This past week alone, I’ve already had 5 people asking me to write a blog post about the latest trend in cosmetic enhancement: BELKYRA double chin injections.
We are one of the first clinics in Toronto to offer this innovative treatment. I have heard a lot of questions so far, so here are some answers.
What is BELKYRA?
After 9 years of double-blind and placebo-controlled studies, Canadian BELKYRA (known as KYBELLA in the U.S.) is now entering our Toronto market, and I must confess that everyone at Visage Clinic is very excited about adding this new tool to our rejuvenation and beauty options for our patients.
Allergan, the maker of BOTOX COSMETIC® and JUVÉDERM®, is also behind BELKYRA, a fat reducing injectable solution. BELKYRA is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in liver bile and in the gastrointestinal tract that our bodies use to dissolve ingested fat.
BELKYRA was approved for dissolving or melting away “submental fat,” better known as a double chin, with a series of small injections.
How does it work?
Excess fat in the sub-chin compartment can be genetic, age-related, weight-related, or a combination of those. BELKYRA works best for moderate to severe under-chin superficial fat. BELKYRA breaks down the fat cell lining, releasing the fat, which is subsequently absorbed and eliminated. Those fat cells are destroyed forever and cannot come back.
The goal with BELKYRA is to restore the 90° to 110° neck angle that we used to enjoy in our younger days. It is a series of in-office small injections, 1 centimeter apart, under the chin, in a very precise grid pattern. Most patients require 3 to 4 treatments, each one month apart. Occasionally up to 6 treatments are required.
Who is a good candidate?
BELKYRA has been tested and demonstrated effective on both men and women, of whom the majority responded favourably to the treatment.
BELKYRA is indicated for the superficial subcutaneous fat. It is not indicated for the deeper fat that some people may have and which would be removable only with surgery, as I do regularly with my neck lift and facelift procedures. BELKYRA is also not recommended if the main issues are loose and hanging neck muscle bands or excess skin.
For loose skin and hanging platysmal muscle bands, I prefer a comprehensive neck liposuction, muscle repair, muscle and skin redraping, with or without a small or moderate chin implant. For those who won’t respond significantly to BELKYRA, liposuction to neck might be another option.
Are there any side effects?
Complications with BELKYRA are rare and are usually related to the injection site, such as tenderness, bruising, and swelling. Rarely, nerve, muscle, and salivary glands can be injured and could result with an asymmetrical smile or difficulty with swallowing. It is therefore imperative that your injector knows the neck anatomy thoroughly, and a plastic surgeon is likely your best bet when choosing your treatment provider. Moreover, your plastic surgeon has all the other tools in hand to get you the perfect neck.
How much does BELKYRA cost?
Cost will vary depending on the amount of injection sites required (therefore the amount of medication required) and the amount of sessions you will need.
As it will take 3 to 6 treatments a month apart, now is a great time to consider this treatment to be ready for the summer! Contact us to learn whether you are a good candidate.
