Kybella: What to Expect?

So, here you are, you’ve now decided that a Kybella treatment interested you. You come in for your complimentary consultation – here is what you can expect during your first appointment.

Your appointment will start with an anatomic analysis and assessment by your treatment provider, along with a photo so you can measure your progress later.

You and your provider will discuss your goals and expectations, and they will let you know how many treatments (and how many vials of Kybella) you’re likely to need to achieve those goals.

Next, numbing cream is applied to the treatment area for ~10-15 minutes to reduce the discomfort during treatment.

Once that is done, we cleanse the area with an antiseptic solution and administer a series of quick Kybella injections into the subcutaneous fat (below the skin). Most treatments take just 15–25 minutes, though they can take up to 30.

Okay, so you have received your treatment for Kybella. Now what?

Most patients return to work the day after treatment, so true downtime is minimal. You may have some small bruises around injection sites, but this can be covered with makeup and will fade in the next couple of weeks.

Most patients have mild to moderate swelling for up to a week after treatment. Some patients have more severe swelling, commonly called “bullfrog neck.” If this happens to you, it may take a month for the swelling to fully resolve.

Swelling can be unpredictable, so don’t plan on getting Kybella injections in the weeks just before a wedding or another big event.

The treatment area may feel tender or even painful for up to two weeks. Your provider may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, as well as light ice packs. Numbness and tingling can occur in the treatment area and usually resolves in 4-6 weeks.