Deoxycholic Acid

What is Deoxycholic Acid?

Deoxycholic acid is an injectable medication that’s FDA approved to treat moderate to severe submental fullness, or fat under the chin. Submental fullness may be present at birth or develop from weight gain or aging. No matter the cause, this pocket of fat is difficult to eliminate and may not improve even if you’re at your goal weight. Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center can help you reduce submental fullness with deoxycholic acid injections.

How does deoxycholic acid work?

Deoxycholic acid is a substance naturally found in your body that helps break down and metabolize fat in food during digestion. When injected into the submental fat under your chin, the active ingredient breaks down the fat cells and your body removes them from the area. Once the fat cells are gone, they never return, leaving you with a sleeker, slimmer profile.

Am I a candidate for deoxycholic acid?

Your board-certified dermatologist at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center conducts an in-depth evaluation to determine if deoxycholic acid is the right choice for you.

You may be a candidate for the cosmetic injection if you:

Don’t like the extra fat under your chin
Feel your submental fullness makes you look older
Want to avoid surgery
Eat a healthy diet
Engage in regular exercise
Are at or close to your desired weight

In addition to deoxycholic acid injections, Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center also offers body contouring with SculpSure® laser. This innovative device uses fat-destroying laser technology to target unwanted fat on areas such as the abdomen, love handles, and thighs.

What happens during deoxycholic acid injections?

Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center customizes your deoxycholic acid treatment plan to match your specific needs. During your session, your dermatologist administers multiple injections of the medication directly into the fat under your chin. You may feel a pinching sensation during your injections, but the pain is fleeting. You will experience some swelling and bruising afterward. These side effects typically resolve within 5–7 days.

How many deoxycholic acid treatments do I need?

Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center determines the number of treatments you need at your initial consultation. Most patients need up to six sessions, set at monthly intervals, to achieve the best results. To learn more about deoxycholic acid and how it can help you reduce a double chin, call Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center or request an appointment using online booking today. We see patients for Botox, fillers, acne scars, skin tightening, neck wrinkles, brown spots, and offer Radiofrequency Microneedling, Threadlifting, and CoolPeel laser that can help treat sun damage with one day of recovery and no downtime. Individual results may vary.

We offer same-day dermatology appointments in downtown Washington, DC. Call us to book your appointment today.

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