Deoxycholic Acid in Submental Fat Reduction: A Review of Properties, Adverse Effects, and Complications

The 2020 review article discussed deoxycholic acid (DCA) as an FDA-approved treatment for submental fat reduction, noting its effectiveness in causing adipocyte lysis. Common adverse effects include edema, pain, bruising, and numbness, while serious complications can involve skin necrosis, nerve injury, alopecia, and vascular events. Alopecia was noted as a later-discovered side effect, mainly in female patients. The review stressed the importance of clinician awareness of these risks and the need for further research on DCA's long-term efficacy and safety, especially in older patients. Case reports within the document also described severe skin reactions, ischemia, ulcers, scars, and nerve injury following DCA injections, with some cases of alopecia partially recovering over several months. Treatments for complications varied, including antibiotics, steroids, hyperbaric oxygen, and surgery. The review concluded that while DCA shows promise, its potential for serious complications requires careful patient evaluation and treatment consideration. No conflicts of interest were declared, and the work was supported by CAPES-Brazil.