I have bells palsy. Can I do Kybella?

Bells palsy affects the muscles of facial expression and Kybella is used to destroy fat beneath the chin. Kybella is safe but be sure to see an experienced practitioner who is very familiar with facial anatomy to avoid any further temporary loss of motor movement to your chin. This can easily be avoided. Have you considered Botox the non-affected side to improve facial appearance? I have treated many patients with Bells Palsy with botox to improve facial balance and provide a more normal appearance. In truth, these are my happiest botox patients! Also, you might want to consider liposuction over Kybella....one session of liposuction can provide near immediate results while treatment with Kybella can take 4-6 months.  

As long as you are cleared by your Doctor, you can have Kybella for under the chin. Kybella takes 1-3 treatments every 6 weeks.  Patient will develop swelling and possible bruising after each injection that may last a few days.  The benefit of Kybella is each treatment is quick and completed in the office. However, some patients need more than one treatment to get desired results.  Hope this helps. 

Dear visage laser,Kybella typically takes 3 to 5 treatments to work. This is why I've stopped carrying Kybella in my office.  I recommend neck liposuction more often then any injectable procedure for the neck now. It provides superior results gives me more control over the area than any injectable.  It also costs about the same as what you paid for your first kybella session. The liposuction can be done under local while awake in the office and recovery is about the same as kybella.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Bell's palsy is a condition that affects the facial nerves, resulting in temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. While Bell's palsy typically resolves on its own within a few weeks to months, some individuals may experience residual facial asymmetry or weakness even after the acute phase has passed.Kybella is an injectable treatment used to reduce submental (under the chin) fat and improve the appearance of a double chin. It contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps break down and absorb dietary fat.Before undergoing Kybella treatment, it's essential to consult with a skilled healthcare provider who can evaluate your medical history, including any underlying conditions such as Bell's palsy, and determine if Kybella is a suitable option for you.Here are some considerations regarding Kybella treatment for individuals with Bell's palsy:1. Evaluation of facial symmetry: Your healthcare provider will assess the degree of facial asymmetry or weakness caused by Bell's palsy to determine if Kybella treatment is appropriate. They will consider factors such as muscle function, skin laxity, and overall facial aesthetics.2. Potential risks: Individuals with Bell's palsy may have altered muscle function or nerve sensitivity in the facial area. It's essential to discuss any concerns or potential risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing Kybella treatment, as injection-related side effects such as pain, swelling, bruising, or nerve injury may be more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing facial nerve conditions.3. Individualized treatment plan: If Kybella is deemed safe and appropriate for you, your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. They will discuss the expected outcomes, potential risks, and any alternative treatment options available.4. Monitoring and follow-up: After Kybella treatment, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's post-procedure instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns.Overall, while Kybella may be a viable option for reducing submental fat in individuals with Bell's palsy, it's crucial to undergo a thorough evaluation and discuss your treatment options with a skilled healthcare provider who can provide recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Kybella is safe to use in someone with Bells palsy.An experienced injector is necessary as too close an injection to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve could cause some irritation and some new temporary palsy 

As long as your medically stable, Kybella should be able to be used in the submental (below the chin) area of a patient with Bell's Palsy. It is important to make sure you do not have an active infection or uncontrolled medical condition which is causing the Bell's Palsy however. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  I agree with some of the previous physicians that we could recommend Kybella.  The FDA recently approved the SculpSure laser for treating submental fat (double chins).  It is a quick 25 minute treatment.  In the FDA study, the participants had 100% satisfaction after 1 or 2 treatments.  If you look at the Kybella FDA studies, there is high satisfaction after an average of 6 treatments.  I did SculpSure recently and it was only mildly uncomfortable.  I had no noticeable swelling.  With Kybella, you will have noticeable swelling for 1-4 weeks.  Best of luck.

Kybella under the neck should not affect Bell's palsy, per se.  However, depending on the amount of facial droop, if any, it may not be the best option.  Kybella, in my hands, works very well for the right patient.  Seek out a consultation with a surgeon who is equally adept at facial liposuction and Kybella.  Best wishes.