Kybella Recovery

Despite our best efforts with weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet, targeting stubborn fat in specific areas can be very challenging. In the past, the only way to reduce fat was through invasive procedures like liposuction, which often required long recovery times, caused side effects, and left scars. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dermatology, Kybella injections now provide a non-invasive, non-surgical option for fat reduction with minimal downtime. When injected into the treatment area, Kybella dissolves and destroys excess fat cells, leading to minimal downtime and side effects. After a few treatments, patients can expect a permanent reduction of fat in the treated area. Dr. Green was among the first healthcare providers in New York City to offer Kybella injections, which help eliminate excess fat cells in the chin area.

Kybella contains synthetic deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally present in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the treatment area, Kybella dissolves and destroys excess fat cells, resulting in minimal downtime and side effects. This treatment is highly effective at removing stubborn, unwanted fat from the targeted area and requires minimal recovery time. While side effects like mild swelling, redness, and bruising are normal after treatment, these effects are temporary, and many patients can return to work and their daily activities immediately. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of Kybella recovery can help reduce potential side effects and achieve the best results. When you meet with Dr. Green, she will review all relevant aftercare instructions to support your recovery and help you achieve a more contoured look.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience. She provides some of the world’s most discerning clients with top non-surgical procedures for body contouring and skin rejuvenation, including Kybella treatment to eliminate double chins permanently. Dr. Green adopts a holistic approach, embracing a less-is-more philosophy, and personalizes each patient’s cosmetic treatment plan to meet their unique needs and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized as one of New York City’s top dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, The New York Times, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and her expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at helping you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for permanently reducing submental fat, also known as the double chin. Kybella was produced by Allergan, the same company that created Juvederm injectable dermal fillers. It is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. Kybella is a non-invasive injection, meaning it has minimal downtime and few side effects. It is a great cosmetic option for patients who want to target submental fat but may not be suitable candidates for or prefer to avoid invasive, costly surgical procedures like liposuction or a neck lift. With just a few treatment sessions, Kybella can deliver permanent fat reduction results, if there is no significant weight gain afterward. Since the body naturally processes deoxycholic acid and dietary fat, Kybella’s mechanism of action is a more natural and less invasive approach than plastic surgery. Although FDA-approved only for treating double chins, an experienced healthcare professional may also use Kybella “off-label” in other areas, such as the abdomen, upper arms, underarms, knees, and bra line. To ensure safety, effectiveness, and optimal results, it is essential to have Kybella injections performed by a skilled, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. The body then excretes destroyed fat cells. To read more about Kybella, visit the website https://www.mykybella.com/.

The Kybella Treatment Process

The first step is to schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. During this visit, a detailed family and medical history will be collected, the areas of your body you want to treat with Kybella injections will be examined, and any previous cosmetic treatments or surgical procedures will be reviewed. Photographs of the treatment area will be taken for your private medical records to help guide your discussion with Dr. Green and to monitor your progress. Your current weight will also be recorded during the consultation, as weight gain after starting Kybella treatment can influence your results. Once Dr. Green determines you are a suitable candidate for Kybella, the treatment can be performed on the same day as the consultation or scheduled for a later date, based on your availability and preference.

To reduce the risk of bruising, Dr. Green recommends avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements, including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, and Vitamin E, for one week. Patients prone to bruising can also take Arnika Forte, an herbal supplement, for three to four days before the procedure to help prevent and minimize bruising. On the day of your Kybella injections, apply a topical numbing cream to the entire treatment area one hour prior to your appointment. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s office, the cream will be removed, and the skin will be sterilized. Dr. Green will then examine and mark the injection sites. Once marked, Dr. Green will inject the Kybella into the area. An ice pack will be immediately applied to reduce swelling and bruising and to soothe any initial discomfort. One month after your Kybella treatment, you will return to Dr. Green’s office to evaluate the full results and have your next Kybella treatment. Typically, patients require about four Kybella treatments, spaced one month apart, to achieve optimal cosmetic results.

What are the risks or side effects of Kybella?

Kybella is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe fat below the chin. This approval from the Food and Drug Administration verifies its safety, effectiveness, and quality when used properly. While Kybella injections are generally safe, they can cause temporary side effects such as mild swelling around the injection sites, which usually fade within two weeks. Other common side effects include mild redness, tenderness, bruising, and localized numbness, all of which resolve on their own.

While rare, more serious side effects can happen if Kybella is not administered correctly by an untrained or inexperienced medical professional. Injecting Kybella too close to the marginal mandibular nerve can cause temporary nerve damage, leading to facial muscle weakness, an uneven smile, or difficulty swallowing. When considering Kybella treatments, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York City. With over 25 years of experience in administering Kybella for fat reduction, she ensures your treatment is both safe and effective.

What to do after Kybella treatment?

