Double Chin Reduction

Double Chin Fat Removal Treatment

Double chin occurs when a layer of sub mental fat forms below the chin area. It is usually associated with weight gain but you don’t have to be overweight to have a double chin. Double chin fat reduction can be achieved by using simple lipolysis injection.

DCA is a first-in-class injectable drug for the reduction of sub mental fat. It is a minimally invasive alternative for patients with moderate-to-severe sub mental fullness. As DCA destroys undesired fat within the treatment area, it leads to durable improvement in the appearance of the sub mental profile without the need of any adjunctive treatment.

DEXYCHOLIC ACID

DCA is a component of human bile acid, which plays a vital role in emulsification and digestion in the intestine. Externally developed DCA physically disrupts the cell membrane of adipocytes causing leakage of cytoplasmic contents with cell lysis (death) and relatively protein-poor tissue such as fat is more sensitive to the cytolytic effect of DCA than relatively protein-rich tissues such as skin and muscle.

Patient Assessment:

• Patient assessment is done by observing for sub mental fullness in frontal and profile views of face.
• Convexities are observed and graded so as to finalize the dosing schedule and setting right expectations.

Preparation and Markings:

• Double chin fat is located anterior to platysma muscle.
• After marking the sub mental fat, multiple injection points are marked in a grid-like fashion.

Injection technique :

DCA is injected into the sub mental fat with the help of an syringe and thin needle.

Following steps are followed:

1. Consent and accurate photography of the injection area.
2. Complete aseptic precautions are followed while injecting.
3. Typically, 3-5 sessions are required with an interval of 4 weeks between two sessions
4. Topical antibiotics are applied after injections.
5. Patients shall experience some discomfort and pain after they are injected lasting from 2 days to 2 weeks followed by reduction of fat.

Post Treatment Care:

• Patient can experience mild swelling, discomfort, and pain indicating inflammation, for a duration varying from 2 days to 2 weeks, post injection.
• Patient can be informed regarding the same. The severity of swelling is less during subsequent sessions. Cold compresses can be effectively used to alleviate discomfort. Oral anti-inflammatory medicines can be used.
• Patient is instructed not to massage the treated area for the next 48 hours.
• Usually, patients can be followed up after 4 weeks to assess the results and also to plan further sessions as per the requirement.

SIDE EFFECTS:

1 . Discomfort, pain, swelling etc. are the most common side effects. They tend to disappear with time.
2. Bruise/ecchymosis: Due to injury to local blood vessels, it is well localized and disappears in a few days time.
The complication arising out of DCA injections are transient and mostly self-limiting in nature.