Deoxycholic acid.
A derivative of the body's own bile acid used as the active substance in injection lipolysis to dissolve fat-cell membranes. Licensed for fat under the chin.
Deoxycholic acid explained: role in injection lipolysis, licensing for the double chin, mode of action on fat cells, swelling and risks.
A closer look.
Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid the body produces itself to emulsify dietary fats. Produced synthetically and injected into a fat deposit, it dissolves the membrane of the fat cells (adipocytolysis). The cell remnants are broken down and excreted via normal metabolic pathways.
In Germany a deoxycholic acid product has been licensed since 2016 for moderate to severe submental fat – the double chin. Other areas are treated off-label, which physicians may do but which requires specific consent. Older lipolysis products contained phosphatidylcholine.
The injection triggers a controlled inflammatory reaction; the marked swelling in the first days is therefore part of the effect. Risks are bruising, numbness, hardening and – at the chin – rarely a temporary weakness of the nerve to the corner of the mouth. Not suitable in pregnancy, with infections or liver disease.
This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).
At a glance.
A question about Deoxycholic acid? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions.
Is deoxycholic acid dangerous?
Not at the licensed dose and with correct injection into fat tissue. Placement is decisive – hence physicians only.
Why does it swell so much?
The inflammatory reaction is the mechanism by which the fat cells are broken down.
Sources and further reading.
- DGPRÄC – German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
- BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
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