Post Care Guide

Kybella Aftercare

Aftercare for Kybella submental fat treatment. Swelling expectations, recovery, and results timeline.

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RECOVERY TIME

PROCEDURE TYPE

Cosmetic

BODY AREA

Submental (Under-Chin)

INDICATION

Submental fat (double chin)

What to expect

Kybella visibly works. The swelling you'll see in the first week is the medication actively breaking down fat cells under your chin — not a side effect to minimize. The rules below keep the medication where it's supposed to be and protect the area while it heals.

Why this matters

Kybella is deoxycholic acid, the same molecule your body uses to break down dietary fat. Injected into the submental area, it destroys the membranes of fat cells — permanently. The swelling, firmness, and tenderness in the days following are part of how the medication works. Massaging or pressing on the area can spread the medication outside the intended treatment zone, which is why we ask you to leave it alone for 7 to 10 days.

Post care

Apply a cold compress for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights to reduce swelling.
Wear loose, breathable tops to avoid pressure on the chin and neck area.
Stay hydrated to support metabolism and elimination.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for discomfort.

Downtime

Swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and areas of firmness under the chin are normal and part of the fat-dissolving process.
Swelling typically peaks within 24–48 hours and gradually subsides over 1–2 weeks. Some swelling may last up to 6 weeks.
Numbness in the treated area may persist for up to 12 weeks.

Restrictions

Do not massage, press, or rub the treated area for at least 7–10 days — this can spread the medication to unintended areas.
Avoid vigorous exercise, sweating, saunas, and swimming for 72 hours.
Avoid alcohol for 72 hours.
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve, Motrin) for 4 days — these increase bruising and swelling.

When to call the spa

Contact The Spa if you experience:

Uneven smile or facial muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Severe swelling, bleeding, pain, or signs of infection
Open sores or drainage from the injection site

Follow up

Treatments are scheduled at least 4 weeks apart. A series of up to 6 treatments may be needed — the number is determined by your individual goals. Results may be seen as early as 4 to 6 weeks; full results are typically visible at 12 weeks.

Kybella is an FDA-approved injection containing deoxycholic acid—a molecule your body naturally produces to break down fat. We inject it into the fat under the chin ("double chin"), and it permanently destroys those fat cells. Your body then clears them out over the following weeks. Results are permanent because the cells are gone.

What is Kybella and what does it treat?

Treatments are scheduled at least 4 weeks apart. A series of up to 6 treatments may be needed—the exact number depends on the amount of fat being treated and your individual goals. We assess at each visit and stop when we've reached your goal.

How many Kybella sessions will I need?

There's burning and stinging during and immediately after injection that lasts 10–20 minutes. We apply ice before and after to minimize. Most patients tolerate it well; some describe it as the most uncomfortable injectable they've had. The trade-off: permanent fat destruction.

Does Kybella hurt?

Recovery is about 14 days. Significant swelling under the chin for the first week—you'll look more puffy before you look slimmer. This is the deoxycholic acid actively destroying fat cells. Bruising is common. Mild numbness for 1–4 weeks is normal. Plan around social events.

What's the recovery from Kybella?

Results may be seen as early as 4 to 6 weeks; full results from a complete series are typically visible at 12 weeks after the last session. Each session adds to the previous; the cumulative effect is visible chin and jawline definition.

When will I see Kybella results?

Kybella is $650 per syringe. Per-session cost depends on the amount of fat being treated (typically 1–2 syringes per session). A series of up to 6 sessions may be needed. Full series typically runs $1,300–$5,200 depending on size of treatment area. Members receive discounted pricing.

How much does Kybella cost in Lubbock?

Yes—the fat cells we destroy are gone. They don't regenerate. The remaining fat cells in the area can still expand if you gain weight, but the total volume of fat in that pocket is permanently reduced. Most patients maintain results with stable weight.

Are Kybella results permanent?

Best candidates: adults with moderate-to-significant fat under the chin and good skin elasticity. Patients with very loose skin under the chin may need a skin-tightening treatment (RF microneedling, plasma pen) in addition to or instead of Kybella. We assess skin quality at consultation. Pregnant/breastfeeding patients should wait.

Am I a candidate for Kybella?

FDA approval is for submental fat (under the chin). Off-label use includes small fat pockets on the jowls, bra fat, knees, and inner thighs, though we limit off-label use to specific cases. For body fat in larger areas, treatments like CoolSculpting are more appropriate. Discuss at consultation.

Can Kybella treat fat anywhere besides the chin?

Kybella is non-surgical, with no scars, no general anesthesia, and recovery in days. Surgery (liposuction or neck lift) addresses both fat and loose skin in one procedure, with one recovery. Kybella is better for moderate fat and good skin elasticity. Surgery is better for significant fat plus skin laxity. We'll discuss honestly at consultation.

Kybella vs surgery—which should I choose?

Common: significant swelling (expected), bruising, mild numbness in the treated area for weeks. Rare: nerve injury causing temporary smile asymmetry (resolves over weeks-months), trouble swallowing (very rare), injection site hardness. We're trained in the exact anatomical placement to minimize risks.

What are Kybella side effects?

Book a complimentary consultation. We'll evaluate the fat pad and your skin, discuss whether Kybella, RF skin tightening, or a combination is right for you, and give you honest pricing. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.