

Are you unsatisfied with the excess fat underneath your chin?
You’re not alone. In a recent survey, 67 % of people stated that they are unhappy with the “double chin” appearance of their lower faces. Submental fullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin”, is a common yet undertreated facial aesthetic condition. It can impact a broad range of adults, including both men and women, and can be influenced by several factors such as aging, genetics and weight gain, and is often resistant to diet and exercise alone. Liposuction or surgery is not always an ideal option for some who wish to correct this aesthetic condition.
What causes a double chin and why do some people get one and others do not?
Everyone stores fat in different areas of their body. When you gain weight, you may notice that it often starts in one particular area of your body. Some individuals have a tendency to store fat under their chin. The causes of a double chin include weight gain, age, and genetics. Some individuals retain extra fat under their chin despite diet and exercise, leading to lower self-esteem and insecurities about their looks. While diet and exercise can reduce fat storage under your chin, sometimes you still cannot get rid of your stubborn double chin. Many people are in great physical shape with a well-balanced diet but are still self-conscious of their chin area.
At Lasting Looks Clinic we offer Belkyra™– a non-surgical injectable that permanently destroys submental fat in the lower face.
What is Belkyra™?
Belkyra™ is the first in its class medicine injected into fat under the chin to destroy the fat cells so as to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.”On July 27, 2015, Health Canada approved Belkyra™ (also known as ATX-101 and as KYBELLA in the United States), an injectable drug for submental fullness. You may be more familiar with another name for this common complaint – the double chin. For many male and female patients, a double chin – whether caused by aging, genetics or weight gain – has been a pesky and persistent issue that, until now, could only be eliminated surgically. That’s why this first-in-class treatment is so exciting.
What are the advantages of Belkyra™?
In addition to reducing the appearance of double chins Belkyra™– treatments offer multiple advantages to patients:
- Minimally-invasive treatment that involves no extensive surgery, anesthetic, or recovery
- Quick injections into strategic points in the chin that is easy to fit into any busy schedule
- As deoxycholic acid is easily recognized by the body, this is a low-risk treatment that has a proven efficacy and safety.
- As part of a lifestyle of healthy diet and exercise, Belkyra™ can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
How quickly can I see results with Belkyra™Injections?
This procedure is a non-invasive series of injections which is performed in a short office visit and has a relatively easy recovery. Visible results are usually seen in two to six treatments spaced about a month apart.
Who is a candidate for Belkyra™?
Patients with unwanted fat under their chin can benefit. Belkyra™ achieves long-term double chin improvement as the fat cells are destroyed and the fat is removed by the body from the area. Of course, subsequent significant weight gain can lead to some of the excess fat returning.
Who should not receive Belkyra™?
You should not receive Belkyra™ if you have an active infection in the treatment area. Before receiving Belkyra ™, tell us if you have difficulty swallowing, have bleeding problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if Belkyra™ will harm your unborn baby), are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if Belkyra™ passes into your breast milk). Patients with difficulty swallowing or an enlarged thyroid gland may not be good candidates for Belkyra™. A list of medications should be given to the specialist , including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. It is important to tell us if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine) as well.
What are the possible side effects of Belkyra™?
Belkyra™ is a very safe medicine. The most common side effects of Belkyra™ include: temporary swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. The most serious reported side effects include trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness. Both of these side effects are very rare and temporary.
Am I a Good Candidate for Belkyra™?
During your consultation with Dr. David Ellis, factors such as your overall health, medical history, treatment expectations, and aesthetic goals will be considered when determining if Belkyra™ is right for you. Men and women who are dissatisfied with the extra fat underneath their chins and who have elastic, flexible skin may be good candidates for this procedure.
Results may vary, and multiple treatments may be necessary in order to achieve your aesthetic goals. Dr. Ellis will discuss how many sessions you may need during your consultation.
Before the procedure
Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin and fish oil, if possible to reduce bruising from the procedure.
During the procedure
We clean your skin, mark the proposed areas of treatment, and inject Belkyra™ into the areas of unwanted fat.

After the procedure
Expect moderate swelling, redness, firmness, numbness, achiness and bruising in the treated area that should resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. Ice packs in the first 24 hours and ibuprofen can alleviate discomfort. The response to treatment becomes apparent over several weeks as the destroyed fat cells and associated fat is removed from the area by the body’s scavenger cells. Additional treatment(s) can be scheduled 6 weeks apart as needed. Most patients will require 2-4 treatments for maximal benefit.
Belkyra™ may be the answer you’ve been looking for to achieve the appearance you deserve.
To learn more, about Belkyra™, schedule a consultation today!