How Much Does Kybella Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of Kybella®?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a Kybella® injection procedure was $6,027 in 2019. It is important to note this is a general cost estimate based on the price per syringe of Kybella®, fees from the provider administering the injection, and the location of the injection facility.

• Average Cost of Kybella®: $1,027
• Price Range for Kybella®: $1,000 - $2,000

Kybella® by Allergan is an injectable fat dissolving solution approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat submental fat (i.e. the chin area or a double chin). Kybella® has been used effectively in other body areas including the arms, stomach, back, and thighs. The active ingredient in Kybella® is deoxycholic acid, which works to break down fat cells in the body for reabsorption.

Like fillers and Botox®, a series of injections will most likely be needed for optimal results. Kybella® can be compared to CoolSculpting®, which is an alternative non-invasive fat cell reduction cosmetic treatment. Remember, a good candidate for these procedures has already altered their habits to reduce dietary fat.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Kybella Procedure

What affects the cost of Kybella®?

The cost of a Kybella® injection will be affected by numerous factors. The cost per vial of Kybella®, the time of the injector, the body area receiving the injection, the desired results, the location of the facility where you have the injection, and supplies used during the injection.

It is important to remember that Kybella® may require a few injection sessions to achieve the desired results, and all treatment plans are unique to each individual. Additionally, as with any fat reduction procedure, once Kybella® results are achieved they will be subject to natural changes from weight gain or loss.

To help with costs from repeated sessions and maintenance, facilities and providers typically have discounts, special promotions, and/or rewards programs for injectables like Kybella®. Reviewing these types of programs, financing options, and incentives in your area can help to mitigate costs.

The table below offers average single-session price ranges specific to areas typically treated with Kybella®. This is based on the average cost $600 to $750 per vial of Kybella®.

Average Kybella® Cost by Treatment Area

What does the cost of Kybella® include?

So, what do those cost ranges actually include? Kybella® is most easily understood by considering the number of vials needed for the desired cosmetic result. In the U.S., Kybella® vials typically cost $600 to $750 each. The number of vials needed at each injection site will vary by individual.

Besides the actual cost of the Kybella® vials, there are fees for the injector’s time, the supplies used during the injection session (gloves, needles, anesthetics like lidocaine), and, possibly, costs related to using facility space.

The costs quoted above are per session costs and multiple Kybella® treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Depending on your provider and facility, there is a possibility incentive programs and financing options may be able to reduce costs for some candidates.

How much does Kybella® cost?

Like we mentioned, the best way to think about the cost of Kybella® is by considering the number of vials needed. While injectors receive guidelines regarding the number of vials needed to achieve best results in a given treatment area, the actual number of vials used varies significantly by individual. This is due to factors like gender, muscularity, treatment area, severity of issue, and desired results. Also, keep in mind multiple sessions will probably be needed. The following table provides estimates of the general number of vials used per session by body area. Remember that, on average, Kybella® costs $600 to $750 per vial in the United States.

Average Number of Kybella® Vials Used by Treatment Area per Session

How much does Kybella® cost across the United States?

Location, location, location! Have we made it clear? Where you have your procedure plays a large role in the overall cost of the cosmetic procedure. As we mentioned, the 2019 ASPS Report breaks procedure occurrences down by regions. In 2019, the coasts accounted for 67 percent of all Kybella® treatments.

The table below breaks down Kybella® costs per vial in major cities across the U.S.

Average Kybella® Vial Cost by City and State

How much does Kybella® cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing a Kybella® injection abroad, the table below looks at average injectable costs for a few countries around the globe. Don’t forget the factor in travel costs, the reputation of the provider and facility, and expenses related to recovery when looking at the cost difference. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Cost of Kybella® Vial by Country in USD

Does insurance cover the cost of Kybella®?

Insurance can be confusing. Insurance and aesthetic medicine can be even more confusing. It’s ok, we can help. It’s commonly understood cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. This is generally true, however, certain cosmetic procedures with documented medical benefits may be covered. Definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) can help to further clarify this point:

• Cosmetic Surgery: Reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Alterations to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

Kybella® is not a surgery and it has no medical indications. Suffice to say, your Kybella® injection is not going to be covered by insurance.