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Compare Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Kybella (deoxycholic acid) and Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both injectable medications used for cosmetic purposes, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Kybella is a cytolytic medication used to reduce fat under the chin, commonly known as a "double chin," by destroying fat cells. Botox Cosmetic, on the other hand, is a neuromuscular blocker that temporarily improves the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet by relaxing facial muscles. While both medications require administration by a healthcare provider, Kybella is injected under the skin, and Botox Cosmetic is injected into the muscles. Kybella treatments can involve up to 50 injections per session, spaced at least a month apart, with a maximum of 6 sessions. Botox Cosmetic treatments are typically given once every 3 months, with a maximum total dose of 400 units in that period. Common side effects of Kybella include swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site, while Botox Cosmetic may cause droopy eyelids and headaches. Both medications are prescription-only and do not have generic versions available.

  • Kybella (deoxycholic acid)
    Botox cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
  • Kybella (deoxycholic acid)
    Botox cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)

  • Summary of Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Summary for Cytolytic
    Prescription only

    Kybella (deoxycholic acid) is an injection used to reduce fat below the chin, helping to minimize the appearance of a "double chin" in adults. It's injected under the skin by a trained healthcare professional, with at least a month between each treatment. You can have up to 6 treatments total, but some people might need fewer. Possible side effects include swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site.

    Summary for Neuromuscular blocker
    Prescription only

    Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used in adults to temporarily improve the look of facial lines. It's FDA approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and neck lines. The medication is injected directly into the facial muscles by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects can vary depending on the injection site and can include headache and droopy eyelids. <br> Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from medical Botox, which is used for certain health conditions like migraines or muscle spasms.

  • Indications of Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Indications for
    •To improve the appearance of fat below the chin ("double chin")
    Indications for

    Temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe facial lines, including:

    •Frown lines
    •Crow's feet
    •Forehead lines
    •Neck lines

  • Pros and Cons of Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Pros and Const for Cytolytic
    Pros
    •FDA approved to improve the appearance of a "double chin"
    •About 85% of people reported being happy with the results
    •Injection process takes a total of 15 to 20 minutes
    Cons
    •Commonly causes swelling, pain, and redness at the injection sites
    •Can cause some serious, temporary side effects, such as facial nerve problems and trouble swallowing
    •Might need multiple treatments
    Pros and Const for Neuromuscular blocker
    Pros
    •Can treat many facial and neck lines at the same time
    •Might start to see results within days
    •Lasts up to 3 to 4 months
    •Quick recovery time after injections
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected by a trained healthcare professional
    •Injections can be uncomfortable
    •Not permanent, requires repeat injections
    •Side effects include droopy eyelids and headache

  • Common Side Effects of Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling at injection site (87%)
    •Bruising at injection site (72%)
    •Pain at injection site (70%)
    •Numbness at injection site (66%)
    •Redness at injection site (27%)
    •Hardening of skin at injection site (23%)
    •Tingling at injection site (14%)
    •Lump in skin at injection site (13%)
    •Itching at injection site (12%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Frown lines:

    •Droopy eyelids (3%)

    Crow's feet:

    •Eyelid swelling (1%)

    Forehead lines:

    •Headache (9%)

  • Warnings of Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nerve injury
    •Trouble swallowing
    •Bleeding and bruising at injection site
    •Hair loss at injection site
    •Infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of toxin effect
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Heart-related side effects
    •Difficulty swallowing or breathing
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Transmission of diseases

  • Prices with our coupons for Kybella vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Learn more about Kybella
    Learn more about Botox cosmetic

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