Unable to whistle, say words with 'f' correctly, and mouth seems distorted when I speak following jaw line Kybella. Advice?

Question

I had my first Kybella treatment 16 weeks ago to my jawline/neck area, no problems but the normal swelling etc Yesterday I had a 2nd round - injected to the area on jaw at the end of my mouth Since then, normal swelling, but I am unable to whistle, rinse w wash, form the letter f or o, q or u without distorting my face. Like a stroke victim Is this normal, temporary, will it go once the swelling goes, is there anything I can do to aid my recovery and get back to normal. Should I be alarmed?

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

From your description, it sounds like you may have damage to the mandibular nerve. This is a potential side effect of using Kybella in this area, particularly when administered by a less experienced practitioner. The good news is that the side effect is usually temporary, but it can last for many weeks before it subsides. I recommend scheduling a follow-up with your injector so you can be monitored in the following weeks until the nerve damage resolves.

Imaan Joshi, BSc, MBBS, FRACGP · Answer

It is hard to tell without any pictures or a face to face assessment, but it sounds like the marginal mandibular nerve may have been injured by the second round of injections, which is a known risk of injecting the jowls. 
Usually injury to the nerve is temporary, but may take several weeks to resolve. It is best to contact your treating doctors for an in person assessment.

Pamela Stuart, MD · Answer

One of the known possible adverse side effects from use of Kybella is inadvertent injury to the marginal mandibular nerve. This can cause an asymmetric smile, difficult in pronouncing some letters/words, and/or difficulty in pursing the lips. While the company states that in studies this effect is temporary, it can last up to 144 days, although it more typically is gone in approximately 3-4 weeks. You should however, absolutely speak with your provider so that they are aware of this and can work with you through this.Best wishes,Pamela Stuart, MD

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Kybella can cause an injury to the marginal mandibular nerve which can affect one’s ability to smile normally or pronounce certain words. You should go back to see your injector in person. The good news is that, if there is a nerve injury, it is typically temporary.  
Regards,
Dr. Ort

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

this is an off label treatment. This product can strip nerves of the necessary fatty coating needed in order for nerve conduction to properly function  The term for this is neurapraxia.  Depending on the level of injury this may take a few weeks to several months to re-cover from  This is an inappropriate use of this treatment. Doctors who understand facial anatomy would probably not do this treatment.  I don't offer Kybella  because of all the problems, massive inflammatory response, uncertainty and outcomes and the fact that liposuction is a better treatment.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Unable to whistle, say words with 'f' correctly, and mouth seems distorted when I speak following jaw line Kybella. Advice?

Answers (5)

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