Kybella
Injections
A double chin is not a discipline problem — it is a genetic distribution of submental fat that diet and exercise often cannot reach. Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable designed to permanently destroy these fat cells. Once dissolved, the cells cannot return, sharpening the jawline and refining the neck contour without surgery, anaesthesia, or downtime beyond a brief swelling phase.
Complete result
Cell destruction
Dermatologist
"Kybella is the only injection that permanently changes the fat anatomy of the neck — no other injectable in dermatology can claim that."
Permanent Fat Loss.
Sharper Profile.
Kybella is the brand name for deoxycholic acid, a synthetic version of a molecule your body already produces to break down dietary fat. When injected into the subcutaneous fat layer beneath the chin, it disrupts the fat cell membrane — releasing the cell contents, which are then cleared naturally by the body over the following weeks.
The clinical decision is not whether Kybella works — the FDA-approval data is unambiguous. The decision is whether your specific submental anatomy is the right candidate. The fat must be pinch-able, sit above the platysma muscle, and the skin must have enough elasticity to retract once the fat is gone.
At Couture Dermatology and Laser, your submental area is assessed in profile, in animation, and in palpation before treatment is recommended. We map a precise grid across the fat pocket and dose conservatively per session — a protocol designed for clean contour, not aggressive volume loss.
From Mapping
to Refinement
Kybella is a structured series, not a single appointment. Each session destroys more of the targeted fat pocket as the body clears the previously dissolved cells.
Submental Assessment
The under-chin fat pocket is palpated and assessed in profile to confirm it sits above the platysma muscle. Skin elasticity is evaluated to predict retraction after fat removal.
Photographed for recordGrid & Numbing
A precise injection grid is marked across the submental fat pocket, typically 20 to 50 injection points per session. Topical numbing cream and ice are applied for comfort.
Custom grid patternMicro-Injection Delivery
Small volumes of deoxycholic acid are delivered into each marked point in the subcutaneous fat layer. The session takes 15 to 20 minutes total. No anaesthesia required.
15–20 minutesSwelling & Resolution
Expected swelling and tenderness peak at days 2 to 4 and resolve over 5 to 14 days. The destroyed fat is cleared progressively over 4 to 6 weeks before the next session.
Repeat 2–4 timesA Multi-Tool
Approach
A defined jawline is rarely just a fat issue. These four clinical components form the toolkit — chosen based on what is actually creating your specific submental appearance.
The Core Treatment
Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid)
The only FDA-approved injectable for permanent submental fat reduction. Disrupts fat cell membranes to permanently destroy the targeted fat pocket. The clinical foundation of all submental contouring at our practice.
Skin & Muscle Tightening
RF Microneedling
For patients with mild skin laxity, radiofrequency microneedling stimulates collagen and helps the skin retract more cleanly after fat is dissolved. Often run in parallel with Kybella for the most refined result.
Platysmal Bands
Botox for Neck
When vertical neck bands (the platysmal cords) contribute to a poorly defined jawline, micro-doses of Botox into the platysma soften their appearance — a frequent adjunct to Kybella for complete neck rejuvenation.
Profile Definition
Jawline & Chin Filler
A retruded chin or weak jawline often makes submental fat look worse than it is. Strategic hyaluronic acid filler restores the bony framework, sharpening the profile alongside Kybella's fat-reducing effect.
Refined Profile.
Lasting Change.
Permanent Fat Cell Destruction
Once dissolved by deoxycholic acid, the targeted fat cells cannot return. Unlike weight loss alone, where fat cells simply shrink and re-expand, Kybella eliminates the cells entirely — making the contour change durable for life.
Sharper Jawline Definition
With the under-chin pocket reduced, the natural mandibular line becomes visibly more defined. The transition from chin to neck shifts from soft and ambiguous to clean and crisp — visible in photos, profile, and on camera.
Non-Surgical, No Anaesthesia
No incisions, no general anaesthesia, no liposuction cannulas, no recovery week off work. A 15-to-20 minute appointment delivers permanent fat reduction that historically required surgical neck contouring.
