Belkyra Side Effects: Swelling, Healing & Safety Guide

Belkyra is a non-surgical injectable that reduces stubborn fat beneath the chin, giving the lower face a more sculpted, refined contour. As interest in double-chin treatments continues to rise across Canada, many people search for “Belkyra side effects” to understand what’s normal, what to expect, and how to stay safe.

Because Belkyra works by breaking down fat cells in the submental area, swelling and other side effects are common and completely expected. When performed by trained injectors, these reactions are manageable, temporary, and a natural part of the fat-destruction process.

At Celebrity Laser & Skincare in North Vancouver, we specialize in medical-grade Belkyra injections using advanced techniques designed to improve comfort, minimize unwanted reactions, and ensure natural, balanced results. This guide explains the most common Belkyra side effects, how the treatment works, and when to seek professional care.

What Is Belkyra (Kybella) and Why It’s Popular in Canada?

Belkyra treatment is the first and only Health Canada–approved injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce submental fat, the fullness beneath the chin often referred to as a “double chin.” Belkyra, also known as ATX-101 or KYBELLA in the United States, was approved by Health Canada on July 27, 2015.

Belkyra’s popularity has grown rapidly in Canada because it offers a non-surgical alternative to chin liposuction. Using a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a molecule naturally found in the body, Belkyra destroys unwanted fat cells so the body can gradually eliminate them. Once these fat cells are gone, they do not return, making it an appealing option for long-lasting contouring.

At Celebrity Laser & Skincare in North Vancouver, our experienced injectors use precise mapping and advanced techniques to ensure safe, natural-looking results that align with each client’s facial anatomy.

How Belkyra Works to Reduce Double Chin Fat

At the heart of Belkyra is its active ingredient: deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring fat-dissolving molecule that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, this substance disrupts the fat cell membrane, causing those cells to break apart and become permanently destroyed.

Once the fat cells are eliminated, the body gradually processes and clears them out through natural metabolic pathways. Over the following weeks, the area begins to look more refined as the treated fat layer becomes thinner.

The injection process is quick, and a numbing agent is typically used to improve comfort. Some temporary warmth or stinging is normal as the product begins working.

The fat under the chin will eventually go away and give an individual that face contour desired. This may require a different number of sessions based on the amount of fat that is present and the results one wants. A trained medical professional can give specific guidance based on individual needs.

Belkyra Side Effects: Most Common to Rare

Belkyra is a safe and medically approved treatment, but like any injectable, it comes with expected side effects as the body begins breaking down the targeted fat cells. These reactions are normal and typically resolve on their own.

Below are the most common, moderate, and rare side effects, along with guidance on when to contact your provider.

Most Common Side Effects (Normal & Expected)

These reactions are the body’s natural response to deoxycholic acid breaking down fat cells:

• Swelling: The most common reaction; often indicates the product is actively working.
• Bruising: Mild to moderate bruising around injection sites is normal.
• Redness (erythema): Temporary flushing that settles within hours to days.
• Firmness or hardness (induration): A common sign of inflammation as fat cells break down.
• Numbness or tingling: Temporary, usually resolves in a few days to weeks.
• Tenderness or mild pain: Expected during the early healing phase.

Moderate Side Effects (Less Common but Not Concerning)

These may occur depending on the individual’s anatomy and treatment plan:

• Difficulty swallowing (temporary): Caused by swelling in the area; usually mild.
• Nerve irritation: Can cause mild, temporary weakness in the lower lip.
• Larger areas of firmness: May be felt as nodules while the body clears fat.

These moderate effects typically improve without intervention.

Rare Side Effects (Uncommon but Important to Know)

Although uncommon, rare reactions may include:

• Prolonged numbness: Can last longer than expected but usually resolves fully.
• Asymmetry: Swelling or unevenness during healing may temporarily create an unbalanced appearance.
• Infection: Extremely rare when the procedure is done in a medical setting with sterile technique.

Celebrity Laser & Skincare Safety Note

At Celebrity Laser & Skincare in North Vancouver, all Belkyra treatments are performed by experienced injectors using advanced safety protocols. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, close monitoring, and personalized support to ensure your recovery is smooth and your results develop evenly.

How long do belkyra side effects last?

Belkyra side effects vary from person to person, but they typically follow a predictable healing pattern as the body breaks down and clears fat cells.

Swelling

Swelling is the most noticeable side effect and can last 2-14 days, sometimes longer, after the first session. It typically reduces significantly after the first few days.1

Bruising

Bruising often fades within 3–14 days, depending on individual healing and the number of injection points.2

Numbness or Tingling

Temporary numbness typically resolves within 4-6 weeks, and in some cases slightly longer. This is normal and resolves gradually.3

To learn more, read our exclusive guide on how long Belkyra side effects last.

