BELKYRA™
TREATMENTS IN CALGARY

BELKYRA™

Transform your jawline with BELKYRA™ treatments at PHI Medical Aesthetics in Calgary.

What is BELKYRA™ and how does it work?

BELKYRA™ (also known as KYBELLA™ in the United States) is a Health Canada-approved injectable designed to reduce and break down unwanted fat under the chin, often referred to as a "double chin" or submental fullness.

While it's officially approved for the chin area, we also use BELKYRA™ for "off-label" treatments to effectively target other pockets of stubborn fat. This includes addressing concerns like jowling and fat around the bra roll area, helping to sculpt and define different parts of the body.

The active ingredient in BELKYRA™ is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a substance your body naturally produces to help absorb fats. When BELKYRA™ is carefully injected into a targeted fat pocket, the deoxycholic acid gets to work destroying the fat cell membranes. Once these cells are destroyed, your body's natural metabolic processes clear away the cellular debris. This means those specific fat cells are gone for good, leading to a noticeable reduction in fullness and a more contoured appearance over time.

What are the benefits of BELKYRA™?

  • Reduces double chin: It specifically targets and effectively breaks down the unwanted fat cells under your chin (submental fat), helping to reveal a sharper, more contoured chin profile and jawline.

  • Non-surgical solution: It's a great option if you're looking for an alternative to surgical procedures like liposuction. There are no incisions needed.  

  • Permanent fat cell removal: The deoxycholic acid destroys the targeted fat cells, and your body naturally clears them away. Once those cells are gone, they don't come back.  

  • Minimal downtime: While you'll likely experience some swelling or bruising, the recovery is much quicker compared to surgery. Most people can get back to their usual activities fairly soon.  

  • Customizable treatment: Your treatment plan at PHI Medical Aesthetics can be tailored based on the amount of fat present and your desired outcome, often involving a series of sessions.

  • Boosts confidence: Achieving a more defined chin and jawline can make a big difference in how you feel about your appearance and significantly boost self-esteem. 

Watch the Process: 

Is BELKYRA™ right for you?

We recommend BELKYRA™ for those who fit the following profile:

  • Are 18 years of age or older.

  • Are bothered by the appearance of moderate to severe fat under their chin (submental fullness).

  • Have good skin elasticity in the neck and chin area (this helps the skin retract smoothly after fat reduction).

  • Are looking for a non-surgical way to improve their chin profile.

  • Understand that multiple treatment sessions are usually needed and have realistic expectations for the outcome.

Candidates should also meet these criteria:

  • Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Do not have an active infection or skin condition in or near the treatment area.

  • Do not have trouble swallowing.

  • Do not have bleeding problems or are taking blood-thinning medication (definitely discuss this with us during your consultation).

Important consideration: It's really important to tell us about your full medical history during your consultation. Let us know about any medical conditions you have, especially any previous surgeries or cosmetic treatments on your neck, face, or chin, or if you have any medical conditions affecting the neck area (like thyroid issues or enlarged lymph nodes). This essential information helps us make sure BELKYRA™ is a safe and suitable option specifically for you.

The BELKYRA™ Treatment Process 

Your BELKYRA™ treatment appointment at PHI Medical Aesthetics is designed to be straightforward and effective:

  1. Preparation: First, we'll quickly review and confirm the treatment plan discussed during your initial consultation. Your Nurse Injector will then cleanse the skin under your chin. They will carefully assess and mark the specific area to be treated (we call this landmarking) and apply a temporary injection grid — this looks like a template with dots that helps guide the injections precisely.

  2. Comfort measures: To make the process more comfortable, ice will be applied to the treatment area before the injections start. You may experience some discomfort or a stinging sensation during the injections, which is normal.

  3. Injections: The injection part of the appointment is relatively quick, usually taking about 5-10 minutes. Using a very fine needle, your Nurse Injector will administer the BELKYRA™ solution into the targeted fat precisely according to the dots on the grid. The exact number of injections depends on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat being addressed.

  4. Immediately after: Right after the injections are finished, we'll apply ice again to help soothe the area and manage the initial swelling and tenderness. Your Nurse Injector will give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave. Remember, this is usually the first step in a series of treatments designed to achieve your desired results.

Number of Treatments and Timing 

Achieving the best results with BELKYRA™ usually requires more than one treatment session. This is because the fat reduction process is gradual.

Most people need between two and four treatment sessions to reach their desired outcome. In some cases, particularly if there's a larger amount of fat under the chin, up to six sessions might be recommended.

