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Belkyra
Belkyra for Jowls – Effective Fat Dissolving
May 16, 2025
A study on deoxycholic acid injections for jowl reduction revealed that patients experienced moderate to significant improvement in their jawline definition. This non-surgical treatment targets localized fat deposits and is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional methods like liposuction. While factors such as aging, genetics, and weight fluctuations contribute to the development of jowls, injectable treatments offer a less invasive approach to refining facial contours.
Belkyra, an FDA-approved injectable, dissolves fat cells under the chin and along the jawline, offering a sculpted, more youthful appearance. Unlike dermal fillers that restore volume, Belkyra works by breaking down fat cells, leading to a gradual contouring effect.
This article will explore how Belkyra works for jowl reduction, its benefits, and what patients can expect from the treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Belkyra is a non-surgical injectable treatment that targets and breaks down submental fat (double chin) using synthetic deoxycholic acid, offering a more contoured jawline.
- The treatment typically requires 2 to 4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Visible results show up after 4 to 6 weeks, and full results appear in 12 weeks.
- Injection technique is crucial for avoiding complications such as nerve damage, with minimal volume per injection site recommended for safe administration.
- Providers recommend Belkyra for individuals with moderate submental fat, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations. They do not recommend it for patients with significant skin laxity or large fat deposits.
- Patients may need maintenance treatments every 12 to 18 months to preserve long-term results, which remain permanent once the body eliminates fat cells and patients can maintain a stable weight.
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Anatomical Considerations – Understanding Jowl Fat Deposits
Jowl fat develops over time due to aging, gravity, and a reduction in skin elasticity. As individuals age, fat accumulates and soft tissue descends around the jawline, particularly in the mandibular and submandibular areas. These fat compartments tend to be more fibrous and less vascular than the submental region, which can make treatment more technically demanding.
The jowl area includes important anatomical structures, such as the marginal mandibular nerve, which practitioners must carefully avoid during treatment. Additionally, the degree of skin laxity in this region can significantly impact the treatment’s outcome. While fat reduction is a key focus, it may not completely address the sagging skin in the area. A thorough evaluation of skin tone, fat depth, and bone structure is essential when considering Belkyra for this treatment area.
Treatment Protocol – Administering Belkyra for Jowls
Administering Belkyra for jowls requires specialized knowledge of facial anatomy and precise technique. Because Belkyra is used off-label for jowl treatment, providers must first assess whether the fat is superficial and localized enough for effective treatment with deoxycholic acid.
Injection Technique
- Clinicians commonly use a grid marking system to guide injection placement.
- Providers typically make injections at 1 cm intervals using a 32G needle.
- They use a low total volume—usually 0.2 mL per injection point—to prevent product diffusion.
Dosage Considerations
- Depending on fat volume and patient tolerance, dosages range from 1 to 2 mL per side.
- Providers must monitor for swelling and ensure nerve safety, especially around the marginal mandibular branch.
Clinical Outcomes – Evaluating Efficacy in Jowl Treatment
While large-scale clinical trials for Belkyra in the jowls remain limited due to its off-label status, smaller clinical reports and anecdotal case studies have shown promising results. In many cases, patients observe a visible reduction in jowl fat after 2 to 4 treatments.
Image Courtesy of Dermapure YMM via Instagram
The patient initially sought Belkyra for submental fat reduction, but after an expert consultation, the provider recommended combining the treatment with dermal fillers, achieving a beautifully sculpted jawline with natural results.
Image Courtesy of Baldwin Beauty via Instagram
A patient who struggled with submental fullness underwent Belkyra treatment paired with laser skin tightening, leading to long-lasting fat reduction and a more sculpted jawline with noticeable lifting.
Patient satisfaction is generally high, especially among those with mild-to-moderate jowling and realistic expectations. Most improvements typically last 12 to 18 months, although patients may require occasional touch-ups.
Safety and Risk Management – Addressing Potential Complications
Injecting Belkyra into the jowl area presents unique challenges due to the proximity of critical structures like the marginal mandibular nerve. Any damage to this nerve could cause temporary lower lip asymmetry or motor dysfunction.
Other potential risks include:
- Swelling and bruising (common, temporary)
- Numbness or tingling
- Uneven fat reduction or asymmetry
- Temporary nerve paresis (rare but documented)
- Skin irregularities in cases of overcorrection
To minimize risk, only experienced injectors with in-depth anatomical knowledge should perform Belkyra injections. Additionally:
- Use minimal volume per injection site to avoid the spread of the product.
- Ensure proper patient selection, avoiding those with excessive skin laxity or poor tissue tone.
- Maintain proper injection depth to avoid superficial complications like necrosis or nerve damage.
It’s also important to consider Belkyra side effects, such as temporary numbness or bruising, which are generally mild but can cause discomfort during the healing process. Clear communication with patients regarding these potential effects can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother recovery.
Conclusion
Belkyra is a viable non-surgical solution for reducing jowl fat and refining jawline contours. When performed by experienced professionals, it can significantly enhance facial definition in patients with mild-to-moderate jowling. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Proper patient selection, technique, and anatomical understanding are critical for ensuring successful results.
While surgical lifting procedures remain the gold standard for severe cases, Belkyra fills a significant gap for those seeking a less invasive option with minimal downtime. It can also complement other treatments, such as skin tightening, for a more complete facial contouring.
FAQs
1. Is Belkyra FDA-approved for jowls?
No. The FDA has approved Belkyra for treating submental fat, but its use in the jowls remains off-label.
2. How many sessions are needed to see results?
Most patients require 2 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to see noticeable fat reduction.
3. What’s in Belkyra?
The active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid, which helps break down and absorb dietary fat.
4. Are the results from Belkyra permanent?
Yes, once fat cells are destroyed, they do not regenerate. However, weight changes can affect appearance.
5. Who should not get Belkyra treatments?
Providers do not recommend Belkyra for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with infections, or those with severe skin laxity in the treatment area.
6. Can Belkyra be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Practitioners often combine Belkyra with skin tightening procedures such as radiofrequency or microneedling to enhance contouring.
7. What’s the downtime after a Belkyra treatment?
Swelling can last up to a week, but most people return to normal activities within a few days.
References
Montes JR, Santos E, Chillar A. Jowl reduction with deoxycholic acid. Dermatologic Surgery. 2019;46(1):78-85. doi:10.1097/dss.0000000000001869
Shridharani SM. Improvement in Jowl Fat following ATX-101 Treatment: Results from a Single-Site Study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020;145(4):929-935. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000006680