New non-invasive treatment for double chin
A contemporary treatment for submental fat (aka double chin) has become revolutionary for some patients in my clinic practice. The deoxycolic acid injection, when used in conjunction with specialised cosmetic techniques, is designed to achieve a slimmer, more defined profile in patients.
It works by targeting fat cells in the submental area that can often be resistant to diet and exercise (despite our best efforts). The deoxycolic acid is precisely injected into the target area and acts similarly to our naturally occurring bile acids like a ‘detergent’, by destroying the cell membrane of the adipose cell. From here, our immune response is triggered and the waste products are metabolised and excreted through normal pathways. A series of 2 – 4 injections are recommended, 8 weeks apart.
At the time of injecting, a significant amount of swelling can be expected. This is actually the desired response, as the more swelling that is experienced, the greater response of destruction to those nasty fat cells can be expected. Over the course of 7 to 10 days, the swelling will settle, and with each subsequent treatment, the severity of swelling is also seen to lessen.
The treatment has been available for many years, but is gaining significant traction in recent months due to changed work scenarios, allowing for increased downtime and recovery at home, and the response has been extremely positive. In addition to fat cell reduction, practitioners are also praising it for its ability to help tighten skin laxity in the area of injection.
A very promising treatment indeed, and one that I am very excited to have in my aesthetic toolkit!