Deoxycholic Acid

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Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid that the body uses to help break down dietary fat. In medical aesthetics, a purified injectable form—sold in Canada as Belkyra—is used to reduce a “double chin” by permanently destroying fat cells beneath the chin. It is the injectable authorized by Health Canada specifically for this purpose, offering a non-surgical option for fullness under the jaw.

Editorial profile macro of a woman's naturally defined jawline and under-chin — deoxycholic acid (Belkyra) for submental fat — Revel Beauty Club

At a glance

  • What it is: A bile acid; as an injectable (Belkyra in Canada, Kybella elsewhere) it dissolves fat cells
  • Treats: Moderate-to-severe submental fat—fullness beneath the chin (“double chin”)
  • How it works: Adipocytolysis—it destroys fat-cell membranes; the body clears the debris and those cells don’t return
  • Treatment: A series of small injections under the chin, up to six sessions at least a month apart
  • Results: Long-lasting, because the treated fat cells are permanently removed
  • Key safety: Swelling and bruising are common; a specially trained injector is essential

What is deoxycholic acid?

Deoxycholic acid (also called sodium deoxycholate) is a bile salt that occurs naturally in the body, where it helps emulsify and absorb fat during digestion.[2] Purified and formulated as an injectable, it becomes a targeted fat-reducing treatment. In Canada it is sold as Belkyra (known as Kybella in the United States) and is Health Canada–authorized to improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe fullness beneath the chin in adults.[1]

How it works: destroying fat cells

When injected into the subcutaneous fat under the chin, deoxycholic acid disrupts the membranes of fat cells, causing them to break down—a process called adipocytolysis.[2] The body’s immune cells then gradually clear away the released fat and cellular debris over the following weeks. Because the fat cells themselves are destroyed rather than simply emptied, they cannot store fat again, which is why the result is considered long-lasting.[2] The formulation is designed to act on fat while largely sparing the overlying skin and muscle.

What it treats: the double chin

Deoxycholic acid is used specifically for submental fat—the pocket of fullness below the chin often called a double chin—that can persist regardless of diet or exercise.[1] It is a contouring treatment, not a weight-loss tool, and works best for a defined pocket of fat rather than generalised fullness. It sits within the broader field of body contouring and is one of several approaches to reducing localised fat, alongside options such as cryolipolysis; the right choice depends on the area and the individual.

What a treatment course involves

Treatment is delivered as a series of small injections spaced across the area under the chin during each visit. According to the Canadian monograph, sessions are given at least one month apart, up to a maximum of six treatments, with the number tailored to the amount of fat and the desired result.[1] Each session is relatively quick, and the full effect builds gradually over the treatment course as the fat is cleared.

Recovery and side effects

Some downtime is expected, and swelling in particular can be pronounced in the first days—part of the intended inflammatory response as fat cells break down. In clinical use, common effects included swelling (reported in the large majority of patients), bruising, numbness, pain and firmness under the chin, most of which resolve over days to weeks.[1][2] Planning treatment with some social downtime in mind is sensible.

Safety and choosing a provider

Because the injection sits near important structures, technique and anatomical knowledge are critical. The most notable risk is injury to the marginal mandibular nerve, which can cause a temporary asymmetric smile or facial-muscle weakness (reported in roughly 4% of treated patients and usually resolving over weeks), along with a smaller risk of temporary difficulty swallowing; rare serious effects such as ulceration, tissue necrosis or infection at the injection site have also been reported.[1] For these reasons, deoxycholic acid must be administered only by a specially trained healthcare professional after a proper assessment. At Revel, submental treatments are offered as part of our face treatments.

Related glossary terms

Clinical & editorial sources

  1. AbbVie Corporation. BELKYRA (deoxycholic acid) Product Monograph. Health Canada–authorized labelling. abbvie.ca
  2. Humphrey S, Beleznay K, Carruthers JDA. Sodium Deoxycholate (Belkyra™, Kybella®) for Submental Contouring. Skin Therapy Letter. 2016;21(5). skintherapyletter.com

This glossary entry provides general educational information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment or medical advice.

Clinically reviewed by: Leah Zawawi, RPN | Medical Aesthetics & Injectables.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

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