Left side of my face drooping after Kybella?! Is this normal? (Photos)

Question

I received Kybella today and as of this evening the left side of my smile is drooping and numb when I try to relax my face. This is not present on the right side at all. Is this permanent?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Bruising and minor swelling can be expected after Kybella. These few side effects will subside very shortly as Kybella offers little to no downtime. I suggest that you review your recovery guidelines and post op care with your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

Kybella is a non-invasive way to reduce the double chin.  Rarely, the injection injures the marginal mandibular nerve.  Every reported case of this side effect has been temporary.  Fortunately, the nerve typically recovers within weeks.  Please go back to your provider so that she can re-evaluate you.

K. Nicole Bell, DDS · Answer

It appears that you are experiencing marginal mandibular nerve injury in the jaw. This can be a temporary side effect but leads to an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness. This is found in about 4 out of every 100 people in recent clinical studies. Some other common side effects are trouble swallowing, a sore throat, numbness, bruising, swelling, redness, pain/burning, and hardness. Be sure to fully read the manufacturers descriptions on their websites in the future before any nonsurgical facial treatment so you can plan around important events and be prepared for changes during the healing process.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question and photos. Unfortunately, you appear to be experiencing one of the rare side effects of Kybella treatment which is marginal mandibular nerve injury. The nerve will recover  completely over the next 4-6 weeks. Hang in there. Good luck!

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for submitting your photos.  I'm very sorry to hear that you are experiencing a complication from your Kybella treatment.  Based on your photos and your description, it appears that your injector may have accidentally injured your marginal mandibular nerve, which controls the movement of your lower lip.  This is a rare, but temporary, complication of Kybella injections.  I would anticipate that your lip should start to return to normal within a few weeks.  I hope you feel better soon!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Kybella is a fantastic way to remove the fat under the chin permanently.  However, it appears that your injector hit the mandibular nerve during the injection and has caused a droop.  It should take a few weeks for the droop to resolve and disappear. I often combine Kybella with Thermage for the best skin tightening results.  Please consult an expert in Kybella for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question JSpot007. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Kybella is
the first and thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for
the double chin. An uncommon side effect of Kybella is a temporary asymmetric smile. This occurs if the marginal mandibular nerve is hit with the product. In the pivotal studies the median duration of this side effect was approximately 6 weeks. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

In the original study of Kybella, 4% of participants had temporary injury to the marginal mandibular nerve, resulting in facial asymmetry. This was temporary is all patients. To the extent that this might be from swelling (rather than from the kybella itself) icing the area may help. It should resolve within a couple weeks.

Kevin Cavanaugh, MD · Answer

Hi,
Dropping after Kybella is possible and is a side effect of injection around the marginal mandibular nerve. Typically this side effect is temporary, but I would recommend calling your injector to have a formal evaluation in clinic. They can discuss with you what to expect and the typical duration of symptoms. Time is typically the best medicine for this type of side effect. In our clinic we see patients in follow-up from 10-12 weeks because we do not notice maximum fat loss and skin tightening until this time point. I would expect improvement in your symptoms (or resolution) by this time point. I'm sorry you had a bad initial experience and hope you are happy with the final results. Best of luck!
Kevin Cavanaugh, MD

Robert Zieber, MD · Answer

Unfortunately this is a side effect of the Kybella injections.  During the clinical trials for Kybella this had happened twice and both cases resolved in 4-6 weeks.
The nerve that controls the muscles to the bottom corners of the mouth runs along the jawline or just inside the jawline.  The insulation around nerves is made of fat.  Kybella, if injected too close to the nerve, will dissolve the insulation.  Without insulation, the nerve will not function properly until the body repairs the insulation.  Vitamin B12 is required by the body to make the insulation for nerves and can be found in foods like liver, sardines and salmon.  Good luck. -Dr. Z

Left side of my face drooping after Kybella?! Is this normal? (Photos)

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