Until recently, people who had excess fat on or around the chin area would have to resort to plastic surgery in order to remove it. However, a recent breakthrough in the form of an injectable drug promises to offer these patients a non-surgical solution to help them in their quest for chin fat reduction.
Introducing ATX-101
New research in the field of fat reduction was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) in April. Steven H. Dayan, a doctor in Chicago, Illinois, presented data from clinical trials of the drug. He stated, “An unfavorable profile can make people look older and heavier, negatively affect self-esteem, and cannot usually be significantly altered by diet or exercise. We are excited to present trial results on this potential first-in-class sub-mental contouring injectable, which, if approved, could offer physicians and their patients a non-surgical option to eliminate fat under the chin, resulting in a thinner and more contoured profile and jawline.”
Results of Clinical Trials
Patients who received these injections to assist with chin fat reduction noted that, after receiving them, their chin areas looked thinner and more youthful, especially when compared to patients who had received the placebo treatment option during the trial period. Around 80% of those who were injected with the ATX-101 experienced a one grade or more improvement in the clinician sub-mental fat ratings, regardless of age, gender, BMI or race. After receiving two or more treatments, 71.5% of candidates noticed significant chin fat reduction.
Little to no Side Effects Experienced
Not only did patients experience substantial fat reduction in their chin areas; it was also noted in the trial that very few side effects were experienced. More than 80% of the candidates reported that the side effects they experienced could be classified as mild, with only a little over 1% of patients discontinuing their trials as a result thereof. The most commonly reported side effects included numbness, pain, swelling and bruising at the site of the injections, of which most patients stated that these effects diminished after having the first round of treatment.
How ATX-101 Works
This drug is a proprietary formulation of a purified synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule which is able to help break down fat in the body. When injected into the chin area, it destroys the fat cells present there, while also contouring the chin. ATX-101 has been evaluated in double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized clinical trials throughout the US and Canada, which involved more than 2,500 people who suffer from excessive fat around their chins.
With the results of these studies looking as promising as this, patients who are embarrassed by their double chins may soon have a more viable alternative to plastic surgery. If you suffer from any medical conditions however, you may need to discuss this with your doctor or cosmetic surgeon before having the injections to ensure that no negative interactions will be experienced as a result.
Image Source: Flickr/Creative Commons/Caitlin Regan
