Jowl Reduction With Deoxycholic Acid

BACKGROUND The study proposes a novel protocol for targeting the jowls using deoxycholic acid (DCA) injections, with emphasis on safety and feasibility of the procedure. METHODS This prospective study was conducted at a cosmetic practice between June 2016 and May 2017. Twelve consecutive patients seeking reduction/improvement in mild/moderate jowl fat were injected with DCA subcutaneously in a predefined circular area 1.0 cm above the mandibular border. Treatment response was assessed using physician-evaluated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Subject GAIS. RESULTS Twelve patients (11 women and 1 man) with mild ( n = 8) or moderate ( n = 4) jowls were treated. After the first treatment, GAIS responses for 24 jowls showed 5 jowls with vast improvement, 15 with moderate improvement, and 4 with no change. After the second session for 5 jowls in 3 patients, GAIS responses showed vast improvement in 4 jowls and moderate improvement in 1. Adverse events included induration ( n = 4), bruising ( n = 6), numbness ( n = 2), pain ( n = 5), redness ( n = 3), edema ( n = 9), and dysphagia ( n = 1). CONCLUSION Results of this early experience showed that DCA injections were safe and effective for nonsurgical jowl reduction.