Belkyra is an injectable compound made with deoxycholic acid (DA). DA occurs naturally within the body, where it’s used to metabolize lipids (fats). Patients who choose Belkyra, therefore, have the added peace of mind that comes with selecting an organic treatment; Belkyra is unlikely to cause allergic or adverse reactions in most patients.
When Belkyra is injected into the fat below the chin, DA dissolves the lipids inside fat cells, causing them to break down. DA only targets fat cells so that it won’t harm skin or muscle tissue. Treated fat cells gradually leave the body via the liver and lymphatic system without the need for any further intervention. Receiving Belkyra injections is as easy and convenient as BOTOX® or dermal filler injections.
HOW MANY BELKYRA TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Your treatment plan depends on how much submental fat you have. Most people need between two to four injection sessions, spaced one month apart, but some people need to have up to six treatments to achieve optimal results. Our doctors will carefully assess the area under your chin during your consultation and develop a treatment plan with you.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF BELKYRA LAST?
Most patients experience a permanent reduction in submental fat. Fat cells that are destroyed rarely grow back on their own, so most patients need only one series of Belkyra treatments. However,it’s important to maintain a stable weight; gaining more than 20 pounds could cause remaining fat cells to expand, slightly obscuring your results.
PREPARING FOR YOUR BELKYRA PROCEDURE
Before Belkyra injections, you’ll need to stop using blood thinning medications (including over the counter medications like aspirin) for about one week. You should also avoid consuming Vitamin E and green tea products, as these can increase swelling and bruising. Do not use cosmetics on the day of your treatment and keep your face cleansed.
Patients who have recently had other facial procedures, including injectable treatments, may not be able to have Belkyra injections right away. Let us know if you have had any surgical or non-surgical procedures performed in the past, or if you have any treatments scheduled soon.
Belkyra is recommended for use primarily in patients who are at, or close to, a healthy weight. If you are significantly overweight, losing weight may eliminate the need for Belkyra or reduce the number of injections you need. Belkyra is also unsuitable for pregnant or nursing women.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING NON-SURGICAL DOUBLE CHIN REDUCTION
Before our doctors administer any injections, they will take photos of the treatment area. This will allow you to track your progress between injection sessions. Then, we mark the injection sites with removal white dots and carefully inject a precise amount of Belkyra into each site.
Belkyra does not produce significant discomfort, but some patients report experiencing a light prickling or burning sensation during treatment. Ice is therefore applied immediately after each injection session; doing this naturally cools the area and minimizes swelling.
RECOVERING FROM BELKYRA
Most patients don’t need to rest after having their injections, but you may want to take a few days off work for cosmetic reasons. (The treatment area often appears temporarily red and puffy, but these symptoms should subside within three to five days.) We recommend applying an ice pack several times per day while the treatment area is inflamed. Patients can also use over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like Advil, to relieve swelling and discomfort.
Lasting side-effects rarely occur following Belkyra injections. However, in rare cases, patients have reported temporary difficulty swallowing, facial numbness or weakness, and changes in facial movement. If you experience these symptoms, contact our clinic immediately, and we’ll assist you. Some people also experience a mild headache, blurred vision, or dizziness after treatment.