Double Chin Fat Dissolving Injections were introduced to Australia in 2017 but have been used overseas for many years. The ingredient, deoxycholic acid, also occurs naturally in the body and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When it is injected below the chin, it breaks down fat cells thereby reducing the fullness under the chin. The result is permanent, and more than 75% of treated patients report satisfaction with the appearance of their face and chin. It is indicated for patients who have moderate to severe fullness under the chin.

Both Dr O’Gorman and RN Youjin Lee undertook training in this treatment modality during 2017. A consultation is required before treatment to ensure your suitability for the treatment.

Please note, currently under government regulations, you will need to have had two COVID19 vaccinations completed at least 10 days prior to attend for any cosmetic treatment.

Questions and Answers

How often are the treatments?

The treated area needs a 4-6 weeks “rest” for the fat dissolving process to complete, and so treatment sessions are spaced no less than 1 month apart. Longer intervals will not reduce the effectiveness.

How many treatments does it take?

Usually, most patients will reach their goal within 3-4 treatments per area. More treatments can be done if required for more reduction or to target larger volumes.

When will I see the results?

Visible results become apparent after completion of 2-4 treatments. It takes 6 weeks for each session to reach it’s full effect. The results accumulate over time with each additional treatment.

Is it painful?

At OGAM, we undertake all measures to ensure your comfort. This includes the use of local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Ice is applied to the area before and after treatment. A very small gauge needle is used to inject the medicated solution into the treated area. The treatment involves some degree of discomfort, more so associated with the inflammation which occurs after a few hours . The sensation is likened to a bruise combined with a burning sensation. You may take ibuprofen or paracetamol pre-treatment also to further maximise your comfort.

Is it permanent?

Yes. The destroyed fat cells do not regenerate.

Who can get treated?

Deoxycholic acid is not recommended for minors, pregnant or lactating women, insulin dependant diabetics with vascular concerns, persons suffering an auto-immune disease, severe liver disease, anyone with severe obesity, those with a history of hypersensitivity to the ingredient or anyone with acute or chronic infection.

How long is the recovery period?

The treatment requires no downtime although it is recommended that minimal activities be planned for the rest of the day after the treatment, as it may be uncomfortable / distracting to function normally. Approximately 20 minutes post injection, the patient will notice some redness, swelling, and experience a stinging sensation that will persist for the first few hours and then gradually diminish over the next 48 hours. The next day, the area will remain visibly swollen (minor residual swelling can take weeks to resolve fully) and tender. Some mild bruising may appear soon after the treatment, near some injection sites. By one week, most of the skin changes (bruising/redness/tenderness) reduce and rarely require more than 2 weeks to resolve completely, however, some mild tenderness can persist for several weeks as the fat continues to melt.

Are there any side-effects?

As with all treatments, there is potential for side-effects. Common side-effects may include pain, oedema(swelling), numbness, nodules, bruising, redness, itch, warmth, tingling, and discolouration. These side-effects are usually short-lived. Other side effects can include headache, nausea, skin tightness, discomfort on swallowing, and injection site nerve injury. There is a 2% risk of injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve. If this occurs, it may result in temporary interference in the symmetry of the smile. This takes a median of 44 days to resolve, but can take from 1 day to 298 days to resolve. These are reasons to ensure you are being treated by a trained professional with appropriate anatomical knowledge of the treatment area.