Aqualyx vs. Kybella

Stubborn fat deposits that don’t go away are a common issue many people face on their fat loss journey. All because, generally, our bodies maintain the same number of adipocytes (fat cells) throughout life, meaning even though the numbers on the scale decrease, the number of fat cells remains the same. This explains stubborn fat pockets that persist despite all the lifestyle changes.

This explains the rising demand for non-surgical fat-reduction procedures, particularly targeted fat-reduction procedures that destroy fat cells directly, with minimal downtime and rapid results. Today, we would like to discuss two popular options in the cosmetic beauty sphere: Aqualyx and Kybella. While these brands share similar goals, their working principles and target areas vary, and understanding these differences is important for planning a well-performing cosmetic treatment. Follow along to learn all the essentials gathered by the FillerCloud’s team of professionals!

Researching the Basics: The Definition

Before discussing both differences and similarities, let’s introduce the two brands and give an understandable definition to them both:

• Aqualyx is a brand of Marllor Biomedical, an Italian aesthetic and pharmaceutical company. It’s a non-surgical injectable procedure that targets localized fat deposits that can’t be removed through diet and exercise alone. Its main active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, and the injection can be used for various treatment areas, from the double chin to the thighs.
• Kybella belongs to Allergan Aesthetics, a division of AbbVie. It contains deoxycholic acid to dissolve submental fat. The product is FDA-approved for treating submental fat, another name for the double chin. Despite the FDA approval for only the chin area, the product is often used for other body regions, even though such procedures are marketed as ‘off-label.’

Aqualyx and Kybella: Comparing Fat-Dissolving Injections

With the basics already memorized and understood, we can now discuss the similarities and differences in the product’s main features, which will help you determine the best choice for each patient and their aesthetic goals.

Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Action

Both Kybella and Aqualyx are deoxycholic acid-based injections used to reduce stubborn fat areas. However, their working principles vary, and understanding the difference is crucial:

• Aqualyx‘s main task is to permanently break down fat cells’ membranes, allowing the body to clear lipids naturally via the lymphatic system. Its gel-like matrix allows the results to develop gradually, which is perfect for efficient body contouring in larger areas.
• Kybella uses a purified, synthetic form of deoxycholic acid to disrupt the fat cell membranes. It acts more aggressively, triggering inflammation that leads to fat deposit clearance via the lymphatic system. It’s typically used to target smaller areas of the body.

Fat-Dissolving Treatment Areas

A major difference between Aqualyx and Kybella is their versatility and approved treatment zones. Typically, specialists choose the appropriate brand for the treatment based on this factor:

• Aqualyx is CE-certified, and medical professionals often use it off-label across Europe for significant fat reduction in larger body areas. Appropriate regions to target include the chin, jawline, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and hips, as well as inner knees. Its gentler formulation makes the procedure ideal for treatments that require multiple sessions. Aqualyx sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, and the treatment is designed to be minimally invasive with little downtime.
• Kybella is an FDA-approved product for submental fat reduction (also known as the double-chin treatment). Sometimes, specialists use it off-label for other areas as well. The injectable is suitable for smaller target areas, making it perfect for individuals who need a minimally invasive alternative to liposuction. Kybella typically requires 2 to 4 sessions for optimal results, with each session lasting about 20 to 30 minutes.

Onset of Results and Durability

Both Aqualyx and Kybella are permanent products that help eliminate fat cells. However, their timelines and maintenance principles vary based on the target areas, the amount of fat, and some other key factors:

• Aqualyx. This product works more slowly but demonstrates a more noticeable fat reduction. Typically, the first hints of the results become visible within 6 to 8 weeks after the first injection session, but it may take longer in some personal cases. Multiple treatment sessions are required, typically between 3 and 8, depending on the area and the amount of fat to be removed. The results may remain permanent if patients watch their weight and follow a recommended diet and workout program.
• Kybella. This brand offers faster results because it’s designed for smaller treatment areas. Its formulation makes Kybella more suitable for natural-looking reduction of localized fat pockets. The results typically appear within 4 to 6 weeks after each injection session, and most patients require 2 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The treatment should provide a permanent fat loss with minimal recovery time. The inflammation tends to be more severe than Aqualyx’s, as it acts more aggressively to provide the effect faster.

