Belkyra

What is Belkyra?

BELKYRA is a Health Canada approved injectable that results in non-surgical, non-invasive reduction of excess submental adipose tissue (fat under the chin).

It was previously introduced in the USA under the name ‘Kybella’. It has been studied for more than 15 years.

BELKYRA is made up of a naturally occurring molecule in the body, deoxycholic acid (non-human non-animal origin), that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. BELKYRA gently disrupts fat cells, allowing release of free fatty acids and glycerol that are safely metabolized by the body primarily in the liver and eliminated via the kidneys. It has been proven that there is no increased risk of atherosclerosis (fatty material deposition in arteries) associated with this treatment.

What areas can be treated with BELKYRA?

Careful direct introduction of this substance into submental fat has been proven to reduce double chins. Excess fat collection in this area is often resistant to weight loss. Submental fullness is a common and undertreated condition that contributes to an older, heavier appearance.

The safe and effective use of BELKYRA in anatomic sites outside the submental area has not been established and is not recommended.

Am I a candidate for BELKYRA?

A private consultation at Aestheticare is needed to determine whether your double chin fat distribution is amenable to deoxycholate treatment. BELKYRA is meant for central fat reduction. Excessively loose and saggy skin is not tightened by BELKYRA.

BELKYRA treatment is limited to healthy individuals expected to undergo a normal healing response. You should not be pregnant or breastfeeding.

What can I expect with treatment?

A special grid is applied to the treatment area to facilitate very accurate placement of BELKYRA into fat that is sandwiched between skin and muscle. These grid points guide precise dosing of BELKYRA. Most patients describe minimal or no discomfort with the tiny needles used. An ice pack applied to the treatment site is then sufficient to minimize some expected burning discomfort. Analgesics (pain killers) are unnecessary. Patients are generally able to leave the office within 30-45 minutes.

Is there any downtime after BELKYRA injection?

Most BELKYRA patients return immediately to normal activities, including low impact exercise. Low-grade burning discomfort may be experienced, but not enough to warrant any sort of pain killer.

Swelling can be expected, proportional to the actual amount of fat that was treated. This generally peaks 20-28 hours after the injection and most subsided by 48 hours. Some patients have minimal swelling for as long as 4 weeks.

Are there any other side effects of BELKYRA?

In the clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects of BELKYRA were in the treatment area and included swelling, bruising, low-grade pain, numbness, redness, tingling or itchiness, a sensation of warmth, or hardness. A minority reported minimal hoarseness and mild discomfort swallowing solid food for the first day.

How many treatment sessions are required?

Most patients require 2 to 4 treatments for adequate fat reduction, dependent upon the volume of target fat. Sessions are usually scheduled 6 weeks apart.

Can Kybella or Belkyra be combined with other procedures of the neck?

Double chin patients particularly benefit from combining the fat reduction with AccuTite tightening of the skin, possibly in combination with Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling. Redefining the jawline with fillers such as Voluma, Juvederm and Restylane/Perlane is recommended as well.

Additionally, vertical neck cords and horizontal necklace lines can be minimized with BOTOX to relax the muscle activity that creates them.

For further refinement, face and neck IPL photorejuvenation for colour correction and Clear and Brilliant or Aquagold Micro-Botox microneedling to smooth skin and minimize pores can be considered.

We live in an era where combining multiple non-invasive treatments increasingly preferred to aggressive surgical face and neck lifting that is not permanent and cannot be repeated without an unnatural appearance.

What is the cost of BELKYRA treatments?

In Canada, Belkyra injectable treatments range from $1000 to $1500 per treatment. Most patients require 2 to 4 treatments six weeks apart. Published studies report up to 6 treatment sessions for desired results. Individuals with less double chin fat require fewer treatment sessions.

How do I find out more?

To book a consultation phone 905.664.5850 or use our online Consultation Request Form.