Efficacy and safety of injectable deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of deoxycholic acid (DOC) for SMF reduction. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until June 2020. Efficacy outcomes: Clinician-Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale; Patient-Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale; Subject Self-Rating Scale; SMF reduction measured using caliper and resonance magnetic imaging; Early therapeutic success. Safety outcomes: Withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs), Rates of AEs, Skin laxity. Results: Five studies were included, comprising 1,838 participants. DOC (1 or 2 mg/cm(2)) had greater improvement in all efficacy measures compared to placebo. No differences were seen between both doses of DOC. Withdrawals due to AEs were low with 1 and 2 mg/cm(2) of DOC (6.8% vs. 9.9%, respectively), and there was no difference between the two doses (p = 0.22). AEs were usually associated with the injection site, were predominantly transient, and commonly resolved within the treatment session interval. Injection site pain, hematoma, anesthesia/numbness, erythema, and swelling/edema were the most common AEs. There was no difference in their prevalence between both doses of DOC. Conclusions: DOC is effective and safe for SMF reduction with no differences between doses of 1 and 2 mg/cm(2).

Automated summary

The research indicates that deoxycholic acid is effective and safe for submental fat reduction, with no significant differences between different doses of deoxycholic acid.