Kybella chin bruising, is it linked to being injected only 3 times?

Question

I got Kybella recently and have some deep red bruising. The doctor used two vials and only injected me 3 times. Is that normal? Every video I’ve seen the doctors are injecting in several different places throughout the chin. Just wondering if that is normal, should it and typically is it more spread out or is this normal with only 3 pokes with 2 vials? I’m concerned I’ve read others have said that when it’s not spread out it can cause deep bruising?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The bruising has nothing to do with the technique of the doctor. It is caused by the treatment. The inflammatory action of the Kybella ruptures blood vessels and can also injury motor and sensory nerves. The swelling and discomfort is also caused by this swelling. Now if Kybella reliably resolved chin fullness with just one of these services, perhaps these issues would be worthwhile.  Unfortunately, one service is seldom sufficient to resolve chin fullness. Most individuals need up to 6 treatment sessions at one month intervals. At the end of that, according to the studies that were the basis for FDA approval of the drug, 40% of patients are disappointed with the results.  That is very unpleasant and expensive ineffective treatment.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

There can be some bruising with Kybella, but typically there are more injection sites. I would follow up with your practitioners. Kybella take 1-3 treatments every 6 weeks.  Patient will develop swelling and possible bruising after each injection that may last a few days.  The benefit of Kybella is each treatment is quick and completed in the office. However, some patients need more than one treatment to get desired results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There can be bruising with any type of injection. However, there are usually more than 3 injections with Kybella. I recommend following up with your Doctor about your concerns. Keep in mind, Kybella is good for dissolving fat under the chin, but a combination approach with other treatments is needed to get the most improvement with non-invasive options. I recommend Kybella with thermage, ultherapy, exilis. VASER liposuction in combination with ThermiRF is the best alternative for contouring the chin. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

The number of injections don’t matter when it comes to bruising. You can get 20 injections and not bruise and you can get one injection and bruise. Most Kybella injections are certainly more than three times. Make sure your provider has been trained to inject Kybella by Allergan.

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Bruising is not uncommon with Kybella, which is why it is usually mentioned in the consent form.   It is temporary.  Generally, someone who would benefit from Kybella would need more than 3 injection sites for complete treatment.  Consider returning to your injector to express your concerns.  An experienced physician will know how to reduce and monitor your symptoms.  Get clarification on expectation with your next Kybella treatment.  Multiple treatments are required in most cases.

Kybella chin bruising, is it linked to being injected only 3 times?

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Kybella chin bruising, is it linked to being injected only 3 times?

Answers (5)

Answer: Kybella chin bruising, is it linked to being injected only three times?

Answer: Kybella chin bruising, is it linked to being injected only three times?

Answer: Kybella bruising

Answer: Kybella bruising

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Everything you need to know about Kybella

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