Kybella
Submental fullness or “double chin” is a very common manifestation of the aging process. Submental fullness can be influenced by factors such as aging, genetics, weight changes, and is often resistant to diet and exercise. Many people do not notice their double chin until seeing themselves in digital photographs from a side profile. Statistics indicate that 68% of people are bothered with a double chin which correlates with complaints of lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
KYBELLA™ (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness or double chin. It is a nonsurgical alternative to more invasive alternatives such as surgery or liposuction. Kybella is a simple office procedure requiring no anesthesia and very minimal downtime. Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in two to four treatment sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.
The active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body to help break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat, Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your aesthetic goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON SWELLING AND SIDE EFFECTS
Swelling and Side Effects
Swelling and injection-site bruising are common side effects. These are temporary and should subside within a few weeks after your treatment. Anecdotal reports suggest that Kybella swelling can peak after a couple of days but then go down on its own within a month.
Talk to our Injection Team about ways you can minimize Kybella swelling. Some of these options include:
- using ice or cold packs after your treatment
- applying warm compresses within the first few days after your injections
- wearing a chin strap post-treatment for added compression
- taking an over-the-counter antihistamine prior to your appointment
- using over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain and swelling after your treatment
- firmly massaging the area as tolerated
If you do have post-Kybella treatment swelling, you’ll need to hold off on any more injections until the symptoms clear up. Usually, the swelling will go away on its own during the recommended one-month timeline in between treatments. However, if you have swelling right before your next scheduled treatment, let our team know.
Effects Common and Uncommon Side Effects
You should also talk to our injection team about all the possible risks associated with Kybella, including infection. While not considered a common side effect, an infection is a serious one that requires prompt treatment.
Swelling may be a sign of an infection if it’s also accompanied by other symptoms, such as open sores and oozing. Swelling alone doesn’t necessarily meant you have an infection, but it’s important to monitor your condition closely to see if your symptoms change at all.
Common side effects from Kybella may include:
- swelling
- redness
- numbness
- itching
- slight bruising
- bleeding
- mild pain
- hard skin around the injection area
- headache
- nausea
Call us at Skinlogic Med Spa if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- uneven smile
- trouble eating and swallowing
- muscle weakness in the face
- skin tissue damage (necrosis)
- hair loss at the injection site
- severe bruising
- ulcers
- open sores, with or without drainage
- infection
Call us if your swelling gets worse or if you experience any new or worsening side effects.
Results and Timeline
While swelling from Kybella is a normal side effect, it can still cause some discomfort and become an overall inconvenience. The good news is that the swelling is temporary. The overall recovery timeline is about one month according to Allergan, the company that makes Kybella.
This is why it’s recommended that you wait at least one month between treatments, too.
Multiple treatment sessions
Multiple sessions are usually needed, and six treatments is the maximum for Kybella. Your provider may recommend one injection per month over a six-month timeframe.
At minimum, you’ll need to wait one month between Kybella sessions. Some people may require fewer treatments, depending on the amount of chin fat as well as the desired outcomes.
When to expect results
According to the manufacturer of the Kybella solution, each treatment session takes between 15 and 20 minutes at a time. Your provider selects several injection sites where Kybella is administered.
The process is then repeated 4-6 weeks later. Users report noticeable effects after 12 weeks or at least 2 sessions. Maximum results can be seen after six months and are meant to be long-lasting.
Allow time between injections
It’s important to space Kybella injections apart. Not only does this allow the active ingredient time to target submental fat in the chin, but it also gives your body time to heal in between treatments. If you have too many injections too close together, this could increase your risk of side effects, like swelling.
The Bottom Line
If you do have swelling after your Kybella injections, know that this is a normal side effect and not usually a cause for a medical emergency.
As uncomfortable as the swelling might be, this reaction is from the deoxycholic acid working on fat cells under your chin. Our team can offer additional tips to minimize swelling following your treatments.