Having a “double chin,” can be very challenging to get rid of, even when you are consistent with a healthy diet and exercise. If you’re interested in a minimally invasive way to be free of your double chin, cellulite, saddle bags or love handles, mesotherapy with Phosphatidylcholine deoxycholate (PCDC) could be the perfect solution. PCDC uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring compound in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. The most treated areas are double chin, abdominal fat, love handles, bra fat, and more.
Mesotherapy is a medical technique that involves injecting a mixture of medications, vitamins, minerals, and other therapeutic compounds directly into the skin or subcutaneous tissue (the layer of tissue just beneath the skin) to treat a variety of conditions. Mesotherapy is most commonly associated with improving the appearance of the skin and addressing cosmetic concerns, such as reducing the appearance of cellulite, wrinkles, and sagging skin. However, it can also be used for medical purposes.
The PCDC is phosphatidylcholine deoxycholic acid which is the active ingredient in the mesotherapy treatments done in the United States. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) makes up 40 percent of our body’s cells membrane and helps. Deoxycholic acid (DC) is a bile acid naturally produced by the body and is involved in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. DC disrupts the cell membrane of the fat cells, causing them to gradually be eliminated by the body’s natural processes.
Mesotherapy involves injecting fat dissolving solution of PCