Since deoxycholic acid injections are used instead of cutting into the patient’s skin, Kybella is considered a less invasive fat removal method than surgical procedures such as liposuction. Despite this, swelling is a common side effect after receiving a Kybella injection.
As the fat cells in the chin area are broken down by deoxycholic acid, inflammation might develop. In a few weeks, the swelling ought to start going down. By following these instructions, you can get rid of the swelling.
Expect Swelling To Last A While
The injection site often experiences side effects such as swelling and bruising due to the procedure. After your treatment is concluded, you can expect these to disappear within a few weeks. According to most of our clients, the swelling that Kybella caused appears to reach its peak within a few days and then begin to die down on its own within a month.
Talk to your Kybella provider about ways to lessen the swelling caused by Kybella. Listed here are some of your options on how to handle Kybella swelling or bruising:
- After treatment, the patient is instructed to wear a chin strap for additional compression.
- Use an antihistamine that is available without a prescription before your appointment.
- After your treatment, you should apply ice or use cold packs.
- You should apply warm compresses within the first few days after receiving injections.
- Use over-the-counter pain meds to reduce the pain and swelling you will experience due to your treatment.
- Massage the area for as long as it can be endured.
- You may need to delay your next Kybella appointment until the symptoms are no longer present before the swelling can occur.
The swollen area is typically reduced by the typical treatment interval of one month, which results in less inflammation overall. Notify your Kybella provider at least a week before your next appointment if you continue to experience swelling after taking Kybella. You may need to reschedule the appointment.
If you experience swelling after treatment with Kybella that is noticeable or causes discomfort, your provider will inform you how to treat it. Because the swelling will not go away overnight, trying to conceal it with something like a scarf might be a good idea.
Other Possible Side Effects
Since infection is one of the potential adverse effects of taking Kybella, you should ensure to bring this up with your Kybella provider. Even though it is uncommon, infection is a severe negative effect that requires immediate medical attention.
It is possible that the swelling is a sign of an infection if it is associated with other ailments, such as oozing and sores from the skin. Even if your only symptom is swelling, you should closely watch your health to determine whether or not any of your other symptoms have changed. If you notice swelling accompanying other severe symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Here are some of the adverse reactions to Kybella that a few studies have reported:
- bleeding
- mild pain
- hard skin around the injection area
- headache
- nausea
- numbness
- swelling
- redness
- itching
- slight bruising
The ones listed above are the minor side effects, but if you have any of the side effects listed below, you need to seek medical attention promptly:
- muscle defect in the face
- skin tissue deterioration (necrosis)
- ulcers
- open sores, with or without oozing
- infection
- trouble eating and swallowing
- hair loss at the injection site
- intense bruising
- lopsided smile
If your inflammation gets nastier or you encounter any new or rapidly deteriorating side effects, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Severe Side Effects Are Rare
The swelling, a common side effect of Kybella, can still be annoying and inconvenient. However, you should still expect it whenever you consider getting treatment with Kybella. Regardless of how well your Kybella provider is, the deoxycholic acid will still cause swelling in your face and neck.
However, there is a slither of hope: it is anticipated that the swelling will begin to recede very soon. The average amount of time needed for recovery is determined by research and clinical trials to be one month. Consequently, you should delay your subsequent appointment for at least a month.
Kybella Is Ineffective In Just One Appointment
In most instances, a minimum of six treatments with Kybella are required. Your provider might recommend that you get an injection once every month for the next six months, provided the swelling goes down. This is the case only if the swelling goes down.
Treatments with Kybella should be separated by at least one month. Some clients may only require a few treatments, while others may need more depending on the amount of fat in their chin and the desired results.
Any Kybella Alternatives?
If swelling is the reason you are thinking about not getting Kybella, perhaps you may be considering other options instead.
Liposuction is the only alternative treatment to be considered a proper replacement for Kybella. In a nutshell, liposuction is a surgical procedure that eliminates fat by suctioning the fat out of the body. This procedure is also known as “lipo.” If you had this procedure done, you wouldn’t have to worry about having a double chin anymore, and it would also work pretty quickly.
Despite this, do should not assume that there won’t be any adverse effects, especially considering that this is a surgical procedure. It would take weeks for the patient to recover from the ordeal, the pain would be intolerable, and there would be a significant risk of adverse effects such as intense bleeding and infection. Blood clots are also a potential risk during major surgical procedures.
Takeaway
Kybella injections can cause swelling, but this is not usually dangerous and should not be taken seriously. The deoxycholic acid is working on the fat cells under your chin, which is why you’re experiencing swelling. Your provider can give you additional advice on how to reduce post-treatment swelling. Do not be afraid to ask your provider any questions you may have regarding your treatment or recovery.
If you are curious about learning more about Kybella or are considering experiencing it, feel free to contact us and visit our clinic, Peninsula Glow Medical Spa. We provide distinct medical spa services that can help address your wellness concerns.
