Recovery after Kybella treatment of neck fat

Kybella recovery before & after photograph: Before, 2 days, and 1 week after treatment. Double chin continues to improve over time, and final results are after several weeks.

Non-surgical treatments have increased in popularity in the eyes, cheeks, and lips over the years. Office treatments of Botox® and facial fillers can rejuvenate one’s appearance with minimal downtime. The neck, however, has been resistant to change without plastic surgery. Fortunately, a non-surgical treatment now exists to reduce neck fat without surgery. Kybella® is an office treatment that gradually reduces fat under the chin without surgery.

Whether with surgery or without surgery, Washington DC patients are always concerned about the recovery process after any aesthetic treatment. How much pain, swelling, bruising, etc? When can I go back to school, work, exercise, etc? Even non-surgical treatments have a recovery period, and bruising and swelling may still occur.

Kybella may be accompanied by some mild discomfort from the small needle used for the injection. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon may use a numbing cream, ice, and/or local anesthesia to help alleviate the discomfort. For anyone who has had injectable fillers before, this discomfort is brief and very manageable. After the initial treatment there may be a mild “ache” sensation under the chin for a short period of time, which is managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Kybella injection for neck fat requires more than one treatment. Each treatment is separated about 1-2 months apart. Fortunately, the recovery is easier with each treatment.

Much of the recovery after Kybella injections is the first several days, while the area gradually tightens over several weeks. Don’t be surprised if the treated area initially looks worse before looking better. This chin or neck swelling typically goes back to pre-treatment fullness in about a week, then continues to improve. This initial swelling or bruising has generally not been bothersome to our Washington DC patients. Patients themselves may notice the swelling, but it may not draw attention from others. Patients can go back to work as desired, but some make an excuse to take the rest of day off work.

Lastly, specific after care is not required. You can get treated area wet, wash, and swim. Men can shave. The area will be sore initially, so just be gentle. Exercise can be resumed the same day, if desired, but waiting a day is preferred.

Kybella recovery before & after photograph: Before, 2 days, and 1 week after treatment. Double chin continues to improve over time, and final results are after several weeks.

The before and after photographs here of Kybella treatment gives an idea of the amount of swelling that one may experience in the early recovery period with the first injection. The neck fat is gradually removed over time, so “final” results are not for several weeks or months, depending on number of desired treatments. See more Kybella before and after photographs in our photo gallery.

Have further questions on Kybella for neck fat reduction? Contact the office to schedule a consultation.