Mumbai  : Once they cross the age of 50, majority of Indians tend to develop double chin (“submental fullness”) as part of the ageing process, which looks ungainly and lends a weighty, older appearance to the face. Administering injections of deoxycholic acid (DCA) has been a long-standing and effective non-surgical therapy for reduction of fat deposits around the chin and neck area. However, most Indians cannot access or afford this treatment. The reason: Not only are proprietary DCA formulations such as Kybella (US) and Belkyra (Canada) very expensive, they are also not available in India currently as they do not have approval of the Indian FDA.

Now, some good news for Indian patients looking for ways to reduce their chin fat. A new study has revealed that generic DCA, which is comparatively inexpensive and widely available in India, is equally effective in getting rid of fat deposits on neck and lower third of the face. The study, conducted by Director of The Esthetic Clinics Dr. Debraj Shome and renowned dermatologist Dr. Rinky Kapoor, involved 50 Indian patients between the age of 20 and 63. Its findings have been published in the March 2019 edition of “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology,” one of the most respected, peer-reviewed journals in dermatology in the US.

The study is scientific validation of the hypothesis that generic DCA works to reduce facial fat on Indian patients facing double-chin problem. The results of this rejuvenation therapy are valid, long lasting and reproducible in multiple patients, according to researchers.

Said Dr. Debraj Shome, who is a renowned Cosmetic Surgeon: “Indians age in a different way than Caucasians (whites). The lower part of their face and neck are majorly affected with symptoms of ageing once they cross the age of 50. These areas become heavier with fat deposits, their distinction is blurred, and they tend to appear as one homogenous mass. The problem of double chin becomes prominent in this age group, people lose their youthful look and appear heavier than they actually are. Many prefer to undergo neck lift surgery or neck liposuction surgery to get rid of all the fat around their lower face and neck. However, opting for a DCA injection is much less morbid and risky and produces the same results. Our study has shown that generic DCA, commonly available in India, is also quite effective in the treatment of double chin, and patients have a ready and inexpensive solution to facial ageing.”

Said Dr. Rinky Kapoor: “Submental fat is not only aesthetically unappealing, it can also have a negative psychological impact on patients. The problem is widespread in India. Once they are on the wrong side of 50, about 95 percent of Indians tend to develop a neck that is heavier compared to their youth. Our study shows that there is no need for them to go for expensive branded DCA options which cost USD 4,000 or more. Treatment of fat deposits around lower face and neck region with generic DCA produces good results, and it is available at one-tenth the cost. This makes the treatment much more affordable and accessible to the common Indian. Also, DCA treatment is an OPD procedure, and no hospitalization is required. For Indian surgeons already treating patients of double chin with injections of generic DCA, the study gives the much-needed scientific validation to the treatment and removes all doubts.”

The surgeons behind the study now intend to begin clinical trials to study the effect of generic DCA on reduction of bunny rolls on arms, love handles, back rolls and even the bikini line since the structure of fat cells is similar across all areas of the body.

Facial aesthetic surgical procedures such as face and neck lifts are among the top cosmetic surgical procedures performed annually, but they can lead to serious complications and substantial recovery times. In this scenario, non-invasive treatment with DCA is increasingly getting popular. It promises to be long lasting if patients maintain their weight and follow a healthy lifestyle, surgeons said.