How To Prepare For Surgery In A Syringe℠ With Kybella

Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani is a Harvard-educated, Johns Hopkins trained, a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon based on Manhattan’s famed Fifth Avenue and the founder of LUXURGERY - The confluence of luxury and aesthetic surgery. Furthermore, he is an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at Washington University – St. Louis School of Medicine. His commitment to excellence has earned him several global accolades. Dr. S has authored over 200 publications and abstracts and is recognized as an international authority on aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Shridharani serves as an international Global Thought Leader and has lectured on nearly every continent. He serves as a Principal Investigator for clinical trials. Dr. S serves as the cosmetic surgery expert and Brand Ambassador for Haute Living Magazine.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

You're a week out to your procedure, the nerves start to set in and all you can hope for is a smooth sailing operation from start to finish. Understandably, you begin to review all of the surgery guidelines. Whether that be avoiding medications a few days before or having ice packs on deck the minute you arrive home, these instructions will be reviewed with you before the treatment day.

Now, depending on the procedure your pre-op requirements can vary. Noting the differences, Haute Beauty sat down with Haute Beauty expert Dr. Sachin Shridharani to review the information he provides his patients prior to his most popular procedure, Surgery in a Syringe℠. 

What is Kybella aka Surgery In A Syringe?

Dr. Shridharani’s signature NON-surgical technique with Kybella can permanently reduce the "double chin," as well as many other unwanted pockets of fat in the body. Kybella was approved by the FDA in 2015 to destroy subcutaneous fat cells accumulating under the chin, creating the appearance of a double chin. Surgery in a Syringe treats undesirable fat in various parts of the face and body by understanding complex anatomy and using this powerful naturally occurring fat buster in the form of a syringe.

What are the pre-injection instructions you provide your patients? 

Before the Surgery in a Syringe procedure, patients should groom the anticipated treatment area 48 hours in advance and avoid consuming alcohol and over-the-counter blood-thinning products such as ibuprofen to decrease the risk of bruising. At home, they should have ready ice packs and loose clothing to cover the treated area post-procedure as there may be minor swelling and bruising. 

What medications should I buy before the procedure? 

Post-injection, patients note minor tenderness in the treatment area. Prescription-strength pain medications are NOT needed. It's recommended to take extra-strength Tylenol for any discomfort. For individuals prone to bruising, Arnica tablets or topical ointment can be purchased over the counter to be used before and after the treatment. 

What can be expected on the day of the procedure? 

Depending on the area to be treated, The Surgery in a Syringe with Dr. Shridharani can range from 5-30 minutes, but patients should expect to be in the office for up to 90 minutes. Typically, patients expect very minimal downtime and are able to return the normal activities the following day. It's recommended to go home after the procedure so you can ice the treated area and be less swollen the following day.

How long is the recovery period? 

Patients should not make their appointment for Kybella injections two weeks before a photoshoot or a very important event. Swelling will significantly reduce after the first 48 hours, and most swelling will resolve in the first week. It will generally take at least 6 weeks to see initial results and up to a few months to see final results. Most individuals require more than one treatment session to see their ideal outcome.

For more information, visit Sachin Shridharani, MD, FACS's social media: