Kybella is now being used on the body as well as under the chin.
Kybella actually dissolves fat under the chin through simple injections. Once the fat’s gone, it’s gone for good. Enjoy your new profile from all angles. Prior to Kybella, if you wanted to reduce a double chin (medically known as “submental fullness”), your only option was liposuction. At Total Dermatology we strive to deliver the best Kybella Irvine has to offer.
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Kybella is a patented synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps metabolize dietary fat. The fat cell wall is targeted and damaged allowing the fat to be released and swept out of the body.
*Individuals Results May Vary.
The lead clinical investigator, Dr. Derek H. Jones, clinical associate professor of dermatology at UCLA, explains how Kybella works.
“Basically, what it’s doing is disrupting the fat cell membrane. As soon as it hits, it causes lysis—or destroys the cell membrane. After that, the fat cell releases its fatty contents and the body metabolizes the fatty contents as normal.” Although Kybella is the first FDA-approved injection of its kind in this country, the concept has existed outside the U.S. for decades (and even within the U.S. but wasn’t FDA approved here). You may recall the term mesotherapy.
*Individuals Results May Vary.
Kybella is a non-surgical solution for reducing unwanted fat in small, targeted areas, offering patients a way to refine their contours without the downtime or commitment of surgery. The treatment is quick, effective, and results in long-lasting fat reduction when performed by a skilled injector.
Benefits of Kybella include:
Kybella offers a subtle but meaningful boost in confidence, helping you feel more at ease in your skin, with results that last.
Kybella is not a procedure for novice injectors. Any injection carries some risk, and with Kybella, there are risks beyond the typical filler or Botox. Injection depth is critical, both from a safety perspective and effectiveness. When it hits the market, please do your due diligence and choose either a board-certified dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon – both of whom are keenly familiar with skin and tissue layers.
“Kybella is meant to be injected into the fat layer only. Injectors with scant experience could inadvertently inject too superficially, which can ulcerate the skin, or inject into glands or damage sensitive nerves that control lower facial movement. I repeat, this is not a procedure that should be performed by novice injectors.” Dr. Pilest
Ideal Candidates
If you are over 18 and it has been medically determined that your submental fullness is actually fat, and not glandular swelling or a medical condition, Kybella may be your answer.
Our Irvine Kybella patients will be screened and advised. Skin with good elasticity should “shrink” into place. Skin that has lost elastic quality may need to take things further after the procedures are complete with Thermage or other tissue heating systems. If your skin is too lax, we won’t recommend Kybella because you may be unhappy with the loose skin that remains.
Yes, you do have alternatives.
Liposuction has been used for many years, though the process is pretty “rough” – See the Kybella vs Liposuction article. Different high-tech techniques of body contouring are other options that are appealing to those with severe needle phobia, but results aren’t generally as precise.
WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN KYBELLA ADDRESS?
Kybella isn’t just for the chin. This injectable treatment can also be used to fine-tune stubborn pockets of fat in smaller, hard-to-reach areas of the body, especially when other treatments like CoolSculpting aren’t quite the right fit. Residual fat in the abdomen, upper arms, and flanks can be further contoured with Kybella.
Our Orange County Kybella patients will still need a minimum of 3 treatments, and the amount of product needed will vary depending on the size of the treatment area. Compared to other fat reduction methods, Kybella is a simple option and has high satisfaction rates—ideal for refining or “spot treating” areas that don’t respond well to traditional options.
Kybella used for body contouring is considered “off-label,” but it’s safe when performed by a skilled injector. Dr. Nissan Pilest is a member of the prestigious Expert Injector collaboration and has earned the Circle of Excellence in Soft Tissue Fillers through the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. At Total Dermatology, all injectable treatments are personally performed by Dr. Pilest.
Common Kybella treatment areas include:
The Kybella treatment is quick, minimally invasive, and straightforward.
Before treatment begins, we’ll apply a topical numbing agent or use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the area is numb, Dr. Pilest will make a series of precise injections directly into the fat. The process typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
There’s no need for incisions, stitches, or downtime, although some swelling and tenderness are common in the days following your session. Most patients return to their normal routine within 24–48 hours.
The cost of Kybella treatment can vary depending on the area being treated, the amount of product needed, and the number of sessions required. On average, treatments range from $600 to $1,800 per session.
Because every patient’s needs are unique, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan during your consultation. You’ll receive a full breakdown of costs before starting, so there are no surprises.
Your total cost may include:
If you're combining Kybella with other treatments, like CoolSculpting or dermal fillers, we’ll build a customized plan that maximizes your results and value.
When it comes to injectables like Kybella, experience and precision matter—and Dr. Nissan Pilest brings both to every treatment.
With over 40 years of dermatologic expertise, Dr. Pilest is recognized as an Expert Injector—a title awarded to only the top 1% of aesthetic injectors in the country. He is also a recipient of the Circle of Excellence in Soft Tissue Fillers and has been honored by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery for his advanced skills in cosmetic dermatology.
At Total Dermatology, all injectable procedures are performed exclusively by Dr. Pilest—not delegated to a nurse or assistant. This ensures each treatment is personalized and performed with the highest level of safety, artistry, and care.
Our patients trust us not just for great results, but for our comfortable, welcoming approach and long-standing reputation in Orange County as a leader in cosmetic dermatology.
Schedule your consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nissan Pilest at Total Dermatology in Irvine, CA today by calling (949) 727-3800.
*Individual Results May Vary
While many stay private about their treatments, public figures like Khloé Kardashian have endorsed Kybella as part of their beauty routine.
It depends on your goals—CoolSculpting may be better for larger areas, while liposuction is more aggressive but invasive. Kybella is ideal for small, stubborn fat pockets.
Kybella is for contouring, not weight loss. It won’t significantly change your weight but will improve the shape of treated areas.
Kybella can help reduce fat beneath the chin, which may improve the appearance of a mild “turkey neck,” but it won’t tighten loose skin. For sagging skin, other treatments may be recommended.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
