I had a small amount of Kybella injected on Friday afternoon. How long will I be red and swollen?

Question

It was painful and burning.  I did not expect to be so red that I look like someone threw hot water under my chin though .  I'm swollen, looks like I'm a bullfrog, but I'm very concerned about being so red.Will this ever go away ?  I'm so regretting this right now.  He only injected a small amount because I didn't have a lot of fat.  It looks horrible and I'mScared to death I will stay this way!Any advice would be so welcome!Thanks in advance :)

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Kybella is a deoxycholic acid injection that eliminates unwanted fat under the chin. 
Swelling post Kybella procedure is very common. Swelling occurs immediately after injection and can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure. Other common reactions are numbness to touch, soreness, tingling and bruising. We recommend icing the area to alleviate some swelling and discomfort, Vitamin B complex for nerve regeneration and light massage a few days after the procedure.
In our practice, we also offer complimentary MLD treatment (manual lymphatic drainage massage) a few days after the Kybella treatment. MLD uses light touch to move excess lymph and fluid out of the tissues and back into the lymphatic vessels.  This greatly reduces the amount of swelling that our patients experience.  
 Good Luck.

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

Unfortunately, swelling is a complication of kybella that can't be avoided.  I have seen swelling last anywhere between 2-4 weeks.  There have been anecdotal reports of kybella being mixed with steroid prior to injection to help alleviate some of the swelling.  In some ways, you want the swelling as it signifies the destruction of fat cells.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Redness and swelling can be typical after Kybella 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

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Every patient heals at her own rate, but generally, the swelling, redness and pain resolve within about 2- 4 weeks. Hopefully, you will be on the shorter end of that healing cycle.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your concern is quite common and during the consultative process you should have been made aware that you could have significant swelling, bruising, redness, numbness and pain. The swelling, bruising and pain usually resolve by the end of two weeks. Numbness can sometimes persist for months.  Keep in mind it usually takes a series of 2 to 4 Kybella treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to achieve an acceptable result. As an alternative to Kybella, I often suggest the FaceTite procedure from InMode. It is a one time procedure that destroys the fat cells while tightening the skin. We combine this with Venus Legacy treatments to accelerate the healing process. I suggest you consult with your provider and let him know of your concerns. The good news is that your response correlates to cellular death of the fat cells in the treatment area.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question kelly25. Kybella is
the first and thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for
the double chin. Most patients experience a burning sensation for approximately 15 minutes immediately after the treatment. We apply ice packs during this time to maximize our patients' comfort. Swelling is normal and typically lasts one to two weeks.  This means that it is working. Some patients wear a scarf during this time. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. Swelling is common after Kybella treatment and will usually resolve spontaneously over the first week. The swelling is worst on the morning after the procedure. Some bruising is also common after the procedure. With regards to the redness, it is hard to tell you what is going on without seeing you in person or seeing a photo. I would followup with your injector as needed. Good luck!

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It's impossible to make an exact diagnosis without assessing you in-person, or reviewing photos.  That said, swelling is a common side effect after Kybella, and can be significant in some cases.  Generally speaking, the swelling peaks at 2-4 days after treatment, and gradually resolves over the course of 1-2 weeks.  Sleeping in an upright position and gently applying ice or cool compresses to your neck may help the swelling resolve sooner.  Please follow-up with your injector if you have any concerns.  Best of luck!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Variable, depends on the amount injected, and your immune system. I tell most patients to expect swelling and redness for 4-7 days. Like Dr Emer, I like to combine treatments including Coolsculpting Mini before Belkra, then address skin laxity with Thermage or Ultherapy. You will require a second round of injections in 6-8 weeks, sometimes if there is marked bruising I use a v beam laser to reduce bruising (but this does not reduce swelling). All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

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