Vancouver, BC
Belkyra is a Health Canada–approved injectable that targets submental fat, commonly called a double chin. The active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, is a bile acid that helps the body break down fat. When placed precisely under the chin, the solution disrupts fat cell membranes. The treated fat is then cleared through natural metabolic processes over several weeks.
This page explains how the treatment works, who it suits, what the appointment feels like, expected recovery timelines, and how many sessions most people need. You will also find practical tips on preparation, aftercare, and how to plan your schedule around short-term swelling.
What Belkyra Can Address
Belkyra is designed for localized fat reduction beneath the chin. It does not treat lax skin, jowls, or overall weight. Ideal candidates have a stable body weight and mild to moderate fat under the chin that remains even with healthy habits. The goal is a more defined transition from the chin to the upper neck.
- Localized fullness below the chin that softens jawline definition
- Fullness that persists despite weight stability
- Preference for a non-surgical approach with brief downtime
If your main concern is skin laxity rather than fat, the team may discuss adjunctive options that support skin firmness. These can be staged before or after injections depending on your plan.
How the Treatment Works
Deoxycholic acid is naturally involved in fat digestion. When it is injected into small pockets of submental fat, it disrupts fat cells. After a cell is disrupted, it cannot store fat again. The body processes the released lipids through the lymphatic system and liver, which takes several weeks. Results build gradually, so patience is important.
Each appointment uses a grid marked under the chin to standardize placement. A series of tiny injections are administered in the planned zones. Most people describe a warm, tingling sensation for 10–15 minutes after the session as the solution begins to act on the fat cells.
What a Typical Visit Looks Like
- Consultation: Your clinician reviews medical history, photographs the treatment area, and discusses your goals. Realistic endpoints are outlined, including the number of sessions likely to be required.
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned and mapped. Numbing methods such as ice or topical anesthetic may be used for comfort.
- Injection: A precise pattern of micro-injections is placed beneath the chin. The appointment itself is usually 20–30 minutes.
- Observation: Expect visible swelling that peaks within 48 hours. Plan social or work activities accordingly.
- Follow-up: Photos are compared between visits to track changes.
Timeline, Sessions, and Recovery
Number of sessions: Many people require 2–4 sessions, spaced about 4–8 weeks apart, depending on the amount of submental fat and desired contour. Your clinician will recommend a plan after examining the area in person.
Immediately after: Swelling, warmth, and firmness under the chin are expected and signal that the product is working in the intended tissue. The swelling is often the most noticeable in the first two days and gradually settles across one to two weeks.
Activity: Light activity is fine the same day, but avoid strenuous exercise and significant heat exposure for 24–48 hours. Sleeping with your head elevated for the first night may help with swelling.
Results: Changes build progressively as fat is cleared. Many people start to notice a cleaner profile by the second month, with further refinement after subsequent sessions.
Safety and Possible Effects
In qualified hands, Belkyra has a well-established safety profile. Common short-term effects include swelling, tenderness, numbness, firmness, temporary redness, and mild bruising. These typically resolve without intervention.
Less common effects can include temporary difficulty swallowing, small areas of hair loss in men with beards in the treated region, or unevenness while swelling subsides. Rare but serious risks include nerve injury affecting the smile or marginal mandibular nerve, and skin ulceration if product is placed in superficial tissue. Your clinician will explain how risks are minimized with careful marking, dosing, and technique.
Who Should Not Have Belkyra
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Active infection or inflammation in the injection area
- Bleeding disorders or use of certain blood thinners (case-by-case assessment)
- Unrealistic expectations for one-session results
Always disclose your medical history, allergies, previous cosmetic procedures, and any planned dental or facial treatments.
How Belkyra Compares to Other Options
Compared with surgical liposuction, Belkyra offers a needle-based approach with no incisions. While results take longer to appear, the procedure fits easily into a busy schedule. Cryolipolysis and energy-based devices can also target the area under the chin; the best choice depends on tissue quality, fat thickness, and your timing needs. During consultation, you will review sample photos to understand the differences and what aligns with your goals.
If skin laxity is significant, your plan may include firming modalities. In some cases, modest weight shifts can influence the jawline; your provider may discuss lifestyle considerations that support a stable outcome.
Preparation Checklist
- Avoid alcohol and high-sodium meals the day before your visit to help manage swelling.
- Pause non-essential blood-thinning supplements (e.g., fish oil) for several days beforehand if cleared by your primary care provider.
- Plan your calendar: allow 3–7 days before major events for swelling to settle.
- Arrive with clean skin and no makeup on the treatment area.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
Aftercare Guide
- Use a cool compress for short intervals on day one for comfort.
- Sleep slightly elevated the first night to limit swelling.
- Avoid high heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga) for 48 hours.
- Delay dental work or facial massages for at least one week unless advised otherwise.
- Contact the clinic promptly if you notice intense pain, open skin, or asymmetric smiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last?
Once fat cells are cleared, they do not return. Routine weight maintenance supports a lasting profile. Most people do not require maintenance sessions after their series is complete.
Will it tighten my skin?
Belkyra targets fat rather than skin. Some people notice a modest lift as the fat layer thins, but the treatment is not a substitute for a dedicated skin-tightening procedure.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is usually brief and limited to the injection period and the following 10–15 minutes. Ice, topical anesthetic, and other comfort measures are available.
Can men have this treatment?
Yes. The approach is similar, with special attention to beard hair and natural jawline contours.
When can I go back to work?
Many people return to desk work the same day or the next. Plan client-facing events after the first few days to allow swelling to settle.
Why 3D Lifestyle Vancouver
- Clear, practical guidance on expected session counts
- Measured dosing strategy tailored to your anatomy and goals
- Photographic tracking to visualize progress over time
- Accessible location in Kitsilano with transit options nearby
- Transparent discussion of alternatives when indicated
Clinic website (naked URL): https://3dlifestylevancouver.ca/
Booking and Contact
To plan your consultation or to ask a quick question about scheduling and preparation, use the booking button below or reach out directly. The front desk can outline typical visit lengths and spacing between sessions, so you can map out a clear timeline.
Phone: +1 (604) 259-6571
Email: vancouver@3dlifestyle.ca
Address: 3609 W 16th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 3C3, Canada
Use this link to read more about Belkyra Services in Vancouver, BC and see appointment availability.
For directions and parking options, plan a few extra minutes on your first visit. Street parking may vary by time of day.
Important Notes
All injectable treatments carry risks. The information on this page is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. Individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, dose, and session count. Your clinician will provide guidance specific to your situation.
If you have upcoming travel, dental procedures, or athletic events, mention these during your consultation so timing can be adjusted accordingly.