Long-Term Confidence in Photos
The double chin is the single most common photo-day concern for both men and women. Patients consistently report dramatic improvement in self-perception during video calls, social photos, and professional headshots.
No Maintenance Once Complete
Once your full 2-to-4-session series is complete and the result is achieved, no ongoing treatment is needed. Unlike Botox or fillers, Kybella's effect does not wear off — the contour change is part of your anatomy permanently.
"A genetic double chin is not a discipline problem — it is an anatomy problem. Kybella is the first injectable to actually change the anatomy."— Couture Dermatology and Laser
fat destruction
Board-Certified
Every Kybella session is delivered personally by Dr. Chinonso Kagha Abisogun, MD, FAAD — a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
Anatomy-First
Submental anatomy assessed in profile and palpation — Kybella is only recommended for patients whose fat sits in the correct anatomical plane
Conservative Dosing
Multiple smaller sessions rather than aggressive single doses — designed for clean contour change without excessive swelling or complications
Combined Approach
RF microneedling, neck Botox, and chin filler available in-house to address every contributor to a poorly defined jawline simultaneously
Concerns We
Address
Submental fullness has many causes — and many associated concerns. Kybella addresses the fat itself; supporting treatments address everything around it.
Genetic Double Chin
A hereditary submental fat pocket that has persisted despite weight loss and exercise — the most common Kybella indication.
Post-Weight-Loss Residual Fat
A persistent under-chin pocket that did not respond to significant weight loss, often the last visible reminder of a former weight.
Age-Related Submental Fullness
Fat accumulation that gradually develops with age, contributing to a softening jawline and less defined neck contour.
Undefined Jawline
The result of fat obscuring the natural mandibular line — Kybella reveals the underlying bone structure as fat is cleared.
"Camera Chin" Concerns
Patients on video calls or in photo-heavy roles who consistently see an under-chin shadow they do not see in the mirror.
Pre-Surgical Avoidance
Patients seeking the contour change of a neck lift or liposuction without the incisions, anaesthesia, or recovery period.
Is Kybella
Right for You?
- Adults with a moderate amount of submental fat that creates a visible double chin in photos and in profile.
- Patients at or near a stable, healthy weight whose under-chin fullness has not responded to diet, exercise, or weight loss.
- Those with good skin elasticity, allowing the skin to retract cleanly once the underlying fat is dissolved by the treatment.
- Patients seeking a permanent change rather than the temporary contour improvement of a thread lift, filler, or massage routine.
- Those who want to avoid the incisions, downtime, and risk profile of surgical liposuction or a full neck lift procedure.
- Patients committing to the full 2-to-4-session series rather than expecting a single appointment to deliver the final result.
Honest Expectations
Kybella is for moderate submental fat — not for extensive neck fat, jowls, or fat beyond the under-chin compartment. Patients with significant skin laxity, prominent platysmal bands, or jowling typically need a combined approach or, in some cases, surgical referral.
Treatment is not painless. The injection itself is brief, but the subsequent swelling is significant and lasts up to two weeks per session. Most patients describe it as worth the temporary discomfort given the permanence of the result. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and active infections at the injection site are contraindications.
Extend the Result
With…
Kybella permanently removes the fat. These adjacent treatments address everything else that defines a sharp jawline — skin tightening, muscle bands, and structural support.
RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates collagen and tightens the skin overlying the treated area — essential for patients with mild skin laxity to ensure clean retraction after fat dissolution.
Explore microneedling →Botox for Platysmal Bands
When vertical neck bands compromise the jawline, micro-doses of Botox into the platysma soften their appearance and complete the neck rejuvenation alongside Kybella.
Explore Botox →Jawline & Chin Filler
A retruded chin or weak jawline makes submental fat appear worse than it is. Strategic hyaluronic acid filler restores the bony framework for true profile balance.
Explore dermal fillers →Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing refines neck and décolleté skin quality — addressing the surface texture story alongside the contour change delivered by Kybella.
Explore laser resurfacing →Results That Speak for Themselves
Individual results vary. Final contour result is typically visible 6 to 8 weeks after the last treatment session, once the destroyed fat cells have been fully cleared by the body's natural processes.
