Is it bad if there is no "balls" after Kybella injection?

Question

Im reading many of the kybella experiences and many have mentioned feeling anywhere from tiny balls to golfball-sized lumps at the injection site. Although I did feel slight soreness, I can't feel any such balls under my chin. It's also been 3 weeks since my first treatment (2 vials) and I haven't seen any improvement. I'm wondering if the lack of "balls" is an indication that it's not working for me?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hi Stasia, it takes a series of treatments to get good results with Kybella, so I wouldn't worry too much about not seeing any improvement at this stage.Keep in mind, Kybella is good for dissolving the submental fat under the chin area while contouring the jawline and making the chin more defined, but a combination approach is needed to get the most improvement with non-invasive options. I recommend a combination approach with Thermage, Ultherapy, and Exilis.VASER Hi-Definition Neck Liposuction in combination with ThermiRF, Renuvion and InMode FaceTite is the best alternative for contouring and tightening the chin area. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There normally is significant swelling under the chin after a Kybella treatment and it can take 6 weeks to see the improvement.  I have not had any patients tell me they could feel "balls" after the treatment, so I would say it is fairly normal that you haven't felt any.  The presence or lack of feeling any "balls" should not affect the result.  Kybella normally does take several treatment sessions to obtain the desired result.

Larry A. Richardson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
We used to have a patient who mentioned she had a hard small "core"in the middle of her submental fat after the first treatment. It disappeared about four weeks later before her second treatment. She didn't have it after her second treatment. 
It will take several treatments to see the best result. We advise you don't worry about the balls or lumps. Usually it will take six weeks to decide if you need another treatment or not or how many units you need for next treatment.

Mark Kearns, MBChB, BSc, FRACGP · Answer

Hey there thanks for the question!
I've never had patient's mention 'balls' after these injections. Bruising and swelling can be normal but I wouldn't worry about the lack of presence of lumps. For kybella I would probably give it 2 months before deciding if a repeat treatment is required. That would be a good time then to compare your before and after pictures.

Is it bad if there is no "balls" after Kybella injection?

Answers (4)