A smooth jawline changes how your whole face reads. When fat beneath the chin hangs on, no matter the angle, lighting, or how carefully you eat, it can make your profile look heavier than you are. Kybella® offers a minimally invasive way to target that pocket directly with injections instead of surgery. Below, you’ll find exactly how Kybella works, who qualifies, what treatment and recovery look like, and how our Newport Beach team builds a treatment plan around your anatomy and goals.
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At Bonakdar Aesthetics in Newport Beach, Dr. Monica Bonakdar personally evaluates every candidate for Kybella. With decades of experience in aesthetic medicine and a practice that serves patients across Orange County, she focuses on precise dosing, careful mapping, and honest expectations so most patients see steady, natural-looking results with minimal disruption to their normal routine. If you’re searching for Kybella Newport Beach and want medical oversight from start to finish, you’re in the right place.
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that reduces submental fat, the fullness under the chin often called a “double chin.” Its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring molecule your body uses to help break down dietary fat. When placed precisely into the treatment area, it destroys fat cells. Over the following weeks, your lymphatic system clears those cells, and the contour under the chin gradually sharpens. Once removed, those fat cells cannot store fat again.
Kybella is not a weight-loss medication and it does not tighten significant excess skin. It’s a targeted fat removal option for people at a stable weight who want a cleaner neck-to-chin angle without surgical intervention.
Candidacy comes down to the type of fullness you have beneath the chin and the quality of your skin. Ideal candidates have:
During your initial consultation, we’ll review your medical history and medications. If you’re taking blood thinners, we’ll discuss timing to reduce bruising risk (with your prescribing physician’s approval). You should also disclose any history of trouble swallowing, prior procedures in the chin area, or plans for dental work around the time of treatment. Patients with primarily excess skin may see better results from other treatments (such as RF skin tightening) or, in select cases, a surgical approach.
Not sure whether your fullness is fat or laxity? We’ll sort that out in a straightforward exam. No guesswork involved.
No two chins are identical. We measure pinch thickness, evaluate from multiple angles, and map your under-chin zone to set a treatment plan that matches your desired outcome. Dr. Bonakdar determines the number of Kybella injections per visit and the expected total sessions for optimal results. If you also have mild laxity, we may recommend pairing your series with a skin-supportive option for a firmer finish.
Appointments typically run 30 to 45 minutes, including photographs, numbing, and post-care. We use a topical anesthetic and ice packs to minimize discomfort, then place multiple injections in a precise grid underneath the chin. You may notice brief warmth or mild pain that fades quickly. The entire procedure is office-based, with no general anesthesia, and you can return to your day immediately after.
Expect visible swelling; it’s part of how deoxycholic acid works. Most patients find swelling peaks within 48 to 72 hours and settle over the next week. Simple steps help:
Bruising and temporary numbness can happen; both typically resolve on their own. You can conceal bruising with makeup the next day if the skin is intact.
Refinement appears gradually as your body clears the treated fat. Most patients notice a double chin reduction after two to four sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart, with continued sharpening after each visit. Some with severe submental fat may need up to six sessions. Once the goal is reached, additional Kybella is usually unnecessary. Because the treated fat cells are gone, results last as long as you maintain a stable weight. Significant weight gain can create new fullness in the area by enlarging remaining cells, so we’ll discuss maintenance habits that support your desired results.
Kybella is an FDA-approved solution for submental fullness with a strong safety profile when used correctly. Expected effects include swelling, firmness, tenderness, and temporary numbness in the treated area. Less common events—like an uneven contour, small nodules, or temporary nerve irritation—are addressed in your consent discussion. Rarely, patients can experience trouble swallowing for a short period while swelling is present. Our approach—precise depth, conservative starting doses, and careful spacing—aims to keep things predictable and comfortable.
