Can Kybella results reverse? Normally, my water retention lasts for 3 days but this is more than 3 days.

Question

Hello, I had Kybella done Dec 1 and did not see dramatic results until Dec 26, as if all the fat under my chin went away overnight. However, on Dec 27, I had a very large day of eating salty food and I am prone to water retention under my chin. Now it is Jan 4th and It seems that my double chin is back. Normally, my water retention lasts for 3 days but this is more than 3 days. I am very worried that my results reversed due to that water retention. The area feels tender and slightly hard.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

In regards to your water retention, give it more time to reduce and cut-back on high salt foods for the next couple weeks. If your under chin still remains full and you don't see a difference, follow-up in person with your injector for examination. Best, Dr. Anil Shah

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ashm11,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

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

How many treatments did you have? We recommend a minimum of two (4 vial approx.) before you see a result. You can have anywhere from 2-6 treatments depending on how much sub-mental fat you have, as well as how significant a result you are after.  Full results can not usually be seen until 12 weeks after the second treatment.
Warm Regards,
Dr Glenn Murray, Absolute Cosmetic Medicine

Skin by Lovely - Portland · Answer

Thank you for your question! Kybella is an awesome treatment that reduces submental fullness by breaking down and absorbing fat cells. Once these fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, and results are permanent. Results can take 4-6 weeks (or more) to see, and it is best to treat over a series of sessions. You are likely still swollen from the procedure. Swelling can also fluctuate based on external factors as well; if salty foods make you retain more water, you will likely have increased swelling after a Kybella procedure when you eat salty foods. The symptoms you are describing are a normal part of the healing process, and over time the swelling should continue to resolve. Best of luck on your aesthetic journey!

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD · Answer

Dear Ashm11:
        Thank you for the question. Depending on the patients individual situation, it is typical for my patients to need 2-3 treatments but may need up to 6 treatments for final results with Kybella. I have my patients wait for 6-8 weeks before proceeding with their next treatment. I would speak with your physician if you have any concerns, but it is likely that you will need to wait for the full 6-8 weeks to see the results from your first treatment. Good luck and I hope this helps!

Deborah Kessler Hudak, MD, MHA · Answer

No, it cannot "reverse."  Kybella, which contains 10mg/ml deoxycholate, kills fat cells.  Your body's reaction to the death of fat cells includes swelling.  It is dose-dependent, so if more Kybella was injected, more fat will be killed and your body will have more swelling in the area of treatment.  Also, certain foods can make a person swell more.
Again, the Kybella causes permanent fat reduction.  It is like a chemical annihilation of the fat it contacts.  It does not directly cause swelling....your body's response to the death of fat cells is what causes the swelling.  Kybella does NOT increase the amount of fat in an area where it is injected (which would be a reversal of action).

Pamela Stuart, MD · Answer

Depending on the patients individual situation, it is typical for patients to need 2-3 treatments for final results with Kybella. I have my patients wait for 6-8 weeks before proceeding with their next treatment. I would speak with your physician if you have any concerns, but it is likely that you will need to wait for the full 6-8 weeks to see the results from your first treatment. Best wishes,

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery - Grand Rapids · Answer

Hello there! Typically full Kybella results aren't seen for 6-8 weeks. If the area is felling tender and slightly hard, it is very unlikely that you seeing your results yet (these are still signs of healing). I would continue to monitor the area for changes and follow up with your injector in four weeks. Good Luck! Sarah RN BSN

Joseph Franzese, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Kybella treatments kill fat cells and they can not suddenly reappear.  That being said, you will have inflammation after the procedure that will come and go and will cause the area to swell.  Diet can have an effect on this are you noticed.  Many patients need more than one treatment and I would recommend discussing with your physician and being patient during this time.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

there are variables that can make this treatment seem slightly different than the previous ones. For example how much was injected where was it injected and the fact that you've had the treatment before. It's common to have fluctuations in swelling and from what you describe your results are far from final.  You cannot reverse the effects of this treatment by eating salty foods other than developing temporary swelling. I personally stopped providing Kybella treatments because Liposuction  is simply superior in my opinion. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Can Kybella results reverse? Normally, my water retention lasts for 3 days but this is more than 3 days.

Answers (11)

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