Health Canada Approved Double Chin Injections: 2–4 Sessions, NP View
Yes, injections of deoxycholic acid can reduce moderate-to-severe submental fat, and the evidence behind that claim is stronger than for most non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The active ingredient in Belkyra is approved by Health Canada specifically for this use in adults. Most patients need two to four sessions spaced about a month apart, and side effects are usually limited to temporary swelling and bruising at the injection site.
TL;DR:
Two to four injection sessions spaced about four weeks apart are usually needed to see optimal, long-lasting results in moderate-to-severe submental fat reduction.
Treatment is most effective in patients with good skin elasticity and is not approved for fat reduction in areas other than under the chin.
Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including swelling, bruising, numbness, and occasional nerve issues, all of which tend to resolve on their own.
Skilled, well-trained providers are essential, as proper nerve mapping and injection placement significantly influence both safety and outcome.
Most patients experience visible improvements around 12 weeks after their final session, with 82.4% maintaining results after three years.
Table of Contents
What are double chin injections and how do they work?
Double chin injections use deoxycholic acid, sold under the brand name Belkyra (known as Kybella in the United States), to break down fat cells under the chin. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that helps the body digest fat. When injected directly into submental fat, it damages the membrane of fat cells, causing them to break down and eventually clear through the body’s normal processes.
Health Canada’s product monograph for Belkyra lists the active ingredient at a strength of 10 mg/mL and restricts the approved use to reducing moderate-to-severe submental fat in adults. It is not approved for fat reduction anywhere else on the body.
In practice, this means the treatment is a series of small injections placed directly into the fat pad beneath the chin, following a grid pattern the clinician marks on the skin beforehand, using a needle fine enough to limit discomfort while still reaching the targeted fat layer.
Who is a good candidate for chin fat removal, and who isn’t?
The best candidates are adults with moderate-to-severe submental fat who have realistic expectations about gradual, incremental improvement rather than an immediate transformation. People with mostly good skin elasticity tend to see the cleanest results, since the treatment removes fat but does not tighten skin.
Certain situations call for a medical evaluation before treatment is considered, and some patients may explore Sermorelin therapy as part of their broader health and rejuvenation plan:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, since safety in these groups has not been established
Active infection or skin condition in the treatment area
A history of neck surgery or altered anatomy in the submental region
Neuromuscular conditions affecting swallowing or facial movement
Significant skin laxity, where the fat reduction alone may leave loose skin unaddressed
Patients with more pronounced skin laxity sometimes get a better overall result by pairing fat-reduction injections with a skin-tightening treatment, or by considering surgical options if laxity is severe.
What happens during a treatment session?
A typical visit starts with a consultation where the clinician examines the chin and neck, assesses the fat pad, and confirms the treatment is appropriate. From there, the process usually follows a consistent pattern.
The clinician marks a one-centimetre grid on the skin under the chin to guide injection placement.
Small injections, up to about 50 per session, are placed evenly across the marked grid, with clinical protocols allowing up to 10 mL of solution per session.
A topical anaesthetic or ice pack may be applied beforehand to reduce discomfort.
Cold compresses are applied immediately after injections to limit swelling.
Sessions themselves are quick, typically 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients return to regular activities right away. Treatments used in clinical trials were spaced roughly 28 days apart, and clinicians commonly plan for two to four sessions total, with volume per session adjusted based on how much fat remains and how the area responded to the previous treatment.
Pro Tip: Book sessions around a quiet stretch in your calendar. Swelling peaks in the first few days, so avoid scheduling a treatment right before an event or important photos.
How long until you see results, and do they last?
Visible improvement generally builds gradually, with most change measured around 12 weeks after the final treatment session, once swelling has fully resolved and the body has cleared the affected fat cells.
In the pivotal phase 3 trials, a substantially larger share of patients receiving ATX-101 achieved at least a one-point improvement on clinician-rated fat scales than those receiving placebo, with responder rates around 58 to 64% for treated patients compared with roughly 28 to 34% for placebo. Patient-reported satisfaction followed a similar pattern.
Durability data go further than most cosmetic injectables can claim. A three-year follow-up of trial participants found that 82.4% of treated patients maintained their submental contour improvement at three years, compared with 65% in the placebo group, and 74% of patients satisfied at 12 weeks remained satisfied three years later. Clinicians generally consider treatment complete once the desired contour is reached, rather than following a fixed number of sessions.
What are the risks and side effects to expect?
Most side effects are local, temporary, and predictable rather than dangerous. The Mayo Clinic’s clinical summary notes that reactions at the injection site are common and typically resolve without intervention.
