Injectable Drug Dissolves Double Chin

If you are bothered by moderate to severe excess fat under your chin or neck, your treatment options have previously been limited to a neck lift, liposuction or jawlift surgery. There is now a new, FDA approved, less-invasive, cost-effective injectable treatment option from Kythera Biopharmaceuticals. 

Over the last eight years, Kythera has been developing an injectable drug to contour submental fullness as it is estimated that about seven of ten people are concerned about their double chin. The patented formulation called ATX-101 is a pure, non-animal derived version of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and aids in the rupture and breakdown of dietary fat. Through a process of adipocytolysis and preferential targeting of cells with low protein content, the drug was reported to have relatively no effect on the surrounding blood vessels, nerves and muscles. Patients in the drug study received a series of treatments at intervals of one month apart and high rates of satisfaction were reported. Side effects included redness, bruising, itching, pain in the chin, nodules, numbness and burning sensations. Best results were seen on patients without advanced skin laxity.  

For people who long for a newly defined chin and jawline, it is anticipated that this new treatment option will be commercially available in 2015.