HOW DOES FAT DISSOLVING WORK?
Belkyra® (also known as Kybella® in the USA) is a prescription medication approved by Health Canada for the treatment of submental fullness (fat beneath the chin). It contains deoxycholic acid, a substance that helps the body break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the area under the chin by a qualified healthcare professional, Belkyra® may help reduce the appearance of fullness in this region.
Who should not receive Belkyra treatment?
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Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Individuals who have had surgery in the treatment area
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Individuals with swallowing difficulties
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Other contraindications will be reviewed during consultation with a licensed prescriber
Approved use (on-label)
- Under chin fat
Other areas (off-label use):
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In some clinical contexts, Belkyra® has been studied or used in other areas of the body (for example, bra bulge, back, arms, or jawline).
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These applications are considered off-label in Canada and are not part of the Health Canada–approved indication.
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Any consideration of treatment outside the approved indication must be carefully assessed by a licensed prescriber, and suitability will depend on individual circumstances.
| TIME IN OFFICE | ANESTHESIA | PAIN | INITIAL TREATMENT | MAINTENANCE | WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS? | DOWNTIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-60 min | Injected | Moderate | Typically a series of 2-4 sessions | Varies by individual | Some patients may begin to notice changes after several weeks; full results may take multiple sessions | Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness may last days to weeks |
Under Chin/Jawline
COST:
- $450/treatment (with Dr Xu)
- $350/treatment (with Nurses)
- Package of 3 TREATMENTS: $1,200 (with Dr Xu)
Treatment cost depends on the number of sessions required, which varies by individual. Additional customized package pricing may be available
Other Areas
By private consultation only
Deoxycholic accid is a prescription medication. Suitability, dosing, and treatment plan must be determined by a licensed prescriber. Results vary between individuals. Off-label uses are not Health Canada–approved and can only be discussed during a private medical consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belkyra:
What is deoxycholic acid?
Deoxycholic acid is a synthetic version of a substance naturally found in the body. In Canada, Belkyra® is approved by Health Canada for use in adults to improve the appearance of submental fullness (fat beneath the chin). Suitability and results vary between individuals, and treatment requires an in-person assessment with a licensed prescriber.
How does deoxycholic acid work?
Deoxycholic acid works by disrupting fat cells when injected into the area under the chin. Over time, this process may help reduce the appearance of fullness in the treated area. The degree of change and how long it takes to see results vary between individuals.
Who is a suitable candidate?
Deoxycholic acid may be considered for adults with submental fullness (fat beneath the chin) who are seeking a non-surgical option to improve the appearance of this area. However, treatment is not appropriate for everyone. An in-person consultation with a licensed healthcare professional is required to determine individual suitability and to review potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.
How is deoxycholic acid administered?
reatment with deoxycholic acid involves a series of small injections into the area under the chin. The number of injections and sessions varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the amount of submental fullness and the individual treatment plan determined by the prescriber.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects of deoxycholic acid treatment may include swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, or discomfort at the injection site. These effects are generally temporary but can vary in duration and intensity from person to person. Your healthcare professional will review all potential risks and side effects with you during consultation.
Is the reduction permanent?
Deoxycholic acid works by disrupting fat cells in the treated area. Once these fat cells are destroyed, they are not expected to regenerate. However, treatment results vary, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, as weight gain can lead to the development of new fat in the area.
How long does it take to see results?
Results from deoxycholic acid treatment generally develop gradually over several weeks to months, as the body processes the treated fat cells. The timeline and degree of change vary from person to person and may require multiple treatment sessions.
Is there any downtime after a treatment?
Downtime after deoxycholic acid treatment is usually minimal, but many patients experience swelling, bruising, tenderness, or numbness in the treated area. These effects are temporary but can vary in duration and intensity from person to person. Your provider may recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity immediately after treatment to support recovery.
Are multiple sessions required?
Multiple treatment sessions with deoxycholic acid may be recommended, depending on individual response and the amount of submental fullness. The exact number of sessions varies from person to person and will be determined during consultation with a licensed healthcare professional.