Belkyra Healing Timeline (Week-by-Week Guide)

Belkyra side effects follow a predictable healing pattern as the body breaks down and clears treated fat cells. While every person heals at their own pace, the timeline below highlights what most clients can expect after treatment.

Day 1–3: Peak Swelling & Fullness

During the first few days, swelling peaks are a normal sign that Belkyra is actively working.

• Swelling is at its highest and is a normal reaction to fat-cell breakdown.
• Fullness, tenderness, and warmth are common.
• Bruising may begin to appear.
• Numbness can start within the first 24 hours.

Day 4–7: Swelling Begins to Settle

As the initial inflammation calms, the treated area becomes less full and bruising begins to fade.

• Swelling noticeably decreases.
• Bruising fades but may remain for some individuals.
• Firmness or a “rubbery” texture is normal as fat cells begin breaking down.
• Numbness is still present.

Week 2: Moderate Improvement

Swelling continues to resolve between Days 7–14 while firmness and mild numbness are still expected.

• Swelling continues to decrease and usually resolves between days 7 and 14.
• Bruising may last up to 14 days, depending on healing.
• Area may feel firm or uneven while the body clears fat.
• Numbness remains common.

Week 3–4: Gradual Refinement

Most clients are well into their recovery, with the submental area feeling softer and early contour improvements becoming noticeable.

• Most clients are well into their healing phase at this point
• The treated area feels softer as inflammation subsides.
• Early contour improvements begin to appear.
• Numbness persists but is slowly decreasing.

Week 4–6: Final Stage of Healing

Numbness gradually resolves, and the chin area begins to show its refined, more sculpted shape as healing completes.

• Temporary numbness typically resolves within 4–6 weeks, though mild residual sensation changes may last longer.
• Full swelling resolution has occurred.
• The chin area appears more defined as the body completes clearing the destroyed fat cells.

When to Contact Your Provider

Reach out to your provider if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of infection (fever, heat, pus)
• Persistent or worsening asymmetry after swelling subsides

How to Reduce Belkyra Side Effects at Home

Managing Belkyra side effects at home is simple and can make your recovery more comfortable. These steps help reduce swelling and tenderness and shorten overall downtime as your body begins to clear treated fat cells.

Icing the Area

Apply a clean ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth for short intervals during the first 24–48 hours.4 5 This helps soothe swelling and discomfort without disrupting the treatment.

Sleeping Elevated

Use an extra pillow or a wedge pillow to keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first few nights. Elevation helps reduce swelling more quickly.

Avoid Touching or Massaging the Area

Refrain from rubbing, massaging, or pressing on the treated area. Touching can worsen inflammation or cause unnecessary irritation as fat cells break down.

Avoid Heavy Workouts for 48 Hours

Intense exercise can increase heat, swelling, and blood flow to the area. Light movement is fine, but avoid strenuous workouts, saunas, or hot yoga for the first two days.

Signs You Are a Good Candidate for Belkyra

Here are some indications of how Belkyra may be right for you:

Stubborn Double-Chin Fat That Doesn’t Respond to Diet

If you maintain a healthy lifestyle but still notice fullness under the chin, you may be a strong candidate for Belkyra. Genetics, aging, and natural fat distribution often create a double chin that won’t improve with weight changes or exercise. Belkyra targets this specific area with precision.

Prefer Non-Surgical Fat Reduction

Belkyra is ideal for individuals who want visible chin slimming without incisions, anesthesia, or downtime. Results develop gradually, allowing for a natural, refined contour without the commitment of surgical procedures.

Keep Reading: Best non surgical Facelift

Stable Weight and Healthy Lifestyle

Belkyra is most effective for people who are at or near a stable weight. It is not a weight-loss treatment but a localized fat-reduction option. Maintaining consistent lifestyle habits helps support long-lasting results.

Good Skin Elasticity for Best Results

Clients with firm to moderately loose skin typically see the most balanced contouring. If skin laxity is more advanced, your provider may recommend complementary treatments to enhance outcome and definition.

Comfortable With Temporary Swelling

Because swelling is the most common side effect and a normal part of the fat-cell breakdown process ideal candidates are those who can comfortably manage a short period of visible swelling after each session.

When Belkyra Is NOT the Right Treatment

While Belkyra is highly effective for reducing submental fat, it is not the best option for every client. In some cases, other treatments can deliver better, faster, or more appropriate results depending on the concern.

