A Comprehensive Guide To Belkyra (Kybella) Treatment
Many people might joke about having a double chin, but the reality of it is far from amusing. It is not something that you have to live with, however. If you are concerned about the excessive skin or fat underneath your chin, you should see if Belkyra treatment is right for you.
What is it?
Belkyra or Kybella treatment is a nonsurgical injection technique that is used to decrease the amount of excess fat underneath the chin. It works through the use of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid that reduces the amount of fat cells in the area that it is injected into. Because it is non-invasive and has a high satisfaction rate, the procedure is incredibly popular.
Who Can Have it?
The ideal candidate for this treatment is any person over 18 years old with excess fat under the chin. This is not a good option for pregnant woman or women who are breastfeeding since the research on the effects of this on an infant or foetus are unknown.
This is also not a good option for people with active health concerns or higher risks of infection or who have difficulty swallowing. It is important that you go over your medical history with Dr. Pirani, including bleeding concerns or health issues.
How to Prepare
Once you have established with Dr. Pirani that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you can prepare for the procedure. It is also important to consider whether you might become pregnant in the near future.
When you have been given the green light for the procedure, there is not a lot of preparation that you need to do. If you are hoping to have this done before a major event, you will need to do it well ahead of time. Otherwise, make sure that your face is well-washed and avoid taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to the appointment. This will help prevent bruising.
Where it is Placed
The injections of Belkyra/Kybella are placed under the chin in the submental area. This is the approved location.
How Deoxycholic Acid Works
Deoxycholic acid is naturally produced by your body. The synthetic form is used in the injection. When the acid enters the body, it begins its work to destroy fat cells in the targeted location, ensuring that fat can no longer be produced in that area. Because of this, the injection must only be placed below the chin.
The Procedure
The procedure happens in an outpatient session. The doctor will place a topical numbing agent in the injection site to help ease the discomfort. The amount of injections that you will need is completely dependent on your circumstance.
Most patients need 20 injections, but as many as 50 might be required. This may or may not be performed in one session.
Sometimes it can take as many as six sessions to get the desired results. Patients will need to wait at least a month in between sessions. Dr. Pirani will create a custom plan for you to meet your needs.
The Results
The results will be visible four to six weeks following the procedure. You have to give your body a chance to use the acid and then eliminate the excess fat cells before you will know what your final results are.
You might have a little bruising in the injection site, but otherwise, your body should be accepting of the acid. As the acid metabolizes, the fat will break down and be naturally expelled.
Since the fat cells have been completely destroyed, there is no risk of fat growing back in that area. As long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise, there is little risk of you developing a double chin in the future. Even though the fat cells have been eliminated, you do have them located elsewhere.
While the fat might not be in the exact same location, if you do not take care of yourself, you still risk having some fat return into adjacent areas.
If you have been struggling with excess fat under your chin or a double chin, give Dr. Pirani’s office a call and set up a consultation. Belkyra might be the right solution for you.