If you have a history of difficult healing, active infections, or certain medical conditions, we’ll time or tailor your plan accordingly. Tell us about all medications and supplements, especially blood thinners, so we can reduce bruising risk.
| Option | Approach | Typical Sessions | Downtime / Incisions | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kybella® | Injection-based deoxycholic acid to dissolve submental fat | 2–4 (spaced ~6–8 weeks) | Swelling/ bruising for a few days; no incisions | Gradual double-chin reduction without surgery | Results build over weeks as the body clears treated fat cells |
| Liposuction | Surgical fat removal under the chin | 1 | Recovery days to weeks; small incisions | Those ready for a surgical day, anesthesia, and a faster, more immediate change | Most direct debulking; requires surgical candidacy |
| CoolSculpting® (CoolMini) | External cooling to crystallize and reduce fat | 1–2 cycles | Minimal downtime; no incisions | Select anatomies with pinchable fat seeking a noninvasive option | Reduction is modest; results emerge over 1–3 months |
| RF Skin Tightening | Radiofrequency energy to firm skin (no fat removal) | Series (varies by device) | Minimal downtime; no incisions | Skin laxity is the main concern rather than fat | Pairs well after fat reduction to refine the “skin envelope” |
| Combination Plan | Sequence fat reduction + skin tightening | Personalized | Varies by mix | Balancing fat and skin for the most contoured lower face | Common pairing: Kybella or lipo → RF tightening for finish |
We’ll talk through these options openly so the plan fits your timeline, swelling tolerance, and goals.
Kybella is officially indicated for submental fat. Some clinicians use deoxycholic acid off-label in small pockets—like tiny puffs near the upper arms—but that requires careful selection. Our practice focuses Kybella on the chin area, where safety and predictability are highest. If you’re curious about other zones, we’ll review anatomy and alternative tools that may work better.
Light fullness might improve with one to two sessions; moderate to severe fullness often responds best to a series of two to four, with up to six sessions for stubborn severe fat. We reassess after each visit. As swelling settles and results develop, your plan is adjusted so we don’t over- or under-treat.
At Bonakdar Aesthetics, care is physician-led from the first consult through follow-up, so candidacy, dosing, and timing are tailored to your anatomy. Our aesthetic is measured and proportion-focused; the goal is to achieve a cleaner jawline that still reflects your unique appearance. We’re clear about what Kybella treats (fat under the chin) and what it doesn’t (skin laxity or muscle), so expectations stay realistic. Visits run on time, aftercare is straightforward—ice, patience, and check-ins—and our team is easy to reach if questions come up.
If the appearance of a double chin keeps drawing your eye in photos or on video, let’s see whether Kybella is the right fit. Contact Dr. Bonakdar and our Newport Beach team to schedule your consultation. We’ll examine the area, outline an honest plan, and answer every question before the first drop is placed.
Plans vary. Most patients need two to four sessions; some require up to six sessions for severe submental fat. We’ll estimate your series during the consult and adjust as you respond.
With a topical anesthetic, icing, and calm technique, most patients report minimal discomfort—more warmth and pressure than pain.
You can return to your normal routine right away. Expect a few days of swelling and possible bruising around the injection site.
Yes. It’s an FDA-approved injectable for the submental area. We screen for contraindications and tailor the dose to your anatomy.
Not for fat reduction in the treated zone; those fat cells are gone. If you develop laxity over time or have baseline excess skin, we may suggest other treatments to maintain a smooth contour.
Remaining fat cells can still enlarge with significant weight gain. Staying near a stable weight supports your desired outcome long-term.
Kybella® is a registered trademark of Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., an Allergan company. Individual results vary.
Contact Bonakdar Aesthetics for Cosmetic Dermatology and Skin Care in Newport Beach, Orange County, Palm Desert CA.
If you’re interested in reducing your double chin with Kybella, schedule your consultation today at Bonakdar Aesthetics in Newport Beach. Dr. Bonakdar proudly provides cosmetic dermatology and skin care to those located in the Newport Beach, Orange County and Corona Del Mar areas.
We are proud to inform you of Bonakdar Aesthetics’ Exclusive Appointment Scheduling Policy. This policy ensures that your appointments are exclusively booked for you alone, thus you will not experience long waits, nor be rushed during your appointment. A booking fee is required at the time you make your consultation or treatment appointment. This fee is refundable up until 72 hours of your appointment and is fully applied to your service that day.
20321 Irvine Avenue, Suite #F3, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
36943 Cook St. #104, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
This information from Palm Desert & Newport Beach's skin care specialist, Dr. Monica Bonakdar is not a substitute for health care or advice. You must consult with a physician regarding any health questions you may have. *Individual results may vary. Photos and reviews do not guarantee outcomes and no prediction of outcome is implied.
