Deoxycholic acid is an injectable product for the treatment of submental fat (double chin). There are also off-label uses for deoxycholic acid to treat other pockets of stubborn fatty tissue that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise such as the inner thighs, the braline or lower abdomen. The best candidates for this treatment are those who have localized, small pockets of fatty tissue with no loose surrounding skin. It works by targeting and breaking down fat cells for elimination through the body’s lymphatic system. Results are typically seen at 12 weeks, following two treatments but will continue to improve up to 6 months. A series of treatments (up to 6) at 4-week intervals is recommended.
Before Your Treatment
Provide a detailed and accurate medical history including medications, allergies and previous aesthetic treatments/complications.
Consider the aftercare instructions/downtime as well as timeline for expected results prior to scheduling your treatment. Do not undergo aesthetic treatments right before a vacation or special event.
Avoid tanning, hair removal, sunburn and active skin care ingredients such as retinol immediately prior to treatment.
If possible, please come to your appointment with your face make-up free and freshly washed.
What To Expect At Your Treatment
Your provider will begin with ‘before’ photos and will review steps, expectations and instructions. Your face will be cleansed and the treatment area will be outlined on the skin following anatomical assessment. The area will be numbed with two anesthetic agents. The product is instilled in multiple small doses over a brief period of time. Clients typically report a minute or two of burning which is managed with ice and the use of a fan.
Immediately following treatment, you will experience redness and possibly some increased warmth which typically resolves within a few hours to a few days. Swelling also starts immediately as a result of the medication acting on fatty tissues and continues for 1-4 weeks. Bruising and numbness are also common post-procedure and typically resolve within 2-4 weeks. Clients often wear a chin sling and use ice to manage swelling at home.
After Your Treatment
Avoid touching, rubbing, massaging the treatment area for 3-5 days
Avoid excess alcohol, vigorous exercise, sun or heat exposure for 3-5 days. Wear sunscreen
Manage pain/swelling with warm compress (day 1-2), cool compress (day 3+), chin straps and acetaminophen
Shower and wash your face as you normally do
Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for 2-3 nights
Do not take blood-thinning, anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen , prednisone, garlic, flax, cod liver oil, essential fatty acids, gingko, vitamin A or E, corticosteroids) for 7 days post-treatment
No treatments or active skin care in the area for at least 2-4 weeks