Deoxycholic acid is a natural substance that's found in the human body, where it plays an important role in breaking down and absorbing dietary fats. In recent years, deoxycholic acid has also become a popular ingredient in cosmetic treatments aimed at reducing unwanted fat deposits in areas such as the chin and jowls.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what deoxycholic acid is, how it works, and what you can expect from treatment with this innovative cosmetic solution.

What is Deoxycholic Acid?

Deoxycholic acid (also known as 3α,12α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanate or DCA) is a bile acid that's naturally produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile acids like deoxycholic acid play an important role in digestion by emulsifying dietary fats and helping to break them down into smaller particles that can be absorbed and used by the body.

How Does Deoxycholic Acid Work?

When used for cosmetic purposes, deoxycholic acid is typically administered via injection directly into the targeted area of excess fat. Once injected, the solution goes to work breaking down the cell membranes of fat cells through a process called lysis. This causes the cells to release their contents (i.e., fatty acids and triglycerides), which are then metabolized by the body's natural processes.

Over time, this process leads to a reduction in overall fat volume in the treated area. The results are typically gradual but noticeable over several weeks following treatment.

What Areas Can Be Treated with Deoxycholic Acid?

Deoxycholic acid has been FDA-approved for use specifically in treating submental fullness (aka "double chin"), which is often caused by excess fat accumulation beneath the chin. However, some practitioners may also use it off-label to treat other areas of unwanted fat deposits on the face or body.

Is Deoxycholic Acid Safe?

As with any medical treatment or procedure, there are certain risks associated with using deoxycholic acid for cosmetic purposes. These can include swelling, bruising, pain or discomfort at the injection site, numbness or tingling sensations around treated areas, and more serious complications such as nerve damage or allergic reactions.

It's important to choose a qualified practitioner who has experience administering deoxycholic acid injections and who can provide you with detailed information about potential risks and side effects before you undergo treatment.

What Should I Expect During Treatment with Deoxycholic Acid?

Before beginning treatment with deoxycholic acid (or any other cosmetic injectable), your practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and aesthetic goals to determine whether you're a good candidate for treatment.

Once you've been cleared for treatment, your practitioner will clean and mark out the targeted area(s) on your skin before administering small injections of deoxycholic acid solution using very fine needles. The number of injections required will depend on factors such as your individual anatomy and degree of submental fullness.

Afterward, you may experience some mild discomfort or tenderness around treated areas as well as minor swelling or bruising. Most patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after treatment without significant downtime.

Deoxycholic acid is an innovative new tool in the world of non-surgical fat reduction treatments that offers numerous benefits for patients seeking safe and effective ways to achieve their aesthetic goals. If you're interested in learning more about how this powerful solution could help you enhance your appearance while avoiding invasive surgery or extensive downtime, contact Bespoke Medical by Sonia Vilos today to schedule a consultation!

If you're interested in learning more about how deoxycholic acid can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, contact Bespoke Medical by Sonia Vilos today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced practitioners can provide you with detailed information about this innovative treatment option and help you decide whether it's the right choice for your individual needs. Don't wait – get in touch now to start your journey toward a more confident, beautiful you!