Kybella is a therapy for submental fullness, also known as a “double chin.” It is normal to feel swelling after the treatment, which usually lasts around a month. The swelling is usually the worst in the first few weeks. If you want to learn more about your Kybella recovery and find out how to lessen swelling, you’ve come to the correct spot.
This article will walk you through each day of your rehabilitation and offer you with useful information. So, let’s get started!
What Exactly is Kybella and How it Works?
Kybella is a non-surgical procedure that is used to erase double chins and diminish the appearance of fat under the chin. This method includes injecting deoxycholic acid vials into certain locations without making any incisions.
Excess fat around the chin or neck bothers many people because it might disrupt the general balance of their facial features. In fact, according to a poll performed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), over 67 percent of people are concerned about this issue. Injections are utilized to address this issue, and Kybella is presently the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for treating double chin.
Kybella works by utilizing a synthetic type of deoxycholic acid, which the body naturally produces to break down and absorb fats. When Kybella is injected beneath the chin, it targets and destroys the fat cells. By removing these fat cells, the body is unable to store fat in that area, causing the current fat to gradually dissolve. It should be noted that Kybella is only used to treat the area under the chin.
Kybella Procedure: What to Expect
We frequently overlook to inquire about the recovery period when we are enthused about a surgery and its possible benefits. Before proceeding, it is important to understand how long it will take to recover.
For the right people, the Kybella treatment can yield excellent results. Some patients, however, have reported stinging and burning sensations at the injection site that can continue for a few days. Furthermore, swelling is a common side effect that can be extremely severe for some patients and last up to 4 weeks.
The procedure itself is rather short and usually requires no general anesthesia. However, for some people, the healing phase can be more complex than planned. Understanding the entire process, from beginning to end, will contribute to a more pleasant experience.
Being aware of what to expect each day during the recovery period, particularly the swelling caused by Kybella, will help you navigate the process more effectively. Additionally, understanding the timeline for recovery week by week will help you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Possible side effects of Kybella may include:
- redness
- tightness when swallowing
- soreness
- tightness of the skin
- numbness or tingling sensations.
Kybella Swelling Recovery Timeline
Day 1
After the Kybella injection, you may feel some discomfort. The actual injection is not usually painful, but underneath your chin, you may experience stinging and numbness throughout the day. You may also notice mild burning sensations and red marks around the injection sites. Swelling can occur immediately or may develop later, depending on the individual.
Day 2
Swelling becomes more noticeable and increases as the day progresses. The injected areas will be tender to the touch, and the numbness and itching may intensify. You might feel a sensation of your neck being loose or unstable when you move. Wearing a compression chin strap can help provide support and stability to your neck.
Day 3
Swelling under the chin continues to increase, although there may be less swelling in the jawline area. Numbness may start to decrease in certain areas, but you may still experience pain when touching the injected areas or moving your neck. New bruises may also appear.
After 1 Week
Some individuals may begin to notice improvements as their chin starts to recover from the side effects. Neck pain and additional bruising may still be present. Swelling may improve slightly in certain areas of the chin, while other areas may still be more swollen.
After 2 Weeks
During this week, swelling may increase, and you may feel small lumps in the injection sites. These lumps are the destroyed fat cells that have clustered together, and it may take some time for them to dissolve. The skin around the chin may feel tighter and can be sensitive when touched. Bruises may start to fade, but some may still be visible.
After 3 Weeks
Your neck will start to regain firmness, and the sensation of instability or wobbling will subside. Areas that were numb will gradually become more normal. However, you may still feel the presence of small lumps and experience some discomfort under your chin.
After 4 Weeks
The lumps will begin to diminish, and the swelling should have reduced significantly by this point. You may still feel slight discomfort in certain areas.
After 5 Weeks
The swelling and lumps should be completely gone. You might still experience very mild discomfort and tightness when touching the area under your chin. Your jawline will noticeably become slimmer by this time.
How Long Does Kybella Swelling Last?
The reaction of Kybella injections varies from person to person. Patients often endure edema for four weeks on average, with the most obvious swelling occurring during the first couple of weeks. It’s worth mentioning that some patients prefer to have two vials of Kybella administered in a single treatment session rather than splitting them up. While this method saves patients from having to go through the recovery process again, it may result in a slightly longer recovery period and higher swelling. If you have a significant event coming up, it is important that you plan enough time for recovery.
How to Alleviate Kybella Swelling
After receiving a Kybella injection, experiencing swelling and bruising is common and actually a sign that the injections are effective. Each patient’s recovery time is different, but there are things you can do to hasten the process:
- Apply a cold pack to the area a few times a day to reduce swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling during the first week.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like Advil or Motrin to relieve discomfort and swelling.
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area.
- Use warm compresses in addition to the cold pack.
Kybella can be a great option for you if you’re dissatisfied with your double chin and want a more defined profile. As long as you maintain your weight, Kybella’s removal of fat cells ensures that they won’t grow back. Those “bull-frog” selfies can go now!
Conclusion
Kybella is a non-surgical procedure used to treat double chin without making any incisions. It works by using a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid to destroy the fat cells under the chin. One common side effect of Kybella is swelling, which indicates that the injections are effectively targeting the fat cells. This swelling can last for several weeks, along with other side effects. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the duration of these effects by avoiding certain activities and following a few simple guidelines.
