Kybella vs. CoolMini

Fast facts

• Kybella and CoolMini are non-surgical options for removing excess fat beneath the chin.
• Both approaches are generally safe and associated with limited side effects.
• Treatments with Kybella and CoolMini take less than an hour per visit and typically require several sessions.
• A qualified physician must perform both Kybella and CoolMini treatments.
• Both Kybella and CoolMini are effective at reducing submental (under-chin) fat.

Kybella and CoolMini are noninvasive techniques for shrinking the fat pad below the chin. Kybella is an injectable therapy that destroys fat cells and allows the body to remove them. CoolMini uses targeted cooling to freeze and reduce fat cells beneath the chin.

Both procedures can diminish under-chin fullness within a matter of months and usually cost a few thousand dollars. A trained physician should perform either treatment. Recent studies indicate these approaches are effective for treating excess submental fat.

Comparing Kybella and CoolMini

Both Kybella and CoolMini are non-surgical cosmetic options. In 2017 and 2018, noninvasive fat-reduction methods such as Kybella and CoolMini ranked as the third-most commonly performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States.

Kybella

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kybella in 2015 for treating excess fat in the submental region (under the chin).

Kybella contains deoxycholic acid (DA), an injectable agent that targets submental fat cells. DA penetrates fat cells and disrupts their capacity to store fat.

Your clinician injects Kybella beneath the chin in multiple small injections. A typical session may involve 20 to 30 injections and sometimes as many as 50.

Kybella acts on its own and does not require additional devices or medications to be effective.

For comfort and recovery you may be advised to apply cold packs to the treatment area afterward and to sleep with your head slightly elevated for a few nights.

Full effects usually appear a couple of months after a series of treatments, once swelling subsides and the skin tightens.

CoolMini

CoolMini refers to a noninvasive applicator designed specifically to treat submental fat using cryolipolysis. The CoolMini device was cleared by the FDA in 2016 for treating fat under the chin.

This technique cools roughly 20 to 25 percent of fat cells in the treated zone. Over time the body removes these cooled fat cells, and those treated cells do not regenerate.

The physician places the CoolMini applicator on the target area. You’ll likely feel intense cooling initially, which fades as the area becomes numb.

During the session you can relax, read, or work on a laptop. After the procedure your clinician will massage the treated spot for several minutes.

Normal activities can typically be resumed right away.

No additional therapies or medications are necessary for CoolMini to work. Fat reduction becomes noticeable from a few weeks up to several months following treatment.

Per the manufacturer, the most visible improvements are usually observed around two months after treatment. Multiple sessions may be required to reach desired results.

Comparing results

Research evaluating Kybella and CoolMini demonstrates meaningful improvements with these noninvasive procedures for submental fat reduction.

Kybella results

A recent review of human studies on DA injections in the chin region found that DA injections are an effective nonsurgical approach and lead to improved patient self-image.

Another study on DA effectiveness reported high patient satisfaction and observable improvement in the lower face as assessed by clinicians.

CoolMini results

A review of five cryolipolysis studies concluded the procedure reduced submental fat and yielded satisfied patients with few adverse effects.

A small clinical trial of 14 participants also demonstrated decreased fat under the chin and minimal side effects from cryolipolysis.

Before and after pictures

Who is a good candidate?

Kybella

Individuals with a moderate to substantial amount of submental fat are suitable candidates for Kybella.

Kybella is indicated only for adults aged 18 and older.

There is limited evidence about safety in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Those taking anticoagulant therapy should consult their physician before undergoing Kybella.

CoolMini

Ideal CoolMini candidates have noticeable submental fat. The treatment is appropriate for all skin types. You’re an appropriate candidate if you are near your ideal weight and in generally good health.

CoolMini is not suitable for people with:

• cryoglobulinemia
• cold agglutinin disease
• paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Comparing costs

Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by health insurance, so you’ll pay out of pocket for Kybella or CoolMini.

Fees include the procedure itself and the physician’s administration. Both Kybella and CoolMini typically total a few thousand dollars across the full treatment course.

Final costs vary by provider, geographic location, treatment plan, and desired outcome.

Kybella costs

Your clinician will outline the recommended treatment plan, expected results, and estimated cost and duration per session. Multiple sessions are commonly required.

Individual sessions last roughly 15 to 20 minutes and usually do not necessitate missing work beyond the visit.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2018 data, the average price per Kybella treatment was $1,054, not including additional fees or individualized care costs.

CoolMini costs

As with Kybella, CoolMini pricing depends on several factors.

A CoolMini session may take up to an hour, and you might need multiple treatments to reach your goals.

The CoolSculpting site reports that overall treatment costs commonly fall between $2,000 and $4,000. The ASPS 2018 figures list the average cost for a nonsurgical fat-reduction procedure, such as CoolSculpting, at about $1,417.

Comparing the side effects and risks

Both procedures carry potential risks and side effects. Discuss your medical history, current medications, and prior cosmetic or surgical procedures with your doctor prior to treatment.

Kybella

The most frequent side effect of Kybella is swelling, which can occasionally cause difficulty swallowing.

Local reactions near injection sites may include redness, swelling, pain, firmness, warmth, and numbness. Other possible effects include bruising, hair loss (alopecia), ulceration, or tissue death (necrosis) at the injection area. Headache or nausea may also occur.

Rarely, Kybella can cause nerve injury and swallowing problems. Nerve damage may lead to an asymmetrical smile or weakness of facial muscles. Contact your physician if you notice such symptoms.

Patients on blood thinners should consult their doctor before Kybella, as these drugs can increase complication risk.

CoolMini

CoolMini side effects can include throat sensitivity, redness, bruising, swelling, and tenderness. Some people report stinging, aching, or itching after treatment.

Most CoolMini side effects resolve within days to weeks. A rare adverse effect is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which appears more frequently in males; this causes an increase in fatty tissue rather than reduction (reported here).

Kybella vs. CoolMini chart