Deoxycholic Acid, or DCA (commonly known as Belkyra, Kybella, or Lipodissolve), is a bile acid that naturally emulsifies fat for absorption in the intestine. It is now commercially available and approved for reducing moderate fat below the chin. It works by destroying fat cells when injected into the body, so that they can never store or accumulate fat again.
In the right candidate, DCA can contour the lower face and decrease the appearance of submental fullness, otherwise known as “double-chin”. Most patients experience visible improvement in their chin profile in 2–4 treatments spaced 1–2 months apart. Some patients require up to 6 treatments to achieve their desired results and once achieved have permanently improved definition to the jawline and neck.
Treatment Duration:
15–20 mins, 2–4 treatments
Expected Results:
gradual, permanent reduction in submental fullness (double chin) with some firming of tissue. Posttreatment side effects: immediate stinging sensation that last minutes and is treated with cool compress. Swelling, skin laxity, mild tenderness for 1–2 weeks. Some firmness, numbness, mild laxity up to 3–4 weeks.
Treatment Description:
A treatment grid is applied underneath your chin to map out precisely where the medication will be injected. The medication breaks down fat cells (lipolysis), and their contents are then broken down and processed through our body’s natural disposal pathways.
