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Deoxycholic Acid (Belkyra)

Fat Dissolving

Deoxycholic acid injections, commonly known as Belkyra™, are used to reduce moderate to severe fullness caused by submental fat, often referred to as a double chin.
Woman receiving Belkyra fat dissolving injection under chin at the symm label in Calgary
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat.
When injected into targeted areas, it works by gradually dissolving fat cells over the weeks following treatment. Once destroyed, these fat cells are permanently eliminated from the treated area.
Jawline markings for belkyra fat dissolving treatment at the symm label in Calgary

Treatment Areas

Fat dissolving injections are most commonly used to treat:
Bra roll
Lower abdominal area
Submental fullness (under the chin, “double chin”)
Your Nurse Injector will assess whether this treatment is appropriate based on anatomy, skin quality, and desired outcome.

What to Expect

Your Nurse Injector will begin by assessing the area of concern and creating a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and desired outcome during a consultation. 

Before treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and injection points are carefully mapped using a grid pattern to ensure precise and even placement. Deoxycholic acid is administered using a fine needle and is typically described as small pinches or brief stinging sensations. Treatment usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of injection sites required. 

Swelling and redness are expected immediately following treatment and are a normal part of the fat dissolving process. Ice may be used intermittently to help manage discomfort and swelling. Some downtime should be anticipated, and we recommend keeping the remainder of the day clear following treatment. 

Practitioner performing belkyra fat dissolving injection under chin at the symm label in Calgary

Results & Longevity

Close-up of belkyra fat dissolving injection under chin at the symm label in Calgary

Fat dissolving injections are performed as a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Sessions are typically scheduled 4-6 weeks apart, with more patients requiring three to four treatments. Some patients may need fewer sessions, while others may require additional treatments depending on response and goals. 

Results are considered permanent, as the treated fat cells are destroyed and do not regenerate. Once your initial treatment series is complete, maintenance is generally not required. However, significant or rapid weight fluctuations may impact results and could necessitate additional treatment. 

Treatment response and outcomes can be influenced by factors such as dosing, metabolism, lifestyle habits, stress levels, genetics, and changes in weight. Your Nurse Injector will guide you through what to expect based on your individual treatment plan.

Fat Dissolving FAQ

Yes, fat dissolving injections using deoxycholic acid (Belkyra™) are Health Canada approved and considered safe when administered by a trained medical professional. 

All potential risks are reviewed during your consultation and outlined in your intake forms. Dosing and treatment planning are highly individualized, and years of experience plays a key role in achieving effective, balanced results. 

Swelling, redness, tenderness, and pinpoint bruising at injection sides are expected and part of the normal treatment process. The first treatment often produces the most noticeable swelling. 

Some patients describe the sensation after treatment as warm or “spicy” for the first several hours. Temporary numbness is also common and typically improves over the following weeks. 

Discomfort can be managed with ice and Tylenol. We recommend icing the area intermittently during the first 24 hours. We recommend applying ice for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. 

Fat dissolving is well suited for patients looking to reduce localized fat, commonly referred to as a double chin. 

Treatment requires patience and consistency, with most patients needing a series of three to four treatments. Because results are permanent, ideal candidates are those with relatively stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations may impact long term outcomes. 

There is no age limit beyond adulthood. Your Nurse Injector will help determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your goals and anatomy. 

We’re going to be honest- Yes, fat dissolving injections can be uncomfortable and are often described as spicy. The injection itself feels similar to a neuromodulator treatment, but the medication causes a stronger, “warm to spicy” sensation once placed. Comfort varies by individual.

Downtime should be expected with fat dissolving injections. Swelling is more pronounced than with many injectable treatments, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours. We recommend taking the first 1-2 days following very easy, and to be cautious around booking treatment if you have a social obligation or work schedule where you want the treatment to be completely unnoticed. Many patients choose to schedule treatment on a Friday when they have the weekend off and can take it easy or have time for swelling to settle. 

Ice and Tylenol are recommended to help manage discomfort and swelling. 

Pricing typically ranges from $400-$900 per treatment, depending on the size of the area treated. 

Total cost varies based on the amount of product required and the number of sessions needed to achieve your desired result. All pricing is reviewed during your complimentary consultation. 

All fat dissolving treatments are performed by Registered Nurse Injectors with advanced training in facial anatomy and deoxycholic acid injection techniques. Our team has extensive hands-on experience and works under the direction of our Owner and Advanced Nurse Injector, alongside our Medical Director. Before and after portfolios are available for reference. 

There is minimal preparation required prior to fat dissolving injections. We recommend: 

  • Getting a good night’s sleep 
  • Staying well hydrated
  • Eating prior to your appointment 

Avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine (yes, you can still have your morning coffee, but maybe stick to one cup!) beforehand may help reduce bruising. 

You’re welcome to arrive makeup-free, though the skin will be thoroughly cleansed before treatment. Post-care instructions are provided after your appointment, and ice will be your best friend for the first couple days post treatment!

Post-care instructions are provided after your appointment verbally, as well as emailed to you. In general, we recommend: 

  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours 
  • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and UV exposure for 24 hours
  • Avoid facial treatments, lasers, peels, or massage for at least two weeks

These guidelines help reduce swelling, discomfort, inflammation, and support optimal healing. 

Follow up appointments are not routinely required for fat dissolving treatments. However, we recommend pre-booking your next treatment 4-6 weeks after your initial session to stay on track with your treatment plan.

Initial changes may be noticeable 1-2 weeks after treatment. Because fat dissolving is performed as a series, full results are typically seen after all sessions are completed and swelling has fully resolved. 

Results from fat dissolving injections are considered permanent, as treated fat cells are destroyed. Significant weight gain or fluctuation may lead to new fat cell formation and could affect results. Some patients choose to return for an occasional maintenance treatment, though this varies.

Reception area with skincare product shelves at the symm label in Calgary

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