Significant Loose Skin Instead of Fat

Belkyra targets fat, not skin laxity. If your primary concern is loose or sagging skin under the chin, collagen-stimulating treatments are often more effective. Options such as Morpheus8, RF microneedling, or FaceTite help tighten and firm the skin by improving its structural support.

Desire for Immediate or Near-Immediate Results

Belkyra requires patience, as results appear gradually over several weeks. Clients who want instant jawline definition or immediate contouring may benefit more from strategically placed dermal fillers along the chin or jawline to create sharper definition quickly.

Avoiding Any Visible Swelling

Swelling is the most predictable and unavoidable side effect of Belkyra. It occurs almost every time as part of the fat-destruction process. If you prefer a treatment with minimal to no swelling, alternatives like skin-tightening procedures, jawline fillers, or non-inflammatory contouring options may be better suited.

Not Recommended for Certain Medical Conditions

Belkyra is not suitable for individuals with specific medical issues, including disorders affecting the lymphatic drainage system, active infections, or certain underlying neck conditions. A thorough consultation ensures treatment safety.

At Celebrity Laser & Skincare, we help each client choose the most appropriate treatment based on their anatomy, goals, and comfort level. If Belkyra isn’t the right match, we recommend personalized alternatives that offer safe, natural-looking results.

What are the advantages of Belkyra?

Unlike other treatments such as liposuction, Belkyra does not involve any cuts and, therefore, no recovery period, which is why people with busy lifestyles consider this effective, long-lasting treatment. Following are a few of the key benefits that make Belkyra stand out for the treatment of submental fat:

Non-surgical Intervention

One of Belkyra’s most significant advantages is its non-surgical intervention. Unlike liposuction or facelifts, Belkyra doesn’t involve cuts, stitches, or general anesthesia, making it less risky and accelerating recovery time.

Permanent Results

Once Belkyra kills the fat cells, they never return. What this essentially means is that most results can be permanent. But at least to ensure that the other fat cells don’t start growing and change the results, it would be better to keep your weight stable.

More Contoured Jawline & Natural Results

Because Belkyra gradually reduces submental fullness over a series of sessions, the outcome looks refined and natural, not overdone. The jawline appears slimmer and more defined without the sudden changes associated with surgical procedures, making it a preferred choice for individuals who want subtle, realistic enhancement.

Why Choose Celebrity Laser & Skincare in North Vancouver for Belkyra

Choosing the right provider is essential for safe, natural-looking Belkyra results. At Celebrity Laser & Skincare, we pair advanced techniques with a luxury care experience to ensure every treatment is performed with precision, comfort, and your long-term satisfaction in mind.

Experienced Injectors and Safe Technique

Belkyra requires expert placement, precise dosing, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy to ensure effective fat reduction without complications. Our skilled team is well-trained in cosmetic injectables, ensuring every procedure is done carefully and with a strong understanding of facial anatomy. You can trust that you are in good hands with our experts.

Focus on Natural, Balanced Results

We take a conservative, aesthetic approach to Belkyra, aiming for results that look refined, not overtreated. Our goal is to subtly contour the chin and jawline while preserving your natural facial structure. The gradual nature of Belkyra allows improvements to develop in harmony with your features, giving you a smoother, more sculpted profile without looking like you “had something done.”

Personalized Treatment Plan to Reduce Side Effects

Because swelling and tenderness are normal responses to Belkyra, we tailor your dosing, injection pattern, and session timing to minimize discomfort and support smooth recovery. Your injector will assess your chin profile, skin quality, lifestyle, and medical history to create a personalized plan that reduces unwanted side effects and optimizes your final contour.

At Celebrity Laser Care, we use the latest technology to provide top-quality care for our clients. Our advanced equipment allows us to perform safe and effective Belkyra treatments tailored to each person’s needs.

We also offer a comfortable clinic environment to enhance your experience. Feeling relaxed is just as important as getting great results, so our space is designed for your comfort.

Our focus on excellent service sets us apart from other clinics. We provide you with a high standard of care that prioritizes your well-being and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Belkyra represents an innovative solution for those interested in eliminating submental fat without surgical intervention to create a more contoured and youthful appearance. Its benefits extend beyond fat reduction; clients appreciate the gradual, natural-looking refinement and the long-term improvement made possible by permanent fat-cell destruction.

The non-invasive treatment ensures little to no downtime, and the results are long-lasting. Because of this, the popularity of this particular treatment is surely on the rise. Combining advanced technology with a luxurious and comfortable environment, here at Celebrity Laser Care, we make sure your experience is as smooth and effective as possible.

If you’re ready to take facial profile contouring to the next level and boost your self-confidence, contact us to find out how Belkyra can change the way you look.