Both Kybella and Coolsculpting are fat reduction cosmetic procedures, but the treatments have multiple key differences.
Kybella and Coolsculpting Comparison
CoolSculpting
A form of cryolipolysis intended to freeze fat cells in specific areas of the body that don’t respond well to weight reduction by exercise and diet. Coolsculpting kills fat cells in a treated area such as:
- chin
- abdominal area
- stomach
- inner and outer thighs
- back
- arms
- saddle bags
- calves
It is a non-invasive and non-surgical fat removal procedure, which is why it’s usually preferred over liposuction.
Kybella
Kybella is most popular for removing submental fullness or unwanted fat under the chin.
While these treatments have yet to be approved by the FDA, Kybella can also remove fatty tissue in the abdomen and underarm fat.
How does it work?
CoolSculpting
The skin above the stubborn pockets of fat is suctioned while an applicator applies the controlled cold. The freezing temperatures target fatness underneath the skin, but do not damage the skin or other tissues. Although fat cells die through this method, CoolSculpting will not remove loose skin.
A single area of a CoolSculpting session lasts about 35 minutes to an hour.
Generally, 2-4 sessions are necessary to achieve desired results.
Kybella
Kybella treatment uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a bile acid naturally found in the body.
A Kybella injection removes fat in the treatment area. It must be administered by a trained healthcare provider as deoxycholic acid may damage other cells.
A trained professional will mark the injection site (usually double chin fat), and Over the course of 15 to 20 minutes, as much as 2o to 50 Kybella injections are administered in the chin area.
Most patients will need more than one session. Typically, two sessions are the standard for Kybella.
What is the purpose and target areas?
CoolSculpting
With professional treatment and sufficient planning, CoolSculpting is a safe and effective procedure that removes excess fat permanently. It is:
- non-invasive
- non-surgical
- doesn’t require needles
- pain-free
- No downtime
- improves skin laxity
While the number of sessions varies, patients see a 25% reduction in fat 30 days after the first treatment.
Kybella
Ideal Kybella patients are adults with moderate to severe submental fat.
It is a quick non-surgical procedure with an efficacy of 82.4%. This synthetic form of deoxycholic acid has been proven to be safe and effective for double chin treatment.
What are the side effects?
CoolSculpting
Among the two treatments, CoolSculpting has fewer side effects and complications. At the most, patients may experience mild swelling, sensitivity, numbness, localized pain, or redness a few days after the treatment.
Kybella
Side effects for Kybella are normally bruising and swelling for a week or two after treatment. Ice is recommended.
Conclusion: Kybella vs Coolsculpting
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved fat reduction method, while Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable for neck fat and double chin reduction.
CoolSculpting treatments use a non-invasive freezing method called cryolipolysis. Most patients believe that the benefits of CoolSculpting outweigh the risks.
Kybella treatments are administered via a series of deoxycholic acid injections that break down fatty tissue in the chin.