Sharper Profile.
Permanent Result.
No Kybella protocol is correct without a proper assessment of where the submental fat sits anatomically and how the surrounding skin will respond. At Couture Dermatology and Laser, Dr. Chinonso evaluates your profile before any injection is committed. The goal is always permanent clean contour — never an aggressive single-session approach.
Sat · By Appointment Only
"My double chin had bothered me my entire adult life — even at my fittest, the under-chin shadow on every photo was the same. After three Kybella sessions with Dr. Chinonso, my profile is genuinely different. The swelling phase was real, but the result is permanent and worth every single day of it."
Daniel K.
Verified Patient · Beverly Hills
Frequently
Asked Questions
Direct answers to the questions patients most commonly ask before their Kybella consultation — on sessions, swelling, permanence, and realistic expectations.
Most patients require 2 to 4 treatment sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the amount of submental fat present and the individual response to each treatment. Patients with smaller fat pockets may see optimal results after just 2 sessions.
Yes. Kybella destroys the targeted fat cells permanently — once a fat cell is dissolved, it cannot regenerate. As long as you maintain a stable weight, your results are long-term. Significant weight gain can cause the remaining fat cells in nearby areas to enlarge, but the treated cells will not return.
Expect noticeable swelling, tenderness, and sometimes bruising in the submental area for 5 to 14 days after each session. The swelling is the visible sign that the treatment is working. Most patients can return to work the next day, though many schedule social events around the swelling timeline.
The injections themselves are quick and tolerable with topical numbing applied beforehand. The treated area will feel warm, swollen, and tender for several days after — this is the active fat-dissolving process. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate but well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Ideal candidates are adults with a moderate amount of submental (under-chin) fat, good skin elasticity, and a stable weight. Kybella is not designed for significant fat loss elsewhere or for patients with severe skin laxity — those may benefit more from CoolSculpting, surgical liposuction, or a neck lift instead.
Kybella is an injection that chemically dissolves fat cells, ideal for small, precise areas like the double chin. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive device that freezes fat cells, better suited for larger body areas like the abdomen or flanks. Both produce permanent fat reduction, but the technique and ideal anatomy differ.
Related Treatments
Kybella
in Beverly Hills, CA
How KYBELLA Works
What to Expect During Your Visit
Step 1: Personalized Consultation
Step 2: Targeted Injections
Step 3: Recovery and Aftercare
Step 4: Results and Follow-Up
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Who Is a Good Candidate
- You have moderate to severe submental fullness (double chin) that bothers you.
- You prefer a non-surgical solution for reducing chin fat.
- You are in good general health with realistic expectations for results.
- You do not have loose or excessive skin in the treatment area.
Benefits of KYBELLA
- CoolSculpting can reduce stubborn fat in other body areas non-surgically.
- Chin augmentation enhances chin projection and facial balance with implants.
- Dermal fillers can improve facial contours and restore lost volume.
- Botox smooths dynamic wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
Complementary Cosmetic Treatments
KYBELLA Treatment Cost
in Beverly Hills, CA
The cost of kybella in Beverly Hills, CA, typically ranges from $1,000–$2,400 per treatment session, depending on the number of vials needed and your individual goals. Pricing can vary based on provider expertise, your anatomy, and your customized treatment plan. For a precise estimate tailored to your needs, please contact us to request a personalized quote.
Dr. Chinonso Kagha
Abisogun, MD, FAAD
Why Choose Couture Dermatology for KYBELLA
At Couture Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience with kybella and advanced injectable techniques. We prioritize safety, comfort, and natural-looking results, ensuring each treatment is customized to your unique facial features. Our Beverly Hills clinic provides a welcoming, state-of-the-art environment where patients receive attentive care and expert guidance throughout their kybella journey.
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Testimonials
- Rosie D.
Meet Our Providers
Dr. Chinonso Kagha Abisogun, MD, FAAD
Healthy Skin.
Beautiful
Complexion.
A More Confident You.