These treatment sessions are typically spaced 4 weeks apart. This timing is important! It gives your body enough time to process and clear away the fat cells targeted in the previous session, and it allows the swelling to fully subside so your Nurse Injector can accurately assess the results and plan the next treatment effectively.

During your initial consultation at PHI Medical Aesthetics, we will assess the area under your chin and discuss your goals to create a personalized treatment plan that estimates the number of sessions likely needed for you.

When will I see results? 

BELKYRA™ results appear gradually as your body works to clear the treated fat cells, so patience is key!   

You might notice some initial fullness right after treatment due to the injection fluid and swelling. But, don’t worry — this isn’t the final result. Most people start to see noticeable improvements in the contour under their chin about four to eight weeks after a treatment session.

Because multiple sessions are usually needed, the most significant and final results typically become visible a few months after you've completed your full series of treatments recommended by your Nurse Injector.

How long does BELKYRA™ last?

This is one of the great benefits of BELKYRA™! The deoxycholic acid permanently destroys the targeted fat cells under your chin. Once these cells are gone, they cannot store fat or grow back.   

This means the results are considered long-lasting and permanent for the fat cells that were treated. For the best long-term outcome, maintaining a stable weight is helpful, as significant weight gain could potentially cause remaining fat cells in the area to enlarge.

Is BELKYRA™ safe?

BELKYRA™ has a well-established safety profile and is approved by Health Canada when administered by a trained and qualified healthcare professional, like our expert team at PHI Medical Aesthetics.  

As with any injectable treatment, it's common to experience some temporary side effects at the injection sites. These typically include:

  • Swelling (this is expected and can be significant initially)

  • Bruising

  • Tenderness or discomfort

  • Numbness

  • Redness

  • Areas of hardness

These effects usually resolve on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks, with swelling sometimes lasting the longest.

While much less common, there are potential risks like temporary nerve injury in the jaw (which could cause an uneven smile) or trouble swallowing. Choosing an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy well is crucial for minimizing these risks.  

Your Nurse Injector will discuss all potential risks and side effects thoroughly during your consultation so you can feel fully informed and confident.

Combining BELKYRA™ with Other Treatments 

BELKYRA™ is a great non-surgical option for targeting unwanted fat under the chin, but sometimes combining treatments can give you even better, more comprehensive results for your lower face and neck profile.  

Depending on your specific needs and goals, we might suggest pairing BELKYRA™ with:

  • Dermal fillers: Injectable fillers (like hyaluronic acid) can be used along the jawline or chin to add definition, enhance structure, or create a more sculpted look after the fat has been reduced.  

  • Skin tightening treatments: We also love Radiesse to treat neck lines typical with tech neck and aging. After Radiesse, you will find tissue that is not just filled but is firmer and tighter due to the development of elastin, increases blood supply and improved cell turnover. 

  • Neuromodulators (like Botox®): These can be used to address concerns like vertical neck bands (platysmal bands) or dimpling in the chin muscle.  

During your consultation at PHI Medical Aesthetics, we can explore if combining BELKYRA™ with other treatments is the right approach to help you achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.

 FAQs

  • The cost of BELKYRA™ treatments varies from person to person. This is because the final price depends on factors like how much product (measured in vials) is needed for each session, and how many sessions are required to achieve your desired chin profile.

    While we can give you a general idea (treatments often start from several hundred dollars per session, and a full course might range from roughly $1,200 upwards depending on your needs), the best way to get an accurate figure is through a personalized consultation. During your visit to PHI Medical Aesthetics here in Calgary, we'll assess your specific situation, discuss your goals, and provide you with a detailed quote for your individual treatment plan.

  • Yes, absolutely. BELKYRA™ is a Health Canada-approved treatment with strong clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. It works by using deoxycholic acid to break down and destroy fat cells under the chin.   

    Clinical studies have shown significant reductions in submental fat for patients treated with BELKYRA™ compared to those who received a placebo. Patient satisfaction rates are also generally very high, with many people reporting feeling much happier with their chin profile after completing their treatment series. Keep in mind that results depend on being a good candidate (having moderate to severe fat and good skin elasticity) and completing the recommended number of sessions.

  • There's actually no difference in the product itself! BELKYRA™ and KYBELLA™ are just different brand names for the exact same medication, which contains deoxycholic acid. They are made by the same company.   

    BELKYRA™ is the brand name used here in Canada, while KYBELLA™ is the name used primarily in the United States and some other countries. So, if you hear either name, they're referring to the same proven treatment for reducing double chin fat.

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