What is deoxycholic acid? 

Deoxycholate is a naturally occurring bile acid found in the gallbladder. This bile acid is responsible for the break down and absorption of dietary fats. Deoxycholic acid is a synthetic form of deoxycholate which can be injected to break down local fat desposits.  Deoxycholic acid has been used in non-surgical cosmetic treatments for localized fat reduction for over a decade, both in Europe and North America. 

A commercially available form of deoxycholate acid can be used to reduce submental fat under the chin, otherwise known as a ‘double chin’. When injected into fat layers underneath the chin, deoxycholic acid causes the destruction of these fat cells resulting in permanent fat reduction.  

How is deoxycholic acid treatment done? 

After numbing the area, a series of superficial injections of deoxycholic acid are made into the superficial fat under the chin. Deoxycholic acid disrupts the cell membrane of fat cells leading to inflammation and fat cell destruction. 

What happens to the fat? Your body has significant capacity to remove free fatty acids and glycerol, safely and effectively. Once the fat is released from the destroyed fat cells it is transported to your liver for processing or through your kidneys for natural elimination. With a few treatments, deoxycholic acid can provide an effective solution for significantly reducing or eliminating a double chin without surgery. 

Many patients experienced visible results in two to four treatments, although up to six treatments may be necessary and each treatment is done a minimum of 2 months apart.  Swelling after treatment is common and largely resolves within a week but may persist for up to 3 weeks after treatment. 

Link to deoxycholic acid PDF brochure here: belkyra-brochure