Belkyra, known as Kybella in the U.S., is an injectable treatment designed to reduce small areas of submental fat, commonly known as a “double chin”. As a non-surgical option, it has gained popularity for those looking to improve their jawline and neck area without undergoing invasive procedures. This complete guide explores everything you need to know about Belkyra, from how it works to its cost, side effects, and treatment process.
What is Belkyra?
Belkyra is an FDA- and Health Canada-approved injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, to break down fat cells under the chin. Once injected, the acid destroys fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over time, leaving a more defined and contoured jawline.
How Does Belkyra Work?
The active ingredient in Belkyra, deoxycholic acid, targets and destroys fat cells when injected directly into the submental area. The body then metabolizes and removes the destroyed fat, leaving behind a slimmer, more sculpted appearance. Since fat cells do not regenerate, the results are long-lasting as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
Is Belkyra Right for You?
Belkyra is ideal for individuals who have mild to moderate fat under the chin and want a non-surgical solution. It’s particularly suited for those who are close to their target weight but struggle with excess fat in this area, or a genetic predisposition to fat in this area. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with significant skin laxity.
The Belkyra Treatment Process
Before undergoing Belkyra treatment, proper preparation is essential to ensure optimal results and minimize potential risks. The process starts with a thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. During this consultation, the provider will evaluate your medical history, skin condition, and the amount of submental fat you wish to target. They will also assess the elasticity of your skin, as good skin elasticity is important for achieving the best results with this treatment.
Discussing Your Goals and Expectations
In addition to the medical evaluation, it’s crucial to discuss your cosmetic goals in detail. Your provider will work with you to establish realistic expectations, explaining what Belkyra can and cannot achieve.
They may also show before-and-after photos of previous patients to give you a better idea of the potential outcomes. It’s important to communicate openly during this stage to ensure you’re both aligned on the desired results.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Once you’ve been confirmed as a good candidate, your provider will give you specific pre-treatment instructions. These may include avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bruising, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil, for a week or two before your procedure.
You may also be advised to stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, as these can impair healing and increase the likelihood of side effects. Additionally, your provider may recommend applying ice or cold packs to the treatment area leading up to the appointment to minimize potential swelling.
By carefully preparing for your Belkyra treatment, you can help ensure a smoother procedure and recovery while maximizing your chances of achieving the desired results.
Related: Belkyra for Double Chin Procedures
What to Expect During the Procedure
The Belkyra procedure begins with your healthcare provider carefully marking the areas under your chin to outline where the injections will be administered. This step ensures precise targeting of the fat cells in the submental area. Before the actual injections, a numbing agent, such as a topical anesthetic or ice pack, is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Injections and Treatment Duration
Once the area is prepped, your provider will make a series of small injections directly into the marked regions. Belkyra contains deoxycholic acid, a substance that breaks down and destroys fat cells. Depending on the treatment plan, typically 20-30 injections are administered in a grid-like pattern across the chin. While the number of injections may sound high, the process is quick, with each session lasting only about 15-20 minutes.
Minimal Discomfort
Although most patients report feeling minimal discomfort thanks to the numbing agent, you may experience a mild burning or tingling sensation during and after the injections. The level of discomfort varies from person to person, but most find the procedure tolerable and quick enough to manage with ease. Following the injections, you’ll be given post-care instructions, and you’ll likely experience some swelling, which is a sign that the fat cells are being targeted.
This efficient and relatively painless process makes Belkyra a convenient option for those looking to reduce their double chin without surgery.
How Many Sessions are Needed?
Most patients require 3-4 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. However, some may need up to six sessions depending on the amount of fat and desired results.
Belkyra Results: What to Expect
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
Belkyra’s results develop gradually as your body works to eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Most patients begin to see visible improvements in the chin area within four to six weeks after their first session. During this period, the chin becomes slimmer and more defined as the body naturally processes and removes the targeted fat.
However, it’s important to note that Belkyra treatments almost always require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Depending on the amount of fat under the chin, patients may need between three to six sessions, spaced about a month apart, to see the full effects.
Maintaining Your Results Over Time
One of the significant advantages of Belkyra is that it permanently destroys the fat cells in the treated area. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they do not regenerate, meaning the results can be long-lasting. However, maintaining these results depends on your overall lifestyle. While the fat cells treated with Belkyra are gone for good, new fat cells can form if you gain weight after the procedure.
To preserve the slimmer, more defined appearance achieved with Belkyra, it’s essential to maintain a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. By committing to a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy your results for years to come.
Belkyra Cost
The cost of Belkyra treatment can vary based on several factors, including the provider’s expertise, the geographic location of the clinic, and the number of sessions required. Additionally, the extent of the treatment area and individual response to the treatment can also influence the overall cost.
On average, a single Belkyra session can cost around $1200.00. Since most individuals require multiple sessions, the total cost for a complete treatment plan can range from $3000.00 to $5,000.00 or more.
Belkyra Cost in Canada
In Canada, the average cost for a Belkyra session tends to be around CAD $1,200, depending on the clinic and the region. Clinics in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal may charge higher fees due to demand and location-specific factors.
While the procedure is largely similar across North America, prices in Canada tend to be slightly lower than in the U.S. due to differences in healthcare systems, exchange rates, and regional market factors.
Belkyra Side Effects
The most common side effects of Belkyra include swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness at the injection site. These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days to a week after treatment. Numbness in the treated area is also common but temporary.
Rare but Possible Risks and Complications
Though very rare, some individuals may experience more serious side effects, such as difficulty swallowing, nerve injury in the jaw (which can cause temporary facial weakness), or uneven results. These complications are infrequent but underscore the importance of selecting an experienced provider.
How to Minimize Side Effects Post-Treatment
To reduce the risk of side effects, follow your provider’s aftercare instructions carefully. This may include avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, and avoiding sun exposure.
Belkyra vs. Other Double Chin Treatments
Comparing Belkyra to Submental Liposuction
Belkyra offers a non-surgical alternative to liposuction for double chin reduction. While liposuction provides immediate results, it requires downtime and carries surgical risks. Belkyra’s main advantage is its ability to offer gradual, natural-looking results with minimal downtime.
Which Treatment is Best for You?
Choosing between Belkyra or submental liposuction depends on your individual needs and preferences. Belkyra is best suited for those who want a non-invasive solution with long-lasting results, while surgical options may be better for more significant and more satisfactory overall outcome.
Who is a Good Candidate for Belkyra?
Belkyra is ideal for individuals with good skin elasticity who want to reduce small areas of submental fat. It works best for those who are close to their ideal body weight but have stubborn fat deposits under the chin that do not respond to diet or exercise.
While Belkyra is FDA-approved specifically for submental fat, some practitioners may use it off-label for small areas of fat in other parts of the body. However, this use is less common and should be discussed with a qualified provider.
Belkyra Aftercare and Recovery
After Belkyra treatment, you may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising around the injection sites. These symptoms typically subside within a few days, and you can usually return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.
To support a smooth recovery, avoid heavy exercise and sun exposure for 48 hours post-treatment. Using cold compresses can help reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken if necessary. Keeping the treated area clean and following any additional aftercare advice from your provider is essential for optimal results.
Are you considering Belkyra to reduce the appearance of a double chin? Schedule a consultation at our clinic to discuss your goals and explore if this innovative, non-surgical treatment is right for you. Our experienced providers will help create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the contoured, confident look you desire.