treated area with more precise Kybella injections. Others do not consider scheduling Kybella treatments until they have fully healed from CoolSculpting and are looking for a more finessed jawline.
What Else Should I Know About CoolSculpting and Kybella?
Which procedure you choose will depend on many factors, including the size of your chin and neck, how fast you want results, your budget, and more. Kybella will help you get results faster, while CoolSculpting may be the better option if you want to lessen the discomfort felt during the procedure.
Kybella is best used to treat small areas of fat, but CoolSculpting can treat larger necks and lateral areas. If you are attempting to target loose skin in the chin area, neither CoolSculpting nor Kybella may be the best procedure for you, as they both target fat rather than skin elasticity.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to discuss the goals for your chin, contact our offices by filling out our form below. Or, you can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of cosmetic dermatology.
