BELKYRA® (Kybella) Double Chin Injection

Double chins are not necessarily due to excess weight. Some normal and slim people can also be susceptible to storing fat in this area, even if they are healthy and active. It is often due to genetic predisposition. Facial structure can also emphasise the problem.

The principal active ingredient in BELKYRA® is deoxycholic acid injection. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat that has been consumed in food.

When BELKYRA® is injected into the area beneath the chin, the injection destroys those excessive fat cells.

No, we ensure that the treatment is completely comfortable throughout. We can use numbing creams and local anaesthetic if required.

It stings for about 5-10 minutes and then feels like a dull ache. This is helped by using a cold compress after the injections.

After treatment, the area can feel very hot as the chemical gets to work, breaking down the fatty deposits. Any discomfort can be managed by applying a cold pack to the area and taking regular painkillers (i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen). Any discomfort should subside within a few hours.

BELKYRA® is quite well tolerated and side-effects tend to be quite minor and short term.

You may get some swelling, bruising, discomfort, numbness, redness, areas of hardness, tingling or itchiness in the treatment area. These should pass within a few days. Patients are welcome and encouraged to contact our team for advice in case of any concerns.

You can expect some initial swelling after treatment. This will be noticeable for the first 7-10 days that then settles over the next few weeks.

BELKYRA® isn’t instant, it takes around 4 weeks for the fat to be expelled from the body. However, each treatment session will start the process and trigger further improvements. Optimum results will be developed by around 4-6 weeks after your final treatment session.

Normally 1-3 treatment sessions are advised to get the best results. These will be carried out about 4-6 weeks apart.

We often recommend a course of treatments because each successive session will destroy an additional amount of fat, gradually improving the contour of the chin.

Your treatment plan will be discussed and agreed at your first consultation appointment with the Doctor/Surgeon who would be carrying out the treatment.

Once the fat cells have been removed from your body they’re gone. You cannot produce more fat cells, so results can be permanent.

However, if you gain weight, the remaining/existing fat cells can increase in size.

We always recommend maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle for best results in the long term.

BELKYRA® is only approved for treating the double chin area. It is not suitable for use elsewhere on the face or body.

BELKYRA® breaks down and destroys fat cells. These are then permanently eliminated from the body via normal metabolic processes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Kybella as a treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe fat below the chin, known as submental fat.

BELKYRA® (UK brand name) has now been approved by the MHRA for use in the UK.

Apply a cold compress to the treated areas every 4-6 hours for the first few days. You can take some ibuprofen or paracetamol for and mild discomfort. Gentle massaging of the area with moisturising cream will help the lymphatics drain the fat droplets and prevent minor lumpiness.