Fat Dissolving Injections
“I am delighted to be one of the first doctors in New Zealand to offer this treatment. It has undergone extensive clinical trials and is a safe and effective non-surgical approach to the very common problem of sub-mental fat, or double chin" - Dr Philip Frost
Double Chin Reducing Injections (Belkyra®)
Belkyra® is a prescription only medicine which when injected below the chin, breaks down fat, resulting in a more contoured neck profile and jawline. Sometimes, no matter how much you diet or exercise, the fullness in this area will not go away.
The double chin injections contain a product which contains deoxycholic acid, found naturally in the body, and helps absorb fat in food. The product is injected into the fat in the double chin area and permanently destroys the fat cells by a process known as adipocytolysis. Once the fat cells have been destroyed they cannot accumulate and store fat again. Imagine your fat cells are balloons and double chin injections are darts.
Injecting the product under the chin is like throwing a dart at fat cells. Once they have been popped they cannot be blown up again.
Which patients are best suited for treatment?
The treatment guide below shows a grading scale for double chin fat, also known as ‘sub-mental fat’. It ranges from 0 (no localised sub-mental fat) to 4 (extreme submental convexity). The ideal patient for would be someone who is a ‘2’ or ‘3’ on sub-mental scale, so someone with moderate to severe sub-mental fullness.
FAQ
What does the treatment involve?
Belkyra® is injected into the fat under your chin, with small amounts administered at several points. The number of injections you need will vary according to the amount of excess fat you have. We will tailor the doses according to your individual need. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area before treatment.
Most clients need at least two treatments and some will need up to a maximum of four treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart. You can expect swelling in the area, sometimes significant swelling, for up to 14 days. You may also experience tenderness and minor bruising, warmth and tingling, small areas of hardness, and itching around the treatment area.
Please note that this treatment is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Mandatory Product Information
BELKYRA® injection is a prescription medicine containing 10 mg/mL deoxycholic acid. It is used for the improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults. Do not use in people allergic to this medicine, with infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, difficulty swallowing, nausea, skin tightness, hypertension, injection site bruising/ pain/ swelling/ numbness/ redness/ tingling/ hardness/ itching/ discolouration/ formation of small areas of hardness/ warmth and injection site nerve injury. BELKYRA® treatment is not funded on the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Schedule. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal Doctor's visit fees apply. BELKYRA® treatment should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Speak to your specialist about your own situation and about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. For further information, the Data Sheet and Consumer Medicines Information can be accessed at www.medsafe.govt.nz or ask your doctor. If you have any side effects or concerns, speak to your doctor. Note: Results from BELKYRA® treatment usually last up to four years.