Belkyra for Double Chin: Your Complete Guide to Non-Surgical Fat Dissolving

A double chin (submental fullness) is one of the most common aesthetic concerns we see at RAAC Richmond. Whether it's genetic, age-related, or weight-associated, submental fat can create an appearance that doesn't reflect how you feel inside. Belkyra — known as Kybella in the United States — offers a Health Canada-approved, non-surgical solution that permanently destroys fat cells beneath the chin.

What Is Belkyra?

Belkyra's active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the submental area, it disrupts fat cell membranes, causing them to lyse (break apart). The destroyed fat cells are then naturally metabolized and eliminated by your body over the following weeks.

Key Facts About Belkyra:

• Health Canada approved (2015) specifically for moderate to severe submental fullness
• FDA approved in the US as Kybella (2015)
• Active ingredient: synthetic deoxycholic acid
• Permanent fat cell destruction — once destroyed, fat cells cannot regenerate
• Non-surgical, injectable treatment with no incisions or general anesthesia

How Does the Belkyra Procedure Work?

Consultation

Your physician evaluates the amount and distribution of submental fat, skin elasticity, jawline anatomy, and overall facial proportions. Not everyone with a double chin is a suitable candidate — some patients may benefit more from liposuction or skin tightening treatments.

Treatment Session

1. Marking: The treatment area is mapped with a grid of injection points (typically 20–50 sites per session)
2. Numbing: Ice or topical anesthetic is applied; some physicians also use local anesthetic injections
3. Injection: Belkyra is carefully injected at each grid point using a fine needle
4. Duration: Each session takes approximately 20–30 minutes
5. Sessions needed: Most patients require 2–4 treatment sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart

What to Expect After Treatment

The most notable aspect of Belkyra is the expected swelling. This is actually a sign that the product is working:

Important: Plan for 3–5 days of noticeable swelling. Many patients schedule treatments before a long weekend or when they can work from home.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions depends on the volume of submental fat and your desired outcome:

• Mild fullness: 2 sessions may suffice
• Moderate fullness: 3 sessions is typical
• Significant fullness: 4 sessions may be recommended
• Maximum: Health Canada guidelines recommend no more than 6 treatment sessions

Each session builds on the previous one, progressively reducing the fat layer beneath the chin.

Belkyra Cost in Richmond BC

At RAAC Richmond, Belkyra treatments are priced competitively with details at consultation.

We provide transparent pricing during your consultation, with no hidden fees. Complimentary consultations are available to assess your candidacy and provide an accurate cost estimate.

Belkyra vs. CoolSculpting for Double Chin

Both Belkyra and CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) can reduce submental fat, but they work very differently:

Which Is Better for You?

• Choose Belkyra if you have moderate to significant submental fat and want the most precise fat reduction with some skin tightening benefit
• Choose CoolSculpting if you prefer a completely non-invasive approach, have milder fullness, and want minimal downtime
• Combination approach: Some patients benefit from starting with CoolSculpting for bulk reduction and then refining with Belkyra

Your RAAC physician will recommend the optimal approach during your consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Belkyra?

Ideal Candidates:

• Adults with moderate to severe submental fullness (double chin)
• Good skin elasticity (the skin should be able to contract after fat reduction)
• Realistic expectations about the gradual nature of results
• Willing to undergo 2–4 treatment sessions
• Prefer a non-surgical alternative to liposuction

Not Recommended For:

• Patients whose double chin is primarily caused by loose skin rather than fat (a thread lift or Thermage may be more appropriate)
• Active infection in the treatment area
• Difficulty swallowing or bleeding disorders
• Previous surgery in the chin or neck area (discuss with your physician)

Safety and Side Effects

Belkyra is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include:

• Swelling (expected and temporary — the most significant side effect)
• Bruising at injection sites
• Numbness or altered sensation (temporary, usually resolves within weeks)
• Firmness or induration in the treated area
• Mild pain during and after injection

Rare but possible side effects include marginal mandibular nerve injury (temporary facial asymmetry during smiling) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). At RAAC, our physician's extensive anatomical knowledge minimizes these risks.

Why Choose RAAC for Belkyra?

• Experienced physician injector: Precise grid placement requires deep understanding of submental anatomy
• Customized treatment plans: Dosing tailored to your specific fat volume and goals
• Combination expertise: We can integrate Belkyra with CoolSculpting, dermal fillers, or Thermage for comprehensive chin and jawline contouring
• Honest assessment: If Belkyra isn't the best option for you, we'll recommend the treatment that is

Book Your Belkyra Consultation

Ready to say goodbye to your double chin? Book a complimentary consultation at RAAC Richmond. We'll assess your submental fullness, discuss your options, and create a personalized treatment plan.

RAAC Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic: 5811 Cooney Road, Suite 305, Richmond BC V6X 3M1. Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Metro Vancouver.