Kybella

Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment designed to permanently reduce unwanted submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. Using deoxycholic acid a naturally occurring molecule in the body Kybella breaks down and destroys fat cells for a more sculpted, contoured jawline and neck profile. At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim utilizes precise injection mapping, advanced facial analysis, and patient-specific treatment planning to ensure balanced, natural-looking results. This minimally invasive solution offers a safe and effective alternative to surgery for patients seeking long-lasting chin and jawline definition without incisions or downtime associated with traditional procedures.

Overview

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment specifically developed to target and eliminate localized fat beneath the chin and along the upper neck. The active ingredient, synthetic deoxycholic acid, works by disrupting the membrane of fat cells, causing them to break down and be naturally metabolized by the body over time. Once destroyed, these fat cells cannot regenerate, making Kybella a permanent fat reduction solution when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.

At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim approaches Kybella treatment with the same level of precision and anatomical understanding used in surgical facial contouring. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive consultation that includes facial proportion assessment, jawline evaluation, skin elasticity analysis, and 3D imaging when appropriate. This ensures that Kybella is applied only to patients who will benefit most from injectable fat reduction rather than surgical intervention.

Dr. Kim’s technique focuses on strategic injection placement to sculpt the submental area while preserving surrounding structures such as nerves, lymphatic pathways, and muscular anatomy. By customizing the injection grid and dosage, Dr. Kim enhances jawline definition, reduces submental fullness, and improves the cervicomental angle for a more youthful lower face profile. This personalized planning minimizes the risk of irregular contouring and optimizes symmetry.

Kybella is often chosen by patients who are not candidates for liposuction or who prefer a non-surgical double chin treatment with gradual, natural-looking improvement. It can also be combined with complementary procedures such as skin tightening treatments, neuromodulators, or dermal fillers to further enhance lower face contouring. For patients with mild to moderate submental fat and good skin elasticity, Kybella offers an effective alternative to surgical fat removal.

Most patients require a series of treatments typically two to four sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Improvements continue to develop over several months as swelling resolves and the body processes destroyed fat cells. Dr. Kim’s expertise in facial anatomy and aesthetic balance ensures that results appear refined, proportional, and harmonious with the rest of the face.

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

Permanently reduces submental fat without surgery

Improves jawline definition and chin contour

Non-surgical double chin treatment with no incisions

Custom injection mapping for natural-looking results

Gradual improvement for subtle, refined facial slimming

Minimal downtime compared to surgical fat removal

Can be combined with skin tightening or facial contouring treatments

Patients with mild to moderate submental fat beneath the chin

Individuals seeking non-surgical fat reduction options

Healthy adults with good skin elasticity

Patients bothered by fullness in the jawline or upper neck

Non-smokers or individuals willing to pause smoking during treatment

Those not ready or not candidates for surgical liposuction

The Process

Consultation & Facial Analysis
Comprehensive evaluation of submental fat, skin elasticity, jawline structure, and aesthetic goals, often supported by 3D imaging.

Customized Treatment Planning
Development of a personalized injection grid and dosage plan based on facial anatomy and desired contour.

Preparation & Comfort Measures
Cleansing of the treatment area and application of topical numbing or cooling for patient comfort.

Kybella Injection Process
Precise injections of deoxycholic acid into targeted fat pockets using advanced anatomical mapping.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Monitoring for swelling and instructions for at-home care to minimize discomfort and optimize healing.

Follow-Up & Additional Sessions
Assessment of results over time and scheduling of subsequent treatments if needed for optimal fat reduction and contouring.

Recovery & Risks

Kybella is considered a safe and effective injectable treatment when administered by an experienced provider such as Dr. Charles Kim. As with any aesthetic procedure, patients should be aware of potential side effects and the expected recovery process. The most common reactions include swelling, bruising, tenderness, firmness, redness, and numbness in the treated area. Swelling is expected and indicates that the fat-dissolving process is actively occurring.

Most swelling peaks within the first few days following treatment and gradually subsides over one to two weeks. Some patients may experience temporary firmness or unevenness as fat cells break down and are absorbed by the body. Bruising typically resolves within 7 to 14 days. Patients can usually return to work and normal daily activities within a few days, depending on swelling severity.

Rare risks include temporary nerve irritation, difficulty swallowing, or asymmetry, which is why proper injection technique and anatomical knowledge are critical. Dr. Kim follows strict safety protocols, precise dosing guidelines, and detailed anatomical mapping to minimize complications and promote optimal healing.

Post-treatment care includes avoiding strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours, keeping the head elevated, and using cold compresses as directed to reduce swelling. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Kim to monitor progress and determine whether additional Kybella sessions are needed. When performed correctly, Kybella provides predictable, long-lasting results with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Real Results

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Frequently Asked Questions

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