Immediately after the Kybella treatment with Dr. Green, a cold pack will be applied to the area to help reduce swelling. After an injection in the area, bruising may occur. Aftercare instructions should be as follows: Arnica supplements can be taken for several days to help minimize bruising or promote healing of any bruises. To relieve any discomfort, it is recommended to take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen as needed. If the area remains uncomfortable after the numbing cream wears off, you can continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. These side effects of the treatment are temporary and should wear off quickly. If symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, or asymmetry occur weeks post-treatment, it is best to contact a board-certified dermatologist.

Day by Day Kybella Recovery

Immediately after your Kybella treatment, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, and a sense of tightness in the treated area. These effects are temporary and indicate that Kybella is working to break down fat cells. Applying a cold compress during the first few hours can help soothe the skin and reduce swelling. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately.

Day 1 to 3:

Mild swelling and tenderness typically peak within the first two to three days after treatment. The area under the chin may look puffier or fuller during this period, which is a normal part of the healing process as the body responds to the injection. To manage these effects, keep your head elevated while sleeping, avoid strenuous exercise, and use cool compresses as needed. Over-the-counter acetaminophen, like Tylenol, can help alleviate minor discomfort.

Day 4 to 7:

By the end of the first week, swelling and tenderness generally start to decrease. The skin may still feel slightly firm or sensitive to touch, but most redness and puffiness improve noticeably. Minor bruising should also begin to fade, and most patients feel comfortable returning to their normal routines.

Week 2 to 4:

Residual swelling continues to fade, and the treated area appears smoother and more refined. The body gradually eliminates the destroyed fat cells through natural metabolic processes, and early contour improvements may become visible. Most patients feel fully recovered and comfortable by this time.

Week 4 to 6 and beyond:

By this stage, most of the swelling has resolved, and the results of the treatment are becoming more defined. Follow-up sessions can be scheduled one month apart, depending on your personalized treatment plan with Dr. Green. Kybella permanently destroys treated fat cells, allowing results to keep improving over time and remain long-lasting when a stable weight is maintained.

What are the dos and don’ts post-treatment?

DO:

• Apply a cold compress to the injection site after treatment
• Take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) for any pain relief
• Take over-the-counter Arnica for several days to minimize the risk of bruising
• Elevate your head with 2-3 pillows while sleeping to reduce swelling
• Apply proper moisturizer and sunscreen to the area

DON’T:

• Apply makeup to the treated area for 24 hours
• Undergo strenuous activities or excessive heat (hot tub, saunas, excessive sun exposure) for 48 hours
• Take blood-thinning medications or supplements (Advil, Aspirin, Alevel, Motrin, multivitamins, vitamin E, fish oil)
• Apply hard or firm pressure to the treated area for several days

What is the recovery time for Kybella?

The recovery time for Kybella injections varies depending on the individual patient and the number of treatments they receive. Generally, most patients can expect to see significant improvements within 4 to 6 weeks after their treatment. During the first 24-48 hours, some minimal swelling and redness are common side effects. Usually, these symptoms begin to lessen gradually within a week. By weeks 2-4, most swelling and bruising should have subsided, and patients may start to notice visible improvements in the appearance of their double chin. Depending on the amount of fat in the treated area, patients might need to return for a second injection.

How long does Kybella swelling last?

Swelling is the most common side effect of Kybella, caused by the chemical reaction when deoxycholic acid targets fat cells in the treated area. Swelling usually peaks 24 hours after treatment and can last for several days to several weeks. Immediately after the procedure, applying a cold compress helps soothe the area and reduce swelling. A few days later, a gentle cold compress can still be used to manage swelling. While it cannot be completely avoided, patients can minimize its severity by avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and other activities that raise body temperature for 48 hours after the procedure. Patients should also sleep with their head elevated on the first night after their Kybella injections to help further reduce swelling. If the swelling persists for more than a few weeks and other adverse side effects, such as numbness or tingling, occur, it is best to consult with your board-certified dermatologist.

How to speed up recovery of Kybella side effects?

To speed up Kybella recovery, use cold packs to help reduce swelling at the injection site. It is also recommended to sleep with your head elevated, which uses gravity to assist in draining excess fluid from the treated area. This minimizes blood pooling and supports the body’s natural inflammatory response, which is activated to break down the fat cells targeted by the injection. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and salty foods for the first 48 hours, as they can contribute to water retention and prolonged swelling. To avoid bruising at the injection site, it is best to take Arnica pills 3-4 days before the treatment and continue for a few days afterward, as they contain chemicals called flavonoids and sesquiterpenes with anti-inflammatory effects. These chemicals help reduce swelling and pain associated with bruises. Arnica can also be applied topically alongside the oral form, which may help speed up Kybella recovery even more.

Is Kybella recovery painful?

