What is the medicine/ medicamental protocol to take at pre and post Kybella injections? For pain relief and faster recovery.

In the clinical study, taking Tylenol or 600mg of Ibuprofen one hour before and 4-6 hours after Kybella injections was the only measure that significantly reduced pain and discomfort. In our practice, we offer topical anesthetics, anesthetic blocks, and a special icing protocol that has been met with high patient satisfaction, most patients reporting only mild discomfort during the procedure. Every patient is different and has a different pain threshold, so we customize the comfort measures to each individual patient.

We believe that elevating the head and icing 6-24 hours after the procedure is helpful. Avoiding salt and alcohol can also minimize retention of fluid. It is important to remember that the swelling is a sign of the inflammatory response that removes the fat cells after they have been destroyed. Because the swelling plays a role in retraction and enhancing your profile, we tell our patients "Call me if you don't swell!" The swelling is a sign that the Kybella is working as expected!

In our experience, Kybella works EVERY time.

Topical and injected lidocaine are used to numb the treatment area prior to injection.  For pain and swelling control after the procedure, most patients do just fine with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and cool compresses to the area.  It also helps to sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.

I treat a lot of patients with Kybella and it is a fabulous product.  We numb all patients topically first and then with lidocaine injections so that there is no discomfort from the Kybella. Afterwards Motrin or Alleve can be taken for some minor discomfort. Please consult an expert. Best, Dr. Green

Thank you for your question cristianagsa. Kybella is the first and thus far only FDA approved non-surgical injectable treatment for the double chin. Swelling is the most common side effect after a Kybella treatment. I make the following recommendations for my patients: Keeping the head elevated when asleep with an extra pillow will help. Some people place a wrap around the front of the neck and back of the head. Application of cold compresses can also help. Over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and ibuprofen can help with comfort. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Hello cristianagsa,

Thank you for your question. There are many different "protocols" to help reduce the discomfort that can be associated with Kybella. Prior to the procedure mild anti-inflammatory meds such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen can be taken. Some will use ice only just prior to the procedure or in combination with the anti-inflammatory. Local anesthetic can be injected into the area prior to the Kybella injections or nothing at all. The main discomfort associated with Kybella is not so much the injections in that the needle is very small (just like a Botox needle) but from the medication itself which is typically described as a "burning sensation". This is greatly reduced by applying ice immediately after the last injection for 15-20 min which greatly reduces the discomfort. I will have the patient continue with ice and anti-inflammatory of their choice as they feel they need which typically is only for a couple of days. This of course will vary tremendously depending on how much medication was used and a person's tolerance to pain/discomfort. Rest assured Kybella is a great treatment and very effective at permanent fat removal in the sub-mental (under the chin) region. Wishing you well. 

I do not advise my patients to take any medications at least two weeks prior to the treatment since many medications increase skin sensitivity and increase chance for bruising. Before the procedure we use topical anesthetics and inject lidocaine, then after the procedure we preform different methods to ease discomfort such as icing and topical anesthetics. We prescribe pain medications for our patients to ease discomfort but we don’t advise them to take it for the first few hours after the injection. I hope this helps. Good luck! 

There really isn't a lot to be done in terms of pre or post op protocol with Kybella. Your injector may have you take Tylenol or Advil both before and after your treatment. And a numbing agent will be applied immediately prior to your treatment. One of the benefits of Kybella is that it is pretty pain free. Hope this helps.

Kindly,

Kouros Azar