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Belkyra® | fat dissolving

- what to know
down time
swelling for up to one month
results
permanent, and will be seen gradually over 12 weeks
pain
uncomfortable/discomfort with injections
anesthesia
topical numbing cream
starting cost
starting at $500+GST per treatment (multiple treatments may be necessary)
treatments in harmony
condition treated

stubborn fat in submental region (‘double chin’)

Belkyra® | fat dissolving

Deoxycholic Acid
Deoxycholic acid is found naturally in the body, aiding in digestion and the absorption of dietary fats.  Deoxycholic acid is used to permanently dissolve fat molecules in the submandibular region - or famously known as the “double chin”.  This process is referred to as injection lipolysis or colloquially known as “fat dissolving”.  The fat cells in the injection area are disrupted resulting in cell death.  

Belkyra® is the brand name for Deoxycholic acid. It is also known as Kybella® in the United States. Belkyra is currently approved for use to permanently dissolve fat molecules in the submandibular region - or famously known as the “double chin”. Injection lipolysis is a great option for patients unwilling or unable to undergo surgery. Depending on the severity of submandibular fat, multiple treatments may be required to reach your desired result.

The decision to have injection lipolysis is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits of the injections outweigh the risks and potential complications.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your surgeon. 

Interested in this procedure?
contact us
procedure

Injection lipolysis treatments are typically done in the office in a 45 minute appointment. A topical numbing cream is applied and ice is used to aid with discomfort of injections. A fine needle is used for the injection to improve discomfort associated with the procedure. The length of your consultation will depend on the amount of questions you may have. You are usually able to have your Belkyra treatment on the same day as your consultation.

recovery

During the period of post-treatment swelling, the area can look fuller than it did before treatment. As the fat cells are disrupted and the inflammation subsides, most patients see results by 6 to 8 weeks after a treatment. The swelling can appear to be more severe than the double chin fat that was present. It is not abnormal for the swelling to temporarily cause a burning and numb sensation. Patient’s have also reported feeling lumps during the healing period that resolve as the swelling subsides. These symptoms should resolve themselves as the swelling subsides. Cold compresses can be effective for pain relief.

It is possible to not obtain a complete result after the first treatment.  The human face and neck are normally asymmetrical with respect to structural anatomy and function.  There can be a variation from one side to the other in terms of the response to the injections.  Additional injections may be needed to reach the desired level of result can be performed until the goal is achieved.  We would be more than happy to see you again in 6-8 weeks for an additional treatment. 

Should you have any questions and concerns, or if you are experiencing any symptoms that were not discussed, please give us a call at (403) 800-9157 and leave a message as necessary. If you are unable to reach us, and need medical advice please call 811 to speak to a nurse, the line is free of charge and available 24 hours a day.

things to consider

Patients with loose skin or poor tone may not be suitable candidates for the procedure. Once the fat cells are disrupted and destroyed it may be possible that the skin does not retract fully and you are left with an undesired excess skin requiring surgical correction. Your surgeon will be able to assess whether or not you are a good candidate for injection lipolysis.


Severe swelling after injection lipolysis cannot be predicted. We recommend that you do not receive this treatment immediately before any large life event.

A good candidate for injection lipolysis is a patient who is relatively healthy and has realistic expectations for post-procedure outcomes.

recovery

During the period of post-treatment swelling, the area can look fuller than it did before treatment. As the fat cells are disrupted and the inflammation subsides, most patients see results by 6 to 8 weeks after a treatment. The swelling can appear to be more severe than the double chin fat that was present. It is not abnormal for the swelling to temporarily cause a burning and numb sensation. Patient’s have also reported feeling lumps during the healing period that resolve as the swelling subsides. These symptoms should resolve themselves as the swelling subsides. Cold compresses can be effective for pain relief.

It is possible to not obtain a complete result after the first treatment.  The human face and neck are normally asymmetrical with respect to structural anatomy and function.  There can be a variation from one side to the other in terms of the response to the injections.  Additional injections may be needed to reach the desired level of result can be performed until the goal is achieved.  We would be more than happy to see you again in 6-8 weeks for an additional treatment. 

Should you have any questions and concerns, or if you are experiencing any symptoms that were not discussed, please give us a call at (403) 800-9157 and leave a message as necessary. If you are unable to reach us, and need medical advice please call 811 to speak to a nurse, the line is free of charge and available 24 hours a day.

things to consider

Patients with loose skin or poor tone may not be suitable candidates for the procedure. Once the fat cells are disrupted and destroyed it may be possible that the skin does not retract fully and you are left with an undesired excess skin requiring surgical correction. Your surgeon will be able to assess whether or not you are a good candidate for injection lipolysis.


Severe swelling after injection lipolysis cannot be predicted. We recommend that you do not receive this treatment immediately before any large life event.

A good candidate for injection lipolysis is a patient who is relatively healthy and has realistic expectations for post-procedure outcomes.