What It Is
A Deoxycholic Acid Injection is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that targets small, localized fat deposits — most commonly under the chin (submental fat, or double chin). Deoxycholic acid is a synthetic form of a naturally occurring bile acid in the body that helps break down dietary fat.
When injected into fat tissue, deoxycholic acid:
- Disrupts the cell membrane of fat cells, causing them to break apart.
- The destroyed fat cells are then absorbed and eliminated by the body’s natural metabolic processes.
- Provides permanent reduction in fat cells in the treated area.
In Korea, deoxycholic acid injections are a top choice for patients seeking V-line facial slimming, double chin reduction, or contour refinement without surgery. This treatment is often referred to as Kybella (FDA-approved version) in the US, while in Korea, clinics use both Kybella and specialized Korean lipolysis solutions tailored for facial harmony.
Why It’s Done
Patients choose deoxycholic acid injections for several reasons:
➝ Double chin reduction → Permanently removes stubborn submental fat.
➝ V-line contouring → Refines the jawline for a sharper, slimmer look.
➝ Localized fat removal → Works for areas like jowls, bra bulges, or knees.
➝ Non-surgical alternative → Avoids liposuction and its downtime.
➝ Confidence enhancement → Improves facial proportions and side profile.
In Korean beauty culture, where the V-line jaw shape is highly desired, deoxycholic acid injections are among the most popular treatments for both younger patients (aesthetic contouring) and older patients (anti-aging definition).
Alternatives
Although deoxycholic acid injections are effective, alternatives may suit different cases:
- Fat Dissolving Injections (Mesotherapy blends) → Korean formulas often mix vitamins, enzymes, and plant extracts.
- Submental Lipolysis cocktails → Variations of fat-dissolving solutions.
- HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy, Doublo) → Tightens the skin, improves definition but doesn’t directly reduce fat.
- Thermage FLX (monopolar RF) → Firms lax skin, often combined with fat reduction.
- Thread lifts (PDO/PLLA/PCL) → Lifts sagging skin but does not dissolve fat.
- Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) → Freezes fat, more common for body areas than the chin.
- Liposuction → Surgical, immediate results, but invasive with downtime.
In Korea, combination treatments are very common:
- Deoxycholic acid + HIFU → Fat reduction plus tightening.
- Deoxycholic acid + Threads → Fat reduction plus lifting.
- Deoxycholic acid + Fillers (for chin/temple balance) → Slimming plus contour harmony.
Preparation
Preparation ensures safe and effective treatment:
➝ Consultation & assessment → Doctors evaluate fat thickness and skin laxity.
➝ Medical history review → Patients disclose allergies, medications, and prior chin treatments.
➝ Avoid blood thinners → Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, or supplements 5–7 days before (with medical advice).
➝ No alcohol or smoking → At least 48 hours before treatment.
➝ Hydration → Drinking water supports fat metabolism.
➝ Numbing → Topical cream or local anesthetic applied to injection sites.
How It’s Done
A deoxycholic acid injection session takes 20–40 minutes:
- Cleansing & sterilization → The treatment area (usually under the chin) is disinfected.
- Marking injection grid → A guide is drawn to ensure even distribution.
- Numbing → Topical or local anesthesia is applied.
- Injection process →
- A fine needle delivers small amounts of deoxycholic acid into multiple points.
- The solution begins breaking down fat cells.
- Post-care → Ice packs applied to minimize swelling and discomfort.
Treatment plan:
- 2–4 sessions → Spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
- Results visible → Gradual, typically over 4–12 weeks as fat metabolizes.
Recovery
Recovery is short compared to surgery, but swelling is expected:
- Immediately after → Redness, mild pain, and swelling under the chin.
- Day 1–7 → Noticeable swelling, sometimes giving a “fuller” look temporarily.
- Week 2–3 → Swelling subsides, contour begins improving.
- Month 1–3 → Fat reduction becomes more visible.
- Month 3–6 → Final results, with sharper, slimmer jawline.
Aftercare recommendations:
➝ Apply ice packs in the first 24 hours.
➝ Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the chin.
➝ Sleep with head elevated for the first week.
➝ Avoid alcohol, saunas, and intense workouts for 3–5 days.
➝ Maintain weight with a balanced diet to prolong results.
Korean clinics may include LED healing therapy, cooling packs, and anti-swelling creams in aftercare.
Complications
Deoxycholic acid injections are safe but may cause temporary side effects:
➝ Swelling and bruising → Very common, resolves in days to weeks.
➝ Tenderness and numbness → Due to nerve irritation, temporary.
➝ Firmness or hardness → As fat breaks down, fades naturally.
➝ Asymmetry → Avoided with precise injection mapping.
➝ Difficulty swallowing (rare) → From swelling, temporary.
➝ Infection (rare) → Prevented with sterile procedure.
Korean doctors reduce risks by using FDA/KFDA-approved solutions, refined injection grids, and highly precise dosing.
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea is a global leader in non-surgical facial contouring, and deoxycholic acid injections are widely offered.
1. Common Solutions in Korea
- Kybella (FDA-approved) → Standardized deoxycholic acid injection.
- Korean lipolysis cocktails → Customized solutions often blended with vitamins for less swelling.
- V-line injections → Specialized fat-dissolving formulas for facial slimming.
Final Thoughts
Deoxycholic Acid Injection in Korea is one of the most effective non-surgical solutions for double chin and facial slimming. By permanently destroying fat cells in localized areas, it helps patients achieve the sharp, youthful jawline and V-line highly valued in Korean beauty culture.
Korean clinics excel in customizing injections, combining them with HIFU, Thermage, or thread lifts, and providing advanced aftercare. For patients seeking a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to surgical fat removal, deoxycholic acid injections in Korea are among the most advanced and trusted options worldwide.