Kybella recovery may cause some discomfort and noticeable swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, sleeping with your head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days. Although slight discomfort is normal, side effects are usually temporary, with swelling and tenderness typically improving within a few days to a week. To help reduce any pain and discomfort, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can be beneficial. It is always important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol to prevent fluid retention in the area, which may contribute to longer-lasting swelling and discomfort.

How soon can I expect to see results from Kybella?

The initial results from a Kybella treatment usually appear within four to six weeks. Most patients need a series of 3 to 5 Kybella sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart, to achieve their desired results. Once achieved, the results are permanent if there is no subsequent weight gain after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) For Kybella Recovery

Is Kybella for weight loss?

No. Kybella is not a weight loss treatment. It is used when stubborn, unwanted fat remains in areas despite consistent dieting and exercise. Kybella should not be considered a weight loss option. To see if you are a candidate for Kybella, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green.

Is numbness after Kybella normal?

A temporary numbness may occur after the injection, which is a normal and short-lived side effect of Kybella treatments and usually resolves within a few weeks. Other common side effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and skin hardness. Numbness occurs when deoxycholic acid is injected to dissolve fat cells, but these injections can temporarily affect the nerves in the area, leading to a temporary loss of sensation. If the numbness lasts longer than a couple of weeks, it’s best to consult the board-certified dermatologist who gave the injection.

Can I wear makeup after Kybella?

It is recommended to avoid makeup for 24 hours after the Kybella injection to lower the risk of infection and promote proper healing of the injection sites. After this period, you can conceal any bruising or redness with makeup; however, it is best to choose gentle, fragrance-free products and steer clear of harsh skincare.

How long do Kybella bruises last?

Kybella bruises can last from a few days to two weeks. These bruises are a common side effect of Kybella, along with swelling, soreness, and numbness, all of which are temporary and should gradually go away after the treatment. To reduce the risk of bruising, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners like Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, and supplements such as multivitamins, fish oil, and vitamin E for two weeks before the procedure. These medications can increase the chance of bruising. You might also start taking Arnika pills three to four days prior to your treatments, as they help constrict blood vessels, which reduces bleeding and bruising. Arnika also aids in breaking down bruises by encouraging lymphatic drainage.

How long will I look like a bullfrog after Kybella?

The “bullfrog” swelling from Kybella refers to the temporary, noticeable swelling under the chin that can occur after Kybella injections to reduce submental fat. This “bullfrog effect” is a rarer side effect of the deoxycholic acid in Kybella, which metabolizes the fat cells. While most of the swelling is most intense during the first few days to a week, it usually peaks between days 2 and 4. This temporary condition is a normal part of the treatment process and will gradually decrease over the next 1-2 weeks. However, some mild swelling or numbness might persist, with full recovery typically within a month.

How can I reduce swelling after Kybella treatment?

To reduce swelling after Kybella, apply cold compresses to the area and keep your head elevated, even during sleep. It is helpful to avoid strenuous activity, gently massage the affected area, and stay hydrated. You may also take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications or antihistamines as recommended by your healthcare provider, and avoid inflammatory foods, alcohol, and nicotine to promote healing. Swelling after Kybella is a common but temporary side effect that usually resolves within a few weeks.

How long should I avoid strenuous activities for after Kybella treatment?

You should avoid strenuous activities after Kybella to prevent increased blood flow, which can worsen side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Strenuous exercise can also interfere with the Kybella injection’s effectiveness by manipulating the treated area, potentially leading to uneven results or complications. It is recommended to avoid vigorous activity for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure; however, light activities like walking are generally safe.

When can I go back to work after Kybella?

After receiving a Kybella injection, you can return to work immediately; however, swelling and potential bruising may occur because of the injection. While daily routines can still be performed after a Kybella injection, any important work events or meetings may need to be postponed. Although Kybella does not affect physical abilities, the procedure does require downtime and may cause slight discomfort in the treatment area, which can be distracting. It is recommended to take Arnica pills and over-the-counter pain relievers to help recover from the side effects and return to work.

How do I get started with Kybella treatment today?

Kybella is the leading non-surgical cosmetic treatment for reducing excess fat. As the first and only FDA-approved injectable for removing submental fat, Kybella is valued by patients for effectively diminishing the appearance of a double chin with minimal side effects and little to no downtime. Due to potential side effects, Dr. Green provides comprehensive aftercare following the procedure to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the injections. Dr. Green was among the first healthcare providers in NYC to offer Kybella injections for non-surgical fat reduction and has helped many men and women worldwide achieve their body contouring goals. If you are ready for a more contoured, defined jawline with Kybella, Dr. Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green, in New York City, is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over twenty-five years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with top non-surgical procedures for body contouring and skin rejuvenation, including Kybella. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and adopts a less-is-more philosophy, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to their unique needs and aesthetic goals. For her dedication to her patients and her expertise, she is consistently recognized as one of NYC’s top dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about Kybella, contact us online or call the NYC office at 212-535-3088 today.