Injectable · Localized Fat Reduction

Fat Dissolving Injections

How this page was made
This page was written with AI assistance and reviewed against the sources listed under References below. It is general information only, not medical advice. See our full disclaimer for how SHEA creates and reviews treatment information.
01

What it is

Fat dissolving injections are injectable treatments intended to reduce localized areas of fat. Deoxycholic acid is a substance used for this purpose, particularly for reducing fat beneath the chin.

Deoxycholic acid disrupts fat cells in the treated area.

The term “fat dissolving injections” is also used for a range of other injectable products. Their ingredients, evidence, and regulatory status can differ.

02

Why people consider it

  • They have a localized area of fat, most commonly beneath the chin, and want to explore a non-surgical treatment
03

What the experience is like

The treatment area is assessed before injections are given. How the procedure is performed can vary depending on the product and clinic.

With deoxycholic acid treatment beneath the chin, multiple small injections are given into the targeted area.

Swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, and numbness can occur after deoxycholic acid treatment. More than one treatment session may be used.

04

Limitations & considerations

  • Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and numbness are among the reported effects of deoxycholic acid treatment
  • Temporary facial weakness can occur with deoxycholic acid treatment if a nearby nerve is affected
  • For deoxycholic acid specifically, safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established
  • Deoxycholic acid should not be injected through an active infection at the treatment site
Evidence note
Deoxycholic acid was evaluated for fat beneath the chin in the randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial cited below. It is FDA-approved in the United States for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults. The cited trial was supported by Bayer HealthCare AG and KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, and the publication reports industry relationships among several authors. Other products marketed as fat dissolving injections, and their use in other areas, may have different clinical evidence and regulatory status. Ask which product is being used and what it is approved for.

References

Peer-reviewed and regulatory sources.

1. Rzany B, Griffiths T, Walker P, Lippert S, McDiarmid J, Havlickova B. Reduction of unwanted submental fat with ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid), an adipocytolytic injectable treatment: results from a phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled study. British Journal of Dermatology, 2014;170(2):445–453.
Peer-reviewed · Phase III RCT · Industry-supported · COI disclosed
2. US Food and Drug Administration. KYBELLA (deoxycholic acid injection) prescribing information — approval and safety labeling.
Regulatory
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