What is the average time frame for swelling after first Kybella treatment?

Question

I am 28 days post Kybella first injection. I am still a bit swollen and it has turned into a hard knot. It is also very painful to touch. I've been putting Arnica gel on it and trying to gently massage but it is very tender even as far up as the front of my chin. I'm due for my second injection in two weeks and now I'm afraid to have another one with these symptoms. Is this normal?

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Swelling after kybella can vary significantly from person to person depending on the amount injected and the amount of fat present.  Swelling can last up to 12 weeks in rare cases.  However, it is usualy advisable to follow up with the doctor if a persistent nodule is present in the area as treatment with injectable steroid may be able to speed recovery in some cases.  I would not recommend having a second treatment if there is still edema or tenderness as this will likely lead to prolonged swelling.

Eric J. Yavrouian, MD · Answer

Noticeable swelling after Kybella lasts from four to seven days. You will feel swollen for up to two weeks but most other people would not notice. The feeling of nodularity is normal and is a sign of the body absorbing the fat. I would address the pain with your physician and try and come in sooner to better evaluate it. Good luck to you.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Swelling, hardness, tenderness and numbness are all common symptoms with Kybella treatments.  Swelling is typically a sign that the product is still metabolizing your fat cells.  I would recommend you wait for all the swelling to subside before doing your second treatment.  I usually like to see my patients for their second treatment about 8 weeks after their first treatment.  Best of luck with your Kybella treatment!

Anita Saluja, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to experience swelling 2-3 weeks post treatment as this is the stage where the dead fat cells are being absorbed by macrophages in your body. After 4 weeks you should start seeing the swelling slowly going down. For optimal results, it is important to do the series recommended by your physician. For second and third sessions patients normally experience a similar response than for the first session. Patience is key. At this point, I would see your Kybella injector for an in person evaluation and further recommendations.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

The average swelling time after your initial Kybella treatment is up to a month, while subsequent treatments may only cause swelling for 1-2 weeks. The knot under your chin, while painful and irritating, isn’t typically a cause for concern – it actually means the Kybella treatment is successful, as the knot is formed from dead fat cells that the body hasn’t absorbed yet! Before going in for your next treatment, talk to your doctor – they are the most qualified to assess your particular case and can recommend whether or not you should wait a bit longer before your second injection.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question sandrarube. I am sorry to hear about your
situation. Kybella is the first and thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical
injectable treatment for the double chin. Induration or hard bumps is possible after a Kybella treatment and resolves on its own slowly over time. Most people experience most significant swelling for the firs week or two after a treatment. Since these effects can last long I recommend that my patients wait longer than 4 weeks between treatments, typically 2-3 months, and longer is better. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

While for most patients, the post op swelling from Kybella clears up in a couple of weeks, for others, it can take longer. Every patient heals at his or her own rate. If the swelling hasn't subsided by your next appointment, speak with your injector. The good news is that the swelling from your next treatment won't be as bad. Best of luck.

M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is a normal reaction to Kybella injections, and the length of duration can vary from patient to patient.  We typically prepare patients for 5-7 days of swelling, though we have seen cases where mild swelling lasted an additional 2-3 weeks.  If duration of swelling is a concern, we recommend following up with your injector for assessment to ensure your reaction is a normal variation and does not require further follow up.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Swelling occurs in most patients after Kybella treatment. This swelling in some cases is seen immediately after the procedure and increases throughout the first night after the treatment and is greatest on the morning after treatment. After the 1st treatment, the swelling may take 7-10 days to resolve. With subsequent treatments, the swelling is not as bad and does not last as long. Most patients require 2-3 treatments sessions, and 4-8 vials of Kybella over the full treatment course for best results. The hardness/induration you are describing is related to the inflammation caused as Kybella works on the fat and this is not something to be concerned about. I like to retreat my patients 6-8 weeks later to allow for all the swelling and induration to resolve.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

Although soreness, swelling and nodules are normal for the first week or so there are some patients who may experience these symptoms for a longer period of time. Significant discomfort past the first week should be evaluated by a physician to ensure that an infection has not occurred (a rare complication of any injectable).  I recommend repeat treatments be separated by a minimum of six weeks and would not reinject until the area has returned to normal. The good news is that reactions to second and third treatments are always better tolerated and the final results are great.

What is the average time frame for swelling after first Kybella treatment?

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