Belkyra vs. Liposuction vs. Kybella

Belkyra and Kybella Explained

Belkyra and Kybella are the same product sold under different names. Kybella is the brand name used in the United States, while Belkyra is the brand name used in Canada. Both contain the same active ingredient: synthetic deoxycholic acid.

Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in your body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into fat tissue, synthetic deoxycholic acid destroys fat cell membranes, causing the cells to rupture and die. Your body then naturally metabolizes and eliminates the destroyed fat cells over the following weeks.

How the treatment works:

• Multiple small injections are administered in a grid pattern across the treatment area.

• Deoxycholic acid contacts fat cells and destroys their membranes.

• Fat cells die and release their contents.

• Your body,s lymphatic system processes and eliminates the cellular debris.

• Over 4 to 6 weeks, treated fat gradually reduces.

• Destroyed fat cells do not regenerate.

Treatment at Skinfolio

Belkyra is Health Canada approved specifically for moderate to severe submental fat, commonly known as under the chin. However, Skinfolio offers off-label treatment for additional areas where stubborn fat persists.

Treatment Protocol and Results

• Sessions: 2 to 6 treatments, though most patients need 2 to 4.

• Spacing: 4 to 6 weeks between sessions.

• Treatment time: 15 to 20 minutes per session.

• Initial swelling: Peaks at 24 to 72 hours and typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks.

• Final results: Visible reduction at 4 to 6 weeks, with final results 2 to 3 months after the last treatment.

How Belkyra Injections Work

The injection process is straightforward but requires precision and expertise. Before treatment, a consultation is held to assess anatomy and candidacy. Photos are taken, the area is marked with a temporary grid, and topical numbing or ice is applied.

During treatment, your injector administers multiple small injections of deoxycholic acid using a fine needle. The injections follow a precise grid pattern to ensure even distribution and avoid important structures like nerves and blood vessels. Each injection delivers a small amount of the solution into the fat layer.

Over the following days, the deoxycholic acid causes an inflammatory response that destroys fat cells. This inflammation is responsible for the temporary swelling and firmness you experience. As your body clears the destroyed cells, the swelling resolves and fat reduction becomes visible.

Liposuction Overview

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat cells through suction. For submental fat, the procedure is often called chin liposuction. It involves small incisions, typically under the chin or behind the ears, where a thin cannula is inserted to suction out the fat.

Surgical Details and Recovery

• Procedure time: 30 to 60 minutes for the chin area.

• Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia.

• Incisions: 2 to 3mm, resulting in minimal scarring.

• Recovery: A compression garment is worn for 1 to 2 weeks. Patients can usually return to work within 3 to 7 days.

• Final results: Seen in 3 to 6 months as swelling fully resolves.

Comparison of Belkyra and Liposuction

Invasiveness and Setting

Belkyra is significantly less invasive as a non-surgical injectable. It requires no incisions and no anesthesia beyond topical numbing. Treatment takes place in a clinic setting like Skinfolio, rather than a surgical suite or operating room.

Downtime and Recovery

While Belkyra has a shorter immediate recovery per session, it requires multiple treatments. The cumulative downtime across 2 to 4 treatments may equal or exceed surgical recovery. Liposuction requires 1 to 2 weeks of compression garment use, whereas Belkyra does not.

Cost and Value

Belkyra typically costs between $1,000 to $1,800 per treatment. Total costs can range from $2,000 to over $7,000 depending on the number of sessions. Liposuction generally ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. Patients with minimal fat may find Belkyra more affordable, while those with significant fat may find liposuction more cost-effective.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Choose Belkyra if:

• You have mild to moderate submental fat.

• You prefer a non-surgical treatment and want to avoid incisions.

• You cannot take significant time off for surgical recovery.

• You have good skin elasticity.

• You are comfortable with gradual results over multiple treatments.

Choose liposuction if:

• You have moderate to significant submental fat.

• You want maximum reduction in a single procedure.

• You prefer one recovery period rather than several.

• You are comfortable with a minor surgical procedure.

Neither treatment is ideal if you have significant skin laxity. Removing fat alone may leave loose, sagging skin. In these cases, Skinfolio may recommend combination approaches involving skin tightening treatments like RF or ultrasound.

Decision Tree for Patients

1. Step 1: Assess your anatomy. Determine if your concern is primarily fat fullness or loose, sagging skin.

2. Step 2: Evaluate fat volume. Mild to moderate pouches are ideal for Belkyra, while large fullness may require liposuction.

3. Step 3: Consider priorities. Balance your preference for non-surgical methods against your desire for immediate, dramatic results.

4. Step 4: Consultation. A professional assessment at Skinfolio is necessary to evaluate neck structure and facial proportions.

What We Offer at Skinfolio

Skinfolio offers Belkyra treatments for the chin and additional body areas where stubborn fat accumulates. Our board-certified doctor injectors assess your anatomy to determine if Belkyra is appropriate and how many treatments are needed.

Please note that liposuction is a surgical procedure not offered at Skinfolio. If a consultation determines that liposuction would better address your concerns, our team can discuss referral options to qualified plastic surgeons.

FAQ

How many Belkyra treatments will I need?

Most patients require 2 to 4 treatments. Some with minimal fat see results after 2 sessions, while others may need up to 6. Your injector will provide an estimate during your consultation.

Does Belkyra hurt?

The injections cause a stinging or burning sensation that lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. After treatment, the area feels tight and tender for several days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.

Why is the swelling so significant?

Unlike fillers, Belkyra deliberately causes inflammation to destroy fat cells. This is the mechanism of action, not a side effect. The "bullfrog" appearance typically lasts 3 to 7 days.

Is the fat removal permanent?

Yes. Both Belkyra and liposuction permanently destroy or remove fat cells. However, maintaining a stable weight is important, as remaining fat cells can still enlarge.

The bottom line

Whether you choose the non-surgical path of Belkyra at Skinfolio or traditional liposuction, both treatments offer permanent fat reduction to help you achieve a more contoured profile.