The downtime associated with Kybella is substantial. While it is a safer, much less risky nonsurgical alternative to liposuction it is not a no-downtime alternative, there is both swelling and bruising associated with the healing process, the swelling is the most significant. The worst swelling will be within the first 2 to 7 days after treatment. During this time, your neck will swell to look like a “bullfrog”. Your neck area will appear as if you have gained significant weight. After the initial week, the swelling will subside by approximately 80%, and the remainder of the swelling will dissipate over the next month.
It is important to know that approximately 30 minutes after the injections, the treated area will feel numb due to the swelling pushing on the nerves. This numbness can persist for 1 to 3 months after treatment. The numbness will spontaneously resolve itself as the swelling goes down.