Swelling, which is often the most noticeable effect and can last several days to a couple of weeks
Bruising and tenderness at injection sites
Temporary numbness in the treated area
Firmness or a hardened feeling under the chin as the tissue heals
A less common but clinically important risk is temporary weakness of the marginal mandibular nerve, which controls part of the lower lip. In phase 3 trial data, adverse events were mostly transient, mild to moderate, and localized, with reports of nerve-related paresis occurring at a low frequency and resolving over time. Experienced injectors reduce this already low risk by carefully mapping nerve territory and using conservative dosing near the jawline before starting the grid pattern.
How should you prepare and recover after treatment?
Preparation is straightforward, but a few steps make recovery smoother.
Tell your clinician about any blood thinners, supplements, or medications that increase bruising risk before your appointment
Avoid scheduling treatment if you have an active skin infection or illness near the injection area
Apply cold compresses in the days after treatment to manage swelling
Hold off on strenuous exercise or activities that increase blood flow to the face for a day or two
Plan photos or events for several weeks out, since visible swelling can last longer than people expect
Most clinics schedule a follow-up visit before the next session to assess how the area has responded and to confirm whether further treatment is needed. Bloom Society’s own pre- and post-procedure guidelines walk patients through this timeline in more detail.
How do you choose the right provider for this treatment?
The person doing the injecting matters as much as the treatment itself. Submental anatomy is unforgiving of guesswork, and nerve mapping and dosing decisions benefit from real training and repetition.
Confirm the provider is a licensed nurse practitioner or physician trained specifically in injectable fat-reduction treatments
Ask how many sessions they anticipate, based on your anatomy, and what volume they plan to use
Ask what their plan is if you experience a complication, and how follow-up care works
Request to see before-and-after photos of patients with a similar starting point to yours
Pro Tip: Bring a photo of the chin profile you’re hoping for. It gives the clinician a concrete reference point and helps set expectations before the first injection.
Be cautious of any provider who skips a medical history intake or pushes aggressive guarantees about results, since individual response varies and no reputable clinic promises a fixed outcome.
Why anatomy and expectations matter more than the injection itself
The technique behind these injections is well documented, but the judgment behind where and how much to inject is what actually determines the outcome. Two patients with what looks like similar submental fullness can need very different treatment plans depending on skin quality, jawline structure, and how their tissue responds after the first session.
That is why a proper assessment, not a standard protocol applied to everyone, tends to produce the better result. Matching the treatment to the anatomy in front of you, rather than to a generic before-and-after photo, is where clinical experience actually earns its place.
— Aida
Getting a personalized assessment at Bloom Society
Bloom Society is a nurse practitioner-led clinic offering injectable treatments, including fat-dissolving injections, alongside Botox, dermal fillers, and laser services. Consultations focus on your specific chin and neck anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
At a consultation, expect a review of your submental fat, a check of skin laxity to see whether injections alone will meet your goals or whether a combined approach makes more sense, and a written treatment plan built around your anatomy and budget.
Assessment covers fat distribution, skin quality, and realistic expected outcomes
Treatment plans outline expected number of sessions and spacing between them
Pre- and post-procedure guidance is provided in writing before you book
What you get | Detail |
Provider | Nurse practitioner-led consultation and treatment |
Assessment | Chin anatomy, skin laxity, and fat distribution review |
Planning | Personalized session plan with realistic timeline |
If you are weighing whether injections, a skin-tightening option, or a combination fits your chin best, book a consultation online and get a plan built around what your anatomy actually needs.
Where this information comes from
This article draws on Health Canada’s regulatory review and the clinical trial evidence behind Belkyra’s approval.
This article is general information, not a substitute for advice from a qualified doctor. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before acting on anything here.
Sources
FAQ
Do double chin fat dissolving injections actually work?
Yes, clinical trial data show deoxycholic acid injections produce measurable reductions in submental fat for many adults with moderate-to-severe fullness. In phase 3 trials, a clearly higher share of treated patients showed at least a one-point improvement on clinician-rated scales compared with placebo. Results build gradually over multiple sessions rather than appearing after a single visit.
How much does a Belkyra treatment typically cost?
Belkyra and other injectable treatments at Bloom Society do not have a published flat price listed, since cost depends on the volume needed and number of sessions your anatomy requires. You can view injectable service details and request a personalized quote after a consultation.
How long do the results from Kybella or Belkyra injections last?
Results tend to be durable for patients who respond to treatment. A three-year follow-up study found 82.4% of treated patients maintained their submental contour improvement at the three-year mark, compared with 65% of the placebo group.
Will losing weight get rid of a double chin on its own?
General weight loss can reduce submental fat somewhat, but it does not target that area specifically and results vary by individual fat distribution and skin elasticity. For fat that persists despite a stable weight, targeted treatments like deoxycholic acid injections address the localized fat pad directly rather than relying on overall body change.
What is the difference between Belkyra and Kybella?
Belkyra and Kybella are the same deoxycholic acid formulation marketed under different brand names in different countries. Health Canada’s product monograph covers Belkyra specifically for the Canadian market, with the same 10 mg/mL active ingredient strength and approved use for submental fat.
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