Puffy Cheeks after Kybella. Jelly skin. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

Hi, i want to know what could restore my face. i had kybella in my double chin and my cheeks (i know, bad decision) now my face looks chubbier than before. I don't know what is the problem, my doctor said that it's probably a inflammatory reaction, but 3 month post treatment i doubt that it's inflammatory reaction. Could it be skin laxity? Now my cheeks are permanently swollen, but i dont think it's fat, feels more like jelly What could help me? maybe Skin tightening? Thanks

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

I can't tell from your pictures what it is that you are concerned about in your cheeks. The cheek skin is normally lax and can be pulled outward like you are showing when you pull on your cheeks. On the side that you are not pulling, your cheek contour looks normal. Kybella is approved for use only in the submental neck area and the tissue will often feel blobby and gelatinous for at least 3 to 4 weeks after treatment. I don't know if you are just having a prolonged response in your cheeks or not, but I would wait another couple of months before doing anything else.Non-operative skin tightening with SkinTyte or Exilis is an option at that point.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Cheeks can be improved with fillers, sculptra, fat and skin tightening. If you are concerned and want a permanent improvement bellafill or implants can be used.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Kybella is FDA approved for fat underneath the chin.  Some physicians are using it in an off-label manner on other areas.  Caution should be advised with any new product, and you should see a physician who is an expert in facial aesthetics.  Having Kybella injected into areas of the face could change contours or dimensions in a negative way.  It is difficult to predict or gauge a reponse generally based upon photos.  Consult with an expert in injectables.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question elimarki. I understand your concern. Kybella is the first and
thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for the double
chin. The safety and efficacy of Kybella has not been studies in the cheeks. Therefore there may be swelling. It would be advisable to follow up with your doctor for best advice. Skin tightening treatments on the face include fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Did you have Kybella actually injected in your cheeks? Since it's only approved for treatment under the chin, you will need to have this assessed in person. I am so sorry that you are experiencing this.Kindly,Kouros Azar

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Kybella is not FDA approved for the cheeks.  I would definitely consult an expert to evaluate the area.  If you need to improve volume you could consider Sculptra or Voluma for the area.  Please consult an expert.  Best, Dr. Green

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. Kybella is FDA-approved for submental fullness, the area under the chin. After the Kybella treatment, swelling or bruising are a few of the side effects. If you are looking to add volume in the cheek area, then Voluma would be a good option. Please be sure to visit a board certified plastic surgeon or a certified nurse injector.

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Kybella is FDA approved for treatment of submental fat.  It is new to the market and any off label use should be done with caution as there is not any good data on results, complications and outcomes.  I would either stick with your injector or find another injector in your area that has experience with Kybella.  Good Luck

Puffy Cheeks after Kybella. Jelly skin. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (8)