I am 3 weeks post Kybella, same swelling since day 2. The doc told me to massage the hardened area. Should I be concerned?

Question

I went back to the doctor today since the pouch from the Kybella hasn't changed at all. He told me he had only seen this in 3-4 other patients and that I should massage it three times a day. If it doesn't start subsiding in 20 days he will give me a steroid shot. Have you experienced this as well with your patients? Any additional advise here? Do you also inject a steroid if it doesn't dissolve? I am thin, 43 years and had just a small pouch to begin with. Thanks so much!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can be typical after Kybella and can take several weeks to resolve. Swelling can be improved with venus legacy and lymphatic massage. I recommend following up with your practitioner for after care. It can take 6-8 weeks to start to see results with Kybella. To improve Kybella results, I recommend a combination approach with thermage, ultherapy, exilis. VASER liposuction in combination with ThermiRF is an alternative for contouring the chin, if you're a candidate. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It can take several weeks for swelling to resolve. If you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your Doctor about your concerns. Kybella takes 1-3 treatments every 6 weeks to get desired results. The benefit of Kybella is each treatment is quick and completed in the office. Most patients need more than one treatment to get desired results. 
Hope this helps.

Sapna A. Patel, MD · Answer

Swelling after Kybella is normal and should be present for the first 4 weeks. However, some people can get granulomas which can be firmer areas or nodules or lumps/bumps. These usually require massaging and/or steroid injection and help this resolve faster. I would just be patient and do the above things; any steroid injection should be done by a licensed provider who feels comfortable treating this.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Typically the swelling after kybella will last 4-7 days but it is different for each patient. Some patients experience prolonged swelling.  Massage may help to mobilize the fluid.  You will not see much of a difference until the swelling  has resolved. It usually takes about 6-8 weeks before the final results are known.

I am 3 weeks post Kybella, same swelling since day 2. The doc told me to massage the hardened area. Should I be concerned?

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Answer: Swelling after kybella

Answer: Swelling after kybella

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I am 3 weeks post Kybella, same swelling since day 2. The doc told me to massage the hardened area. Should I be concerned?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after kybella

Answer: Swelling after kybella

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Kybella

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.