Deoxycholic Acid Injection: Uses, How It Works, and Where to Buy

In aesthetic medicine, deoxycholic acid (DCA) is a revolutionary treatment that provides a non-surgical means of eliminating undesired fat deposits. DCA produces excellent contouring and sculpting outcomes because of its capacity to target particular regions.

At My Skin St Pete, we offer Deoxycholic Acid (DCA) injections to help you achieve a more sculpted jawline and reduce stubborn double chins. This treatment has been making a real difference for people all over, boosting confidence and enhancing natural beauty. Want to learn how it works and if it’s right for you? Let’s take a closer look at this innovative cosmetic option.

Understanding Deoxycholic Acid

What is Deoxycholic Acid (DCA)?

Deoxycholic Acid (DCA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When used in cosmetic procedures, DCA is injected into targeted areas to destroy fat cells, resulting in a more contoured and defined appearance.

The Science Behind the Magic

When injected into the submental area (under the chin), Deoxycholic Acid works by destroying fat cells. It essentially "melts" away the unwanted fat, leading to a more defined jawline and reduced appearance of a double chin.

FDA Approval and Safety

The FDA approved Deoxycholic Acid injections for cosmetic use in 2015, specifically for the treatment of submental fullness. This approval came after extensive clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy.

The Deoxycholic Acid Treatment Process

Consultation and Assessment

Before treatment, a thorough consultation is essential. At My Skin St Pete, Leah Michel, our expert skin care specialist, will assess your facial structure and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine if Deoxycholic Acid injections are right for you.

The Injection Procedure

The treatment involves a series of small injections directly into the fat beneath the chin. The procedure is typically quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes. Most patients require multiple sessions, usually 2-4, spaced about a month apart, for optimal results.

Post-Treatment Care

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or numbness in the treated area. These side effects are generally mild and subside within a few days to weeks. Leah Michel will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.

Benefits and Results

Targeted Fat Reduction

One of the key advantages of Deoxycholic Acid injections is their ability to target and eliminate fat cells specifically in the submental area. This precision allows for sculpting of the jawline without affecting surrounding tissues.

Non-Surgical Alternative

For those hesitant about surgical procedures like liposuction, Deoxycholic Acid injections offer a non-invasive alternative with minimal downtime. You can return to most normal activities immediately after treatment.

Long-Lasting Effects

Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. This means that, with proper diet and exercise, the results of your Deoxycholic Acid treatment can be long-lasting.

What Areas Can Be Treated

Primary FDA-Approved Area: Submental Fullness

Deoxycholic Acid injections, marketed under the brand name Kybella, are FDA-approved specifically for treating submental fullness, commonly known as the "double chin." This area beneath the chin is where excess fat can accumulate, creating a fuller appearance that many find undesirable.

Off-Label Uses

While the FDA has only approved Deoxycholic Acid for submental fat reduction, some practitioners use it off-label to treat small pockets of fat in other areas. It's important to note that these uses are not officially sanctioned and should be approached with caution:

1. Jowls: Some practitioners use Deoxycholic Acid to reduce fat in the jowl area, helping to create a more defined jawline. A recent study highlighted that multiple consecutive treatments with deoxycholic acid effectively reduced jowl fat, with 98% of patients reporting improvement after an average of 1.8 treatments (Gennai et al., 2023).

2. Bra Fat: Small pockets of fat near the armpit and bra line have been treated with Deoxycholic Acid injections.

3. Knee Fat: In some cases, small fat deposits above the knees have been targeted. Research has demonstrated that intralipolysis using a deoxycholic acid formulation is effective in reducing fat deposits on the inner part of the knees, with significant reductions in knee circumference observed in a majority of patients following treatment (Kowalczyk et al., 2020).

4. Banana Roll: This is the area of fat beneath the buttocks that some practitioners treat with Deoxycholic Acid.

Considerations for Off-Label Use

It's crucial to understand that using Deoxycholic Acid in areas other than the submental region is considered off-label and not FDA-approved. At My Skin St Pete, Leah Michel prioritizes patient safety and adheres to FDA guidelines, focusing primarily on the approved submental area treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient's facial structure and fat distribution are unique. During your consultation at My Skin St Pete, Leah Michel will assess your specific concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan. She may recommend Deoxycholic Acid injections for your submental area or suggest alternative treatments for other areas of concern.

Combination Treatments

For comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Deoxycholic Acid injections can be combined with other treatments. Leah Michel's expertise in a variety of cosmetic procedures, including Botox and fillers, allows her to create a holistic approach to enhance your overall appearance. Understanding the areas that can be treated with Deoxycholic Acid is crucial for setting realistic expectations. While its primary use is for the double chin area, the potential for treating other small fat deposits makes it a versatile tool in the hands of an experienced practitioner like Leah Michel at My Skin St Pete.

Where to Get Deoxycholic Acid Injections

Choosing a Qualified Provider

It's crucial to receive Deoxycholic Acid injections from a qualified and experienced healthcare professional. Look for providers who are board-certified and have specific training in this treatment.

My Skin St Pete: Your Trusted Source

At My Skin St Pete, we're proud to offer Deoxycholic Acid injections as part of our comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments. Leah Michel, our esteemed skin care specialist, brings her expertise to every procedure, ensuring safe and effective results.

Why Experience Matters

Leah Michel's extensive experience in aesthetic injections, including Botox and fillers, makes her uniquely qualified to administer Deoxycholic Acid treatments. Her comprehensive approach, which includes skin cancer screenings and full body skin exams, ensures that your overall skin health is considered alongside your cosmetic goals.

Deoxycholic Acid injections represent a significant advancement in non-surgical fat reduction, offering a targeted solution for those struggling with submental fullness. At My Skin St Pete, we're committed to providing cutting-edge treatments in a safe, professional environment.

Ready to say goodbye to your double chin and hello to a more defined profile? Don't wait to transform your appearance. Contact My Skin St Pete today to schedule your consultation with Leah Michel, the best skin care specialist and aesthetic injection expert in St. Petersburg. Let us help you achieve the confidence-boosting results you deserve with Deoxycholic Acid injections. Your journey to a sleeker, more sculpted jawline starts here!

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither My Skin by Leah Michel, APRN, FNP-BC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (727) 295-7223.

References

Nowiński, A., Chabowski, D., Giebułtowicz, J., Aleksandrowicz, M., & Ufnal, M. (2023). Deoxycholic Acid, a Secondary Bile Acid, Increases Cardiac Output and Blood Pressure in Rats. Nutrients, 16(1), 32.

Duncan, D. I. (2020). Commentary on: practical guidance for optimizing patient comfort during microfocused ultrasound with visualization and improving patient satisfaction. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(2), 217-219.

Mlosek, R. K., Skrzypek, E., Migda, B., Migda, M., & Woźniak, W. (2021). The efficacy of high-frequency ultrasound-guided injection lipolysis in reducing fat deposits located on the inside of the knees. Journal of Ultrasonography, 20(83), 273-278.