Fat: we all have it. And even if we consider ourselves Flywheel devotees or clean-eating all-stars, so many of us still struggle with stubborn pockets of fat that don’t seem to respond to any amount of diet or exercise.
Lucky for us, the recent rise of non-surgical fat-reduction techniques has blessed us with fat-blasting innovations such as CoolSculpting (aka cryolipolysis, a procedure that freezes and kills fat cells) and Kybella (a fat-dissolving injection designed for “submental fullness,” or the stubborn double chin). But what does each one do? Is one better than the other for certain areas? Along with a conversation with your board-certified doctor, the below will help guide you in the right direction.
Which areas do they treat?
The first thing to understand is what Kybella and CoolSculpting are each cleared to treat. Kybella—an injection comprised of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in our own bile—is FDA-approved for on-label treatment of submental fullness, aka a double chin. However, there are many off-label uses for Kybella, including the treatment of fat in the arms, love handles, knees and bra rolls, that have proven to be extremely effective. CoolSculpting is FDA-approved for treatment in eight areas: the abdomen, flanks, thighs, bra fat, back, banana roll, upper arms and chin.
Who is a good candidate for each?
When it comes to deciding between these two fat-fighting treatments, New York dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD says it all depends on the amount of fat you are looking to remove from the treatment area. “With either of these fat-removal techniques, there is no best,” he says. “It’s all about finding the right procedure for the right patient.”
Because CoolSculpting can only remove teacup amounts of fat, it’s best for those who are already in good shape, “but have select trouble spots, such as the love handles, abdomen, knees, arms, chin and thighs,” says Dr. Frank. As for what makes a patient a bad candidate for CoolSculpting, Dr. Frank explains it’s when the patient either has too much fat, not enough fat for the applicator to suction to, or when patients need several areas to sculpt.
“A good candidate for Kybella is someone with fullness under their chin,” says New York plastic surgeon David Shafer, MD. “Usually, if you can pinch the fat between your fingers, it can be treated with Kybella.” However, according to Dr. Shafer, if you have minimal or no fat under your chin—along with loose skin—you might be a better candidate for a neck or facelift to tighten the skin.
Another reason doctors opt for Kybella instead of CoolSculpting: “It’s better for the smaller areas of fat that CoolSculpting can’t suction to,” explains Dr. Frank.
Frequently Asked Questions
CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to treat eight specific areas: the abdomen, flanks, thighs, bra fat, back, banana roll, upper arms, and chin. It targets fat pockets in these regions by freezing and killing fat cells through cryolipolysis.
Kybella is FDA-approved specifically for treating submental fullness, commonly known as a double chin. However, it is also used off-label to effectively reduce fat in other areas such as the arms, love handles, knees, and bra rolls.
Ideal candidates for CoolSculpting are individuals who are already in good shape but have small, stubborn fat pockets in areas like the love handles, abdomen, knees, arms, chin, or thighs. It works best for those with enough fat for the applicator to suction and who want to target select trouble spots.
Kybella is best suited for people with noticeable fullness under the chin that can be pinched between the fingers. It is particularly effective for smaller fat deposits that are difficult for CoolSculpting to treat. Those with loose skin or minimal fat might need surgical options instead.
No, CoolSculpting is designed to remove only small amounts of fat, often described as 'teacup amounts.' It is not suitable for patients with large volumes of fat or those needing extensive fat removal across multiple areas.
Yes, CoolSculpting is limited by the amount of fat present and the ability of the applicator to suction the area. It is not effective for patients with too much fat, too little fat, or those requiring treatment in many areas simultaneously.
Kybella is preferred for smaller fat deposits that CoolSculpting cannot effectively suction, such as certain delicate or hard-to-reach areas. It is also a good choice for patients specifically targeting submental fullness or double chin fat.
While Kybella is FDA-approved only for submental fullness, many practitioners use it off-label to treat fat in other areas like the arms, love handles, knees, and bra rolls with effective results. However, these uses should be discussed with a qualified doctor.
Patients with minimal fat but loose skin under the chin may not benefit from Kybella. Instead, surgical options like a neck lift or facelift might be recommended to tighten the skin and improve contour.
Choosing between CoolSculpting and Kybella depends on the treatment area, amount of fat, and patient goals. Consulting with a board-certified doctor can help determine the best procedure based on whether you have small, pinchable fat or larger trouble spots and the specific body area involved.
