Kybella recovery: today I woke up to more swelling.

Question

I had kybella injections on Friday July 7th so I'm nine days out. It seemed that the bull frog neck was shrinking but today I woke up to more swelling. Is this normal? I've read all the posts on here and haven't encountered this question.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

There is some individual variability when it comes to any procedure, including removing a double chin with Kybella. However, I have not had a problem with my patients experiencing long-term swelling because I am careful not to administer too much Kybella in one session. I was involved in the initial trials of Kybella and noticed that large doses could create the “bullfrog effect” you referred to.  I have patients control this swelling with ice and anti-histamines. I would contact your treating physician about the delayed onset swelling to see what may be accounting for this.  Consulting a board-certified dermatologist who has proven good results with Kybella will give you the best results.

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

What you are describing is normal.  Swelling can fluctuate after you have had kybella.  But do not worry, the swelling will resolve.  One thing that makes it easier to tolerate the swelling is that the fat reduction will be permanent!

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Swelling following Kybella treatment is common and some patients might experience delayed swelling although increased swelling a week later is not that common. Still if this is the only issue you are experiencing and the swelling is gradually improving, you can wait and watch. As always, a quick check and follow up with your provider is the best course of action. I hope it helps and good luck!

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

I'm sorry you've seen swelling after you thought it was over, but occasionally we have patients who experience that as well, but not all. Sometimes it cycles like that off and on, but after 2-3 weeks at most that shouldn't be a problem, at least until the next treatment, and most patients have less swelling as they progress through the treatments.
I hope you have great results.
Dr G

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry you are having so much swelling. We find that this component of Kybella is variable from patient to patient, so that some barely swell for a few days and others report significant swelling for up to two weeks. I think this is probably normal for you, but would give your provider a call if you are having any other symptoms, such as pain or facial asymmetry, or if it continues to increase. We have seen very nice results with Kybella in appropriate patients. There is typically less swelling with the 2nd and 3rd treatments. We do recommend seeing a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon for treatment, as they can assess your eligibility as a good candidate as opposed to needing surgical treatments. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can be typical after Kybella, which can fluctuate, and can take several weeks to resolve. Swelling can be improved with venus legacy and lymphatic massage. 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

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The good news is that your are likely to swell with subsequent Kybella treatments.  The bad news is that you are likely to need another 5 of these Kybella to see a significant difference.  Even than about 40% of individual who have Kybella are dissatisfied with the service.  That is a lot of trouble, discomfort, and expense for a result that is so uncertain.  Lower face neck liposuction, a minimally invasive treatment is very comfortable to have and actually causes less swelling than the Kybella service and is likely less expensive than the cost of continuing to have the Kybella treatment.  You swelling should settle down over the next week.

Kate Kleydman, DO · Answer

an inflammatory response is induced that causes swelling that takes approximately 3-4 weeks to subside. The bruising and redness tend to be minor. Some patients have a fairly severe reaction for the first 24-48 hours after the injection, which quickly subsides; others state they look swollen for 1-2 weeks. It can be difficult to predict.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to experience some swelling after Kybella injections. I recommend contacting your provider if you’re still experiencing swelling. Always seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS · Answer

Every patient is different. For most patients, the initial swelling is gone after 5-7 days, but not always. I would contact your provider and see if he/she recommends anything different. Swelling is one of the down sides of Kybella but the result is real if done properly.

Kybella recovery: today I woke up to more swelling.

Answers (14)

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