Deoxycholic Acid — Fat-Dissolving Injections
Treat:
Deoxycholic acid is an injectable treatment that reduces small, stubborn pockets of fat without surgery. It is a synthetic form of a molecule the body naturally uses to break down dietary fat. When injected into a targeted fat pocket, it disrupts the fat-cell membranes so the cells are broken down and gradually cleared by the body over the following weeks. Because the treated fat cells are removed rather than simply shrunk, results in that area are long-lasting.
In Canada, deoxycholic acid is approved for treating submental fat — the “double chin” beneath the jaw. At SKN MD, every treatment area is carefully assessed during a physician consultation, since suitability depends on your fat distribution, skin quality, and overall goals.
A session takes about 15–30 minutes, and most patients need a series of 2–4 treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Some swelling, tenderness, redness, or bruising in the treated area is expected afterward and typically settles within several days to a week. Results build gradually over the weeks and months after each session.
Explore our other injectable treatments including neuromodulator, dermal fillers and biostimulators. Every treatment begins with a medical consultation.
TREATMENT AREA:
✔️ Under the chin (double chin)
Note: The treatment area is carefully assessed during consultation to ensure safety and suitability based on your fat distribution and skin quality.
More about the procedure
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Infection or inflammation in the area to be treated
Allergy to treatment components
Recent surgery in the neck area
Redness and swelling
Tenderness or pain at the injection site
Bruises
Itching or rash
High temperature or feeling of heat in the treated area
2 - 4
15 - 30 minutes
Long term
450$ plus taxes per session
3 - 7 days
Submental
Patients ask us…
Accordion Content
Deoxycholic acid is contraindicated in individuals with active infections in the treatment area, coagulation disorders, or in pregnant or lactating women. Prior consultation is required to determine eligibility.
This treatment is specifically designed to reduce excess submental fat. It is suitable for most healthy adults, but a medical assessment is necessary to ensure its suitability for each individual.
Possible side effects include mild pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and numbness in the treated area. These effects are usually temporary and go away within a few days.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the amount of fat to be treated. On average, 2 to 4 sessions are recommended, spaced approximately one month apart.
Results begin to be visible a few weeks after the first session, with continued improvement after each treatment. Full results are typically seen a few months after the last session.
The treatment is generally well tolerated, but some mild discomfort may be felt. An anesthetic cream may be applied to minimize discomfort.
Recovery time is minimal, with mild swelling and bruising usually disappearing within a week. You can return to your normal activities almost immediately.
Deoxycholic acid is officially approved for use under the chin (submental fat) to treat double chin. However, in clinical practice, many experienced medical professionals also use it off-label in small, localized areas of stubborn fat.
Common off-label treatment areas include:
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Jowls
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Bra bulge (front of armpits)
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Lower buttocks (banana roll)
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Abdomen (small pockets only)
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Inner knees
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Flanks (“love handles”)
Please note: Off-label use is determined case-by-case during your medical consultation. Safety and suitability depend on your anatomy, skin quality, and fat distribution.
Next steps
1. Consultation
2. Treatment
