BELKYRA (Deoxycholic Acid) Injections
Deoxycholic acid injections are a non-surgical treatment approved by the FDA and Health Canada designed to target and reduce submental fat, commonly known as a “double-chin”.
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that permanently destroys fat cells. It is injected into the submental fat causing fat cell membranes to dissolve, releasing the contents of the cell. The immune and healing powers of our body then naturally absorb and permanently eliminate fat cells.
A minimum of two treatments 4 - 8 weeks apart is recommended, with some people requiring further treatment to achieve desired results. Results of treatment occur over a few months (it takes time for our body to absorb and eliminate the destroyed fat cells). Treatments with Belkyra TM result in a more defined jawline and improved facial contour.
Incorporating deoxycholic acid injections into your aesthetic routine can help you achieve a more youthful and sculpted appearance without the need for invasive procedures.
Preparation for Belkyra TM (Deoxycholic Acid) Injections:
After a thorough consultation process at Midwest Laser Centre has been completed, and you have decided to proceed with treatment, consider booking your treatment when you will be comfortable with some “downtime” of appearance. The redness and swelling from your treatment can be significant for the first few days and you may not want to have this procedure at a time when you have important social engagements.
The treatment can cause some mild to moderate discomfort, and you may take acetaminophen before the treatment to help reduce discomfort. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen prior as these medications may increase bruising.
Please discuss all medications and supplements with your provider prior to treatment. You may be advised to discontinue supplements and medications that thin the blood 10 -14 days prior to treatment to minimize bruising risk. DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without discussing with your physician first.
You should arrive at the appointment with clean skin, with no creams or makeup applied. There should be no skin infections or lesions in the area. Photos will be taken prior to injections to document the improvement following treatment, and consent will be taken.
A topical anaesthetic cream will be applied to help minimize the discomfort of injections. Once the skin is “numb”, the area will be cleansed with a surgical solution to minimize infection risks.
Belkyra TM treatments are performed by trained and certified physicians and nurses who will mark the anatomy and use a precision grid pattern of injections into the fat of the submental area. You will experience a burning sensation with the injections, which are generally tolerated well. The treatment usually takes between 20-30 minutes, after which you will experience swelling, redness, potential bruising, and/or tenderness in the treated area. These are normal treatment side effects which usually subside within a few days. Avoid strenuous activity and alcohol consumption for 24 hours after treatment. You can resume normal activities as tolerated. The swollen appearance may last a few weeks in some individuals.
Most patients notice improvements after a few weeks, with optimal results appearing over several months as the body metabolizes the destroyed fat cells.
Temporary side effects of Belkyra treatments:
Swelling and redness
Bruising
Numbness and tingling
Tenderness
Feeling of fullness, or hardness
This is a low-risk procedure when performed by a trained and certified injector, however there are very rare possibilities of:
Skin injury and ulceration/scarring
Tissue injury of muscle
Nerve injury resulting in asymmetry of smile
Salivary gland injury
Difficulty swallowing
Allergic reaction to deoxycholic acid
Common Questions
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Most people have swelling, redness, and bruising under the chin that is tender or uncomfortable. You may use OTC analgesics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to relieve discomfort if needed. Although reducing activity is not medically necessary, you may feel more comfortable limiting activity for a few days.
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Most individuals begin to notice improvement 6 weeks after the first treatment, with continued results developing for up to 12 weeks after the final treatment. It is important to recognize that most individuals will require a minimum of 2 treatments, and it may take further treatment sessions to achieve optimal results.
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Belkyra (deoxycholic acid) permanently destroys the fat cells and results achieved with treatment are permanent. Weight fluctuations can alter results, so maintaining a stable weight after treatment helps to ensure long-term results.
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For pricing please contact the clinic HERE.