Downtime and Side Effects

Adverse effects are natural for any cosmetic treatment, as it’s the body’s way of adjusting to the solution. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising are normal reactions and shouldn’t cause patients stress. However, Kybella tends to cause more severe and long-lasting adverse effects due to reducing unwanted fat in smaller areas.

• Aqualyx. The most common side effect of Aqualyx treatments is mild to moderate swelling that typically lasts 3 to 7 days. Patients may notice itching, warmth, and unusual skin tenderness in the target area. In rare cases, they may notice allergic reactions and skin firmness, which should be reported to a medical professional for safety. Aqualyx is believed to be a safer non-surgical solution to reduce fat because of its milder adverse reactions.
• Kybella. Its side effects tend to be more severe, with an approximate duration of 1 to 2 weeks. Commonly, people experience bruising and swelling, which is natural and isn’t a cause for concern. Patients can also notice warmth, itching, and local tenderness. In rare cases, there is a risk of nerve injury, which is why it’s crucial to schedule an appointment only with experienced, educated medical professionals.

Both Aqualyx and Kybella allow a quick return to daily activities and provide permanent destruction of fat cells eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. Still, Aqualyx has a faster recovery period than Kybella.

Fat Reduction Treatments Benefits

Even though Aqualyx and Kybella differ in some ways, they are both effective for targeting fat cells in multiple body areas. They can deliver excellent results when used by skilled professionals who know their field by heart. Here are the key benefits of both brands that make them so highly demanded in the cosmetic beauty sphere:

1. Non-surgical solutions. Invasive procedures require a long time for recovery, which many people cannot afford, and are typically not really cost-effective. With Aqualyx and Kybella, there’s no need for surgery to achieve results; the treatments can be performed under general anesthesia, and recovery is much faster than with invasive procedures.
2. Targeted fat reduction. The precision of both treatments helps target various areas, providing more satisfactory, natural-looking results.
3. Permanent effect. Once fat cells are destroyed, they don’t regenerate. Specialists recommend maintaining a healthy weight with a proper diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle overall.
4. Minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their routine within 24-28 hours after treatment. If the healthcare provider’s basic aftercare instructions are followed, there should be no complications after the injection session.
5. Natural-looking results. The main goal of any cosmetic treatment is to provide a natural-looking effect, so patients’ appearance doesn’t look artificial. Aqualyx and Kybella are perfect candidates for that goal.

What Is the Fastest Fat-Loss Method?

Kybella provides quicker visible results in small, localized areas, such as the chin, while Aqualyx offers a more gradual fat reduction, making it suitable for larger or multiple treatment zones. Patients typically require between 2 to 8 sessions of Aqualyx spaced several weeks apart to achieve noticeable fat reduction, while Kybella may require 2 to 4 sessions for optimal results, depending on the area treated.

Patient satisfaction levels can vary, with many Aqualyx users reporting gradual improvements and less discomfort compared to Kybella, which is associated with more intense swelling and inflammation post-treatment.

The Summary

Aqualyx and Kybella are injectable treatments for body contouring and fat reduction. They are effective, affordable, and safe, but there are some key differences specialists should know to pick the best solution according to patients’ aesthetic goals and body peculiarities.

Both Aqualyx and Kybella utilize deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells, but Aqualyx’s buffered formulation allows for a gentler approach, resulting in less discomfort and swelling compared to Kybella. Aqualyx is effective for treating localized fat deposits in various areas of the body, including the chin, abdomen, thighs, and hips, while Kybella is specifically FDA-approved for submental fat reduction under the chin.

We recommend both brands to our patients, as they have proven themselves to be safe and efficient throughout the years. Check out the availability on the FillerCloud website to purchase them for your clinic.