Safety and Efficacy of Deoxycholic Acid for Reduction of Upper Inner Thigh Fat

Abstract

Background: Deoxycholic acid is an FDA-approved injectable for treatment of excess submental fat. Objective: Study purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deoxycholic acid for reduction of upper inner thigh fat. Methods and Materials: Fifteen subjects received 2–4 treatment sessions of deoxycholic acid 10 mg/mL injected into upper inner thigh fat. Subjects were followed to 12 weeks after last treatment. Adverse events were monitored. Efficacy measures were changes in thigh circumference, upper inner thigh skin fold thickness, and “thigh gap;” and percent accuracy by two independent blinded physicians in identifying post-treatment photographs. Patient satisfaction was assessed with questionnaires. Results: There were no serious adverse events. All patients experienced expected side effects. At 12-week follow-up, decreases in thigh circumference (average change -2.2 cm) and upper inner thigh skin fold thickness (average change -8.8 mm) were observed. Average increase in “thigh gap” was 1.6 cm. Two blinded investigators correctly identified the post-treatment photograph for 83% of patients. On Subject Self-Rating Scale (6-point scale), there was average +3.0 improvement; 86% of patients were satisfied with treatment. Conclusion: Deoxycholic acid injection was safe and effective for reduction of upper inner thigh fat in this Phase I study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(1):66-70. doi:10.36849/JDD.5919Deoxycholic Acid