Belkyra-Kybella | Double Menton Injections
Say goodbye to your double chin!
BELKYRA® or KYBELLA®: FDA-Approved Injectable Treatment for Chin Fat Reduction. The treatment is generally done 4 to 6 times at intervals of 4 weeks.
The Essentials of Belkyra – Kybella
During your consultation for non-surgical double chin fat elimination, we discuss techniques, potential complications, and recovery with you.
Product & Results
Kybella® is primarily known in the USA, whereas Belkyra® is its counterpart used in Europe and North America. This prescription medication is designed for adults seeking to diminish a ‘double chin.’
The treatment involves a variety of injections containing deoxycholic acid to target fat cells. Belkyra is manufactured by Allergan, the same company behind Botox.
Deoxycholic acid is a natural molecule in the body, assists in breaking down and absorbing dietary fats. Injected into the fat under the chin, it effectively destroys fat cells, leading to a reduction in chin fullness. Once these cells are eliminated, they can no longer store fat, eliminating the need for further treatment once your desired aesthetic goal is reached.
When injecting deoxycholic acid beneath the chin destroys fat cells, resulting in a decrease in chin fullness. Once these cells are eliminated, they can no longer store fat.
The causes of double chin appearance are multifaceted and can affect both men and women. Factors such as weight gain, aging, and genetic predisposition can contribute to its development. A double chin may persist despite a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Chen Lee will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Typically, achieving optimal results requires multiple sessions.
Visible improvements are typically noticeable after 2 to 4 injection sessions, with sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on the severity of the double chin. For lasting results, up to 6 sessions may be recommended.
Clinical studies demonstrate that many individuals achieve their desired outcomes with two to four treatments, while approximately 59% of cases may require the full six treatments.
Course & Complications
During your consultation, Dr. Chen Lee performs a careful clinical examination to determine approximately how much treatment he recommends. Sometimes it is better to resort to liposuction surgery if the amount of fat is too prominent. He will explain the progress of the intervention, the risks and expectations regarding the results.
Prior to undergoing Belkyra-Kybella treatment, disclosing your health status and any medical conditions to Dr. Chen Lee during your initial consultation is important. Additionally, please provide the following information:
- History of or plans for facial surgery on the neck or chin.
- Previous cosmetic treatments on the face, neck, or chin (such as chemical peels, hyaluronic acid injections, Botox, etc.).
- Any past or existing health issues related to the neck area.
- History of bleeding disorders.
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in the near future.
- Breastfeeding or intentions to breastfeed.
- Current medication regimen, especially anticoagulants (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.).
Belkyra-Kybella treatment must be administered by a healthcare specialist trained by Allergan. Each session involves multiple small injections using fine needles beneath the chin, typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes. The number of injections depends on the amount of fat and the desired profile.
Upon injection, the acid promptly targets and destroys fat cells in the chin area. As a non-surgical procedure, no incisions are necessary.
After the treatment, you will feel a more or less intense burning sensation which lasts about thirty minutes. The neck/double chin swells, usually for forty-eight hours. You will also feel a hardening of the area; sometimes, bumps and redness appear accompanied by insensitivity. Then, your neck will slowly reduce over ten days. These side effects following Belkyra-Kybella treatment are due to the action of the molecule (deoxycholic acid) which destroys fat cells.
You may also experience difficulty swallowing for a few days.
Dr. Chen Lee always advises to do the treatment when you do not have a social event, and to wear a scarf to camouflage the neck swelling and continue your activities or work.
Finance & Recovery
Payment for non-surgical treatments is due on the same day as your appointment with Dr. Chen Lee. We accept Interac, credit cards, bank drafts, or cash.
If you are interested in combining Belkyra-Kybella injections with other treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers or Botox, please request an estimate after your consultation with Dr. Chen Lee. Once you have the estimate, you can contact the financing company to arrange the desired amount of funding.
The price for a Belkyra-Kybella session (one full vial) is $750 plus applicable taxes.
During your consultation, Dr. Chen Lee will assess your needs and recommend the appropriate number of treatments.
Belkyra® Kybella® treatment is strongly not recommended in the following cases:
- Infection or inflammation in the area to be treated (neck, chin, jaw).
- Known allergy to deoxycholic acid.
- Surgical history or recent surgery to the area under the chin or neck.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Coagulation disorders
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
The most common side effects following Belkira – Kybella injections include:
Swelling, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness in the treatment area.
In rarer cases:
- Jaw nerve damage (which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Injection site problems include bruising, hair loss, open sores, damage, and tissue cell death (necrosis) around the injection site.
It creates significant swelling and tenderness and can also create small, hard nodules that disappear over time.
Since no two patients are the same, it is impossible to say precisely how quickly results will be seen after your BELKYRA® treatments. For best results, Dr. Lee recommends his patients receive multiple treatments over a nine-month period, and most men and women in Montreal see their best results within 2 to 3 months after their last injection.
FAQ – BELKYRA – KYBELLA
Belkyra® – Kybella® treatment can be paired with other non-surgical procedures like Botox/Dysport or hyaluronic acid filler injections such as Restylane. Typically, a Belkyra – Kybella treatment session takes about twenty minutes. After the procedure, you can generally resume your normal activities with some limitations. It’s advisable to bring a scarf or cover-up to conceal any swelling or redness.
It’s completely natural to have questions about this procedure. Dr. Chen Lee is committed to using his expertise to help you understand any potential complications and make well-informed decisions about your treatment.
The effects of Belkyra® Kybella® are permanent because it breaks down the fatty membrane, destroying the fat cells under the chin. These fat cells do not return once destroyed. Just like liposuction, the results are permanent as long as a healthy weight is maintained.
It typically takes about four to six weeks after a treatment session to begin noticing results from Belkyra – Kybella treatment. Results become more apparent once the swelling and firmness under the chin have completely subsided. Multiple treatments are recommended for optimal results, with most individuals requiring around 4 to 6 sessions. However, the number of treatments needed can vary depending on individual factors.
Following treatment, it’s advisable to refrain from strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and exposure to heat for 5-6 days. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid aspirin, Motrin, Gingko biloba, garlic, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids for at least 3 days to 1 week after treatment, as these substances may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Belkyra® Kybella® is the sole FDA-approved injectable treatment crafted to eliminate fat cells beneath the chin, enhancing your profile. Belkyra® might be suitable for you if you are distressed (unhappy, self-conscious, embarrassed) by fat accumulation under your chin, often referred to as submental fullness.
Each person’s chin profile is different, so the number of treatments varies from one patient to another. Dr. Chen Lee will help you determine the number of sessions you may need to achieve your treatment goals. Each Belkyra – Kybella treatment session consists of injecting a vial spaced 4 weeks apart. Clinical studies claim that 59% of patients received 6 treatments.
Mesotherapy, pioneered in 1952, serves as a precise method for delivering medication directly to targeted areas. Initially utilized for pain management, headaches, herpes, and ulcerative colitis, it gained popularity primarily in Europe and South America. This treatment entails a series of shallow injections near the intended treatment site to administer medication. In contemporary times, mesotherapy finds application in the burgeoning field of cosmetic body sculpting, aiming to diminish or eradicate small areas of fat or cellulite. These injections typically contain a blend of natural enzymes produced by the body, albeit in limited quantities. These enzymes facilitate the movement of fats out of fat cells, enabling the body to expel them as waste. Importantly, enzymes function exclusively at the site of injection and are derived from purified natural plant sources.
