Fat Dissolve, (DCA)
Fat dissolve injections uses deoxycholic acid to target unwanted fat cells. Deoxycholic acid (DCA), aka Kybella or Belkyra, is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal.
How it works in the submental area
it is designed for targeted application in the submental area beneath the chin. During a treatment session, your injector places a grid of small injections into the submental fat using a mapping technique tailored to your anatomy and the extent of fullness present. The number of injections per session varies by individual and is determined at your consultation. Once the deoxycholic acid is delivered into the fat tissue, it begins disrupting the cell membranes of the targeted fat cells. The body's natural clearing process removes the contents of those destroyed cells over the following weeks, gradually reducing the fullness in the treatment area. Fat cells that are destroyed in this way do not regenerate. However, if significant weight gain occurs after treatment, remaining fat cells in the area, or adjacent areas, can enlarge. This treatment is most stable in clients who are at or near their target weight.
What does and does not address
It reduces the volume of submental fat beneath the chin. It does not tighten skin or reduce the appearance of fullness caused by muscle bulk rather than fat. Clients with a significant degree of skin laxity in the neck or under-chin area may find that reducing the fat volume alone does not produce the profile improvement they are hoping for, or may find that skin looseness becomes more visible as the fat reduces. This is worth discussing honestly at your consultation. For clients where both fat and skin laxity are contributing to submental fullness, your injector can advise on whether it alone is appropriate, or whether a complementary approach would better address your specific presentation. Most clients require two to four treatment sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart for a meaningful reduction in submental fullness, though individual response varies.
What to expect at your appointment
A treatment session at begins with a consultation to review your health history, assess the extent and nature of your submental fullness, and confirm you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Your injector maps the treatment area beneath your chin using a temporary grid to guide precise placement. A topical numbing cream or ice is applied to minimise discomfort during the injections. The session itself typically takes 15 to 20 minutes once the preparation is complete. Following your appointment, you can expect swelling, tenderness, and some firmness in the treatment area, which is a normal response and typically resolves over two to four weeks. Many clients begin to notice a reduction in fullness from around four to six weeks after each session, though the timeline varies. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess your response and determine whether additional sessions are needed.
Every treatment starts with a consultation where we will discuss your concerns and goals, and provide a comprehensive analysis and treatment options.
What to Know Before Your Belkyra Consultation
A straightforward overview for clients considering Belkyra in Langley
01
Non-surgical, no general anaesthetic
Treatments are performed in a clinical setting without surgical incisions or general anesthetic. The procedure is completed in a single office visit, typically 15 to 20 minutes once the treatment area is prepared. There is no requirement to arrange post-operative care or take extended time away from work.
02
Fat cells destroyed in the treatment area do not regenerate
Deoxycholic acid destroys the cell membranes of the fat cells it contacts in the submental area. Fat cells that are destroyed in this way do not come back. However, this applies specifically to the cells targeted during treatment. Significant weight gain after treatment can cause remaining fat cells in the area, or in adjacent areas, to enlarge. It is most appropriate for clients who are at or near a stable weight and looking to address fat that has not responded to diet and exercise.
03
Recovery is manageable, not negligible
Swelling, tenderness, and temporary firmness or numbness in the treatment area are expected after each session and are a normal part of how the treatment works. Swelling can be noticeable and is typically most pronounced in the first week. Most clients are comfortable returning to their normal routine within a few days, though the treated area may feel sensitive or look fuller before the reduction becomes visible. Planning treatment ahead of any significant social or professional commitments is worth considering.
04
Multiple sessions are typically needed
Most clients require two to four sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart to achieve a meaningful reduction in submental fullness. Some clients see the change they are looking for in two sessions; others need more. The number of sessions needed depends on the extent of fat present and how your body responds to treatment. Your injector will assess your progress after each session before confirming the next step. Pricing is available on consultation.
Frequently Asked Question
