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KYBELLA AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS 

Say goodbye to “double chin” and show off your sleek, sexy jawline by permanently eliminating stubborn fat.

 

How it works

The active ingredient in Kybella® is synthetic deoxycholic acid that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. 

 

What it treats

Kybella® treatments permanently destroy persistent fat below the chin to give your face a slim, natural shape.

 

For most patients, 4-6 treatments produce ideal results that can last permanently.

We will not perform Kybella treatments on patients with current or past history of dysphagia “trouble swallowing”, currently pregnant or breastfeeding, with presence of infection at or near the injection sites, or under the age of 18.

We will take careful consideration in performing Kybella treatments on patients with excessive skin laxity, prominent platysmal bands, enlarged thyroid, enlarged neck lymph nodes, pronounced submandibular glands, prior surgery or aesthetic treatment to the treatment area, presence of scar tissue in the treatment area, sunburned or irritated skin, and current use of blood thinning agents.

One of the most common side effects associated with aesthetic injections is bruising. Even if you have never bruised before, it is always a possibility. Why? Because bruises are just a small hematoma; they occur when small blood vessels get punctured leaking their contents into the surrounding tissue. It is perfectly normal to bruise from injections.

All aesthetic injections should be done at least one month prior to any special event such as wedding, engagement, anniversary, birthday, major holiday, or photo shoot. Bruising and swelling after injections can last up to 14 days in some cases. Please refrain from drinking alcohol, and taking pain medications (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aspirin or Advil, as well as vitamins, fish oil and other herbal supplements for 3-5 days prior to your visit, to minimize the chances of bruising. Some herbal supplements may increase risk of bruising. Herbs including gingko biloba, ginseng, ginger, glucosamine, turmeric, angelica and clove all have the potential to thin the blood slightly. This can make bruising more likely, especially if more than one of these herbs are taken together.

Aftercare

Drink plenty of water and fluids after treatment.

Sleep on your back and with head elevated for the next 3-5 days after treatment.

Wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol.

We recommend refraining from washing your hair and showering right after the treatment. The heat from a shower increases blood flow to your face and causes the Kybella to shift, leaving you with unnatural results. You should avoid soaking in a hot tub, sitting in a steam shower, and cleansing your face with hot water.

Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours. The heat can promote flushing and increase your blood pressure, which may encourage bruising and swelling. To be extra safe, avoid the sun for 24 to 48 hours.

It’s also best to avoid other forms of heat exposure, such as:

  • Tanning bed

  • Hot tubs

  • Hot showers or baths

  • Saunas

Pain is usually mild-moderate after Kybella injections. Tylenol may be taken as directed for pain relief. You should avoid NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil) as they can increase the chance of bruising at the injection site. 

 

Gentle massage may be used to help reduce swelling and inflammation. In addition, over-the-counter Arnica cream or gel and also Arnica tablets can be used after the treatment to reduce bruising and swelling.

Some patients take Bromelain supplements as a preventative for bruising and swelling. Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem.

We advise against having any kind of aesthetic procedures done during menstruation, as the injections tend to be more uncomfortable despite local anesthetic and there are far more episodes of patients feeling faint or nauseated following the injections during this time.

For any questions about aftercare instructions, please call or text Dr. DuBuske at:

  • 703-345-0000 if you are a patient in our McLean, Virginia practice

  • 617-965-0000 if you are a patient in our Newton, Massachusetts practice

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