Deoxycholic acid (DCA)
Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is a cytolytic medicine: it disrupts cells. In the United States, approved deoxycholic acid injections are used in adults to improve moderate-to-severe fullness from submental fat, the fat beneath the chin. That authorisation does not cover treatment of fat throughout the body.
Compare recovery and timingWhat the label does not tell you
The FDA’s September 2026 warning states that injection outside the submental region is unapproved and not recommended. Serious complications have been reported after such use. Even use under the chin can cause problems including nerve injury, difficulty swallowing and persistent injection-site nodules or masses. A label saying fat dissolving does not identify a medicine, prove its authorisation or establish that the proposed area is appropriate.
Questions to bring
What is the exact drug and is this use authorised in the treatment country? Is the fullness actually suitable submental fat rather than another problem? How will you explain nerve, swallowing and injection-site risks? Who will assess persistent swelling, nodules or an uneven smile after treatment?
Evidence and scope
FDA restrictions described here concern the United States. Authorisation in the treatment country must be checked independently.
Read the original sources
Sources describe specific products, studies or countries. They do not establish approval everywhere.
General education. Your clinician can assess your individual suitability. Rules depend on the treatment country; FDA references concern the United States. External sources may be in another language.