A Folsom reader asking whether Kybella hurts is really asking two things: how the needle is handled, and how long the soreness lasts afterward. The sources answer both in order.

Numbing is planned before the first injection

Healthline says that before the procedure your healthcare provider will mark the injection sites with a marker and may administer a topical numbing agent or ice pack to ease any pain or discomfort.

Cleveland Clinic says a physician will mark the treatment area and numb it with either topical or local anesthetic.

Why the injection count matters

Cleveland Clinic says a special marking grid is used to determine the number of injection sites, and that it can range from 10 to 30 injections per treatment, depending on the size and amount of fullness.

The spread from 10 to 30 is wide enough that two chins can mean two very different visits. Ask for the expected count for your own chin before you judge how much it will sting.

Soreness in the days afterward

Cleveland Clinic says a small dressing is applied before you leave the office, and that discomfort after the procedure is minimal and typically relieved with ice or NSAIDs (ibuprofen).

For the wider picture, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery keeps a skin treatments page on Kybella, and North Dallas Dermatology wrote up five things to know about Kybella.

What to confirm at the consult

Ask which numbing method your provider uses and how many injection sites they expect to mark. A vague answer to either is a reason to keep asking before you book.