When should swelling resolve after fat dissolving injections in the face?

Question

I had fat dissolving injections on my lower face 5 days ago. However swelling doesn’t seem to be improving. I was told by doctor that swelling will subside around 3-4 days. It still feels hard and tight! Should I be worried?

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  On average, I have seen swelling last between 1-2 weeks when a lot of product was used to dissolve the fat in a large area.  Try keeping your head elevated when you sleep (to be at about a 30-45 degree angle), and ask your PS if a compressive strap, cold compresses, herbal aids like Arnica or Bromelain are ok to use.  Be sure to limit your head down positioning, and activity in general (BP elevation leads to more lymphatic flow/swelling).  Best wishes,

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

If you received Kybella, it can take up to a week for swelling to begin to subside, and take about six weeks for all swelling to go down. If you continue to have swelling after a week, I would contact your injector to speak about your issue.

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

If you had Kybella injections, swelling can resolve in as little as 3-4 days, or less commonly up to 2 weeks(rare). Most commonly, I find that swelling comes down in 5-7 days.

Craig R. Dufresne, MD · Answer

Dear noelle29,
Thank you for your question. It usually takes about three to six weeks for the injection to resolve swelling. And no, this is not unusual.

Basim A. Matti, MBChB FRCS · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question. With a procedure such as this, swelling can last for as little as three days to as long as three weeks. The swelling, although paradoxical, is an excellent indication that the procedure is working; it's caused by the injections breaking down the fat cells. Please be reassured that this is temporary, and will subside in a short while. If, however, you are still concerned, please speak to your surgeon for reassurance. Wishing you well.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Any surgical procedure takes up to 16 months to "fully" recover. Calm your worry, and know swelling is completely normal at this phase. If  you have any specific questions in regards to your recovery, please call your surgeon directly, or meet with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for an in-person assessment. Have a great day, and be well!Dr. Todd Hobgood, MD

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Was the injected product called, Kybella? If so, then you will definitely expect continued swelling, firmness, and discomfort at this point. That's how it works, by causing inflammation and ultimately destruction of the fat cells. I bet all is well, but you should let your surgeon see you this week. Best wishes.

When should swelling resolve after fat dissolving injections in the face?

Answers (7)

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