ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection) in submental fat reduction: an objective outcome study

Abstract

**Background**: ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection) causes irreversible adipocytolysis and has been studied in multiple clinical trials. It is a Therapeutic Goods and Administration (TGA) approved treatment for minimally invasive reduction of excess submental fat. We present a case series of four consecutive patients who underwent serial ATX-101 (treatment sessions). **Methods**: Each patient underwent between three and four injection sessions with ATX-101 according to manufacturer’s recommendations, spaced six weeks apart. High resolution 3D surface scans were performed pre- and post-ATX-101 treatment and a FACE-Q survey was also completed pre- and post-treatment. **Results**: The submental profiles for each patient were analysed pre- and post-treatment. These demonstrated a mean reduction of the maximum submental fat pad thickness of 4 mm. FACE-Q surveys showed improvement in patient satisfaction in their submental ap-pearance. Apart from pain associated with the injection of ATX-101, we did not encounter other adverse reactions in our patient group.**Conclusions**: This is the first study to analyse the outcome of ATX-101 using high resolution surface scans of the submental area. The reduction in thickness of the submental fat by 4 mm demonstrates clinical effectiveness of ATX-101 in treatment of excess submental fat six weeks after treatment.