No matter what you do, your double chin won’t go away. You’re always finding angles to hide it in photos, and you’re worried that lipolysis injections might be unreliable or not long‑lasting. Belkyra is a prescription injectable lipolytic agent approved by both the US FDA and Korea’s KFDA. Its active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally found in the human body, specifically designed to target submental fat. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they do not regenerate.
If you’re afraid of pain or surgery, this article is worth reading before making a decision.
Belkyra is an injectable lipolytic drug approved by the US FDA and Korea’s KFDA, specifically indicated for improving moderate‑to‑severe submental fat accumulation in adults – commonly known as double chin.
The active ingredient in Belkyra is deoxycholic acid (DCA) at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human intestine that helps emulsify and break down dietary fats. Scientists have harnessed this property to formulate it as an injectable.
When Belkyra is precisely injected into the subcutaneous fat layer, deoxycholic acid directly disrupts the cell membranes of adipocytes (fat cells), causing them to rupture and die. The remnants of these destroyed fat cells are then engulfed and metabolised by the body’s immune system (macrophages), and eventually eliminated via the lymphatic system and liver.
Unlike traditional weight loss methods that only shrink fat cells, Belkyra actually reduces the number of fat cells. Once fat cells are destroyed and cleared, as long as body weight is maintained, the results are typically permanent.
✓ Best candidates: Those with fat‑type double chin – try tucking your chin in and pinching the fat under your jaw. If the pinch is noticeably thick and your skin elasticity is still good, you are likely a suitable candidate. These individuals often have a double chin even at normal weight and need to find the right angles for photos.
✓ Other suitable indications: Localised facial fat such as buccal fat (jowls) and baby fat.
✗ Contraindications:
⚠ Important note: If your double chin is primarily due to skin laxity rather than fat accumulation, Belkyra alone will have limited effect. You may need to combine it with ultrasound lifting (HIFU) or radiofrequency (RF) for skin tightening.
Belkyra is considered the gold standard for treating double chin, but there are other lipolysis options available. Below is a comparison of common treatments at Gangnam dermatology clinics in Seoul (prices are in KRW only):
| Comparison | Belkyra | Other Lipolysis Injections | Double Chin Liposuction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approvals | US FDA, EU EMA, Korea KFDA | Some have TFDA/CE clearance | Surgical procedure, physician‑performed |
| Active Ingredient | Deoxycholic acid (DCA) 10mg/ml | Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) etc. | Physical suction |
| Mechanism | Permanently destroys fat cells | Disrupts fat cells | Physically removes fat |
| Treatment Time | About 5‑10 minutes | About 5‑15 minutes | About 30‑60 minutes (surgery) |
| Recovery | Short, only needle‑prick wounds | Short | Longer, requires compression garment |
| Risks | Low (mainly swelling, bruising) | Moderate | Higher (anaesthesia, nerve injury risk) |
| Recommended Sessions | 2‑4, spaced 4‑6 weeks apart | 3‑6 | Single surgery |
| Reference Price (KRW/session) | ₩300,000 – 900,000 | ₩150,000 – 400,000 | ₩1,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
Selection advice: If you prioritise FDA/KFDA dual‑approved safety, long‑lasting results, and want to avoid surgery, Belkyra is the first choice. If your budget is limited and you have less fat, other lipolysis injections may be considered. If your double chin is very large or combined with severe skin laxity, liposuction may be a more direct option.
Step 1 – Consultation: The Gangnam dermatologist performs palpation to assess fat thickness and skin elasticity in the submental area, determining suitability for Belkyra.
Step 2 – Preparation: The treatment area is cleansed and disinfected, and topical anaesthetic is applied for about 20‑30 minutes. If you are taking anticoagulants, inform your physician.
Step 3 – Injection: Using a fine needle, the physician injects Belkyra in a multiple‑injection pattern precisely into the fat layer beneath the chin. A single session takes about 5‑10 minutes. Typically, 2‑3 vials (each 2ml) are used per session.
Step 4 – Post‑care: Apply ice packs for the first 3 days to reduce swelling and pain. Keep your head elevated when resting to help minimise swelling. Swelling gradually subsides in 7‑10 days. Avoid strenuous exercise and high‑temperature environments (sauna, hot springs) for about 1 week.
Immediate effect: Belkyra does not work immediately; the drug needs time to act on the fat cells.
Progressive effect:
– Within 1 day: Deoxycholic acid begins to disrupt fat cell membranes.
– 3‑7 days: Fat cells undergo apoptosis, and the immune system clears them, often accompanied by swelling – a sign that the drug is working.
– 2‑4 weeks: Initial results become visible, and the jawline starts to sharpen.
– 4‑8 weeks: The effect becomes more pronounced.
– 1 month: The results of Belkyra become gradually noticeable.
Recommended number of sessions: Generally 2‑4 sessions are recommended, spaced 4‑6 weeks apart. Those with thicker fat may need up to 6 sessions.
Duration: Belkyra permanently destroys fat cells. Once cleared, as long as body weight remains stable, the results are long‑lasting and unlikely to recur.
Q1: Will I experience severe swelling after Belkyra?
A: Yes, swelling is the most typical reaction to Belkyra and is actually a sign that the drug is working effectively. Most people experience noticeable swelling under the chin, resembling a “frog chin” appearance. Swelling usually subsides within 7‑10 days. Apply ice packs actively for the first 3 days and keep your head elevated during rest to alleviate it.
Q2: How many sessions are needed to see results?
A: Generally 2‑4 sessions are recommended, spaced 4‑6 weeks apart. Changes start to appear about 4‑8 weeks after the first session, with full results after completing the entire course. Those with thicker fat may require up to 6 sessions.
Q3: How much does Belkyra cost in Korea?
A: Prices vary by clinic, physician experience, and number of vials used. Approximate reference ranges (in KRW) are:
– Single session (about 2‑3 vials): approx. ₩300,000‑900,000
– Some clinics offer package deals for 2‑4 sessions with discounts, and may include additional services like RF tightening.
It is best to consult directly with a Gangnam dermatology clinic for the latest pricing.
Q4: What is the difference between Belkyra and liposuction?
A: The main difference lies in trauma and risk. Belkyra is a non‑surgical injection treatment, involving only needle‑prick wounds, with quick recovery, no anaesthesia risks, and no risk of facial nerve damage. Liposuction requires anaesthesia, incisions, and compression garments, with a longer recovery period. Belkyra is suitable for small‑area, fine sculpting, while liposuction is better for removing larger volumes of fat.
Q5: Are Belkyra results permanent?
A: Yes. Belkyra permanently destroys fat cells, which do not regenerate. As long as your weight remains stable after treatment, the effect is long‑lasting and unlikely to return. However, if you gain significant weight, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is recommended.
Common side effects: Swelling, pain, numbness, redness, lumps, and bruising at the treatment site. These usually resolve within hours to days.
Serious side effects: Rare but serious risks include nerve injury in the jaw area, which may cause asymmetric smile or facial muscle weakness, as well as dysphagia. Over‑injection or improper technique may increase the risk of side effects.
It is strongly advised to choose a KFDA‑approved medical institution and an experienced physician. Always undergo a thorough in‑person consultation where the physician palpates your submental area to determine whether your double chin is fat‑type or laxity‑type, and whether Belkyra is appropriate for you.
Belkyra is a prescription drug and must be used under a physician’s evaluation. Assess your own needs and risks rationally, and do not make your decision based solely on price.
All content translated from the original Chinese article. No alterations have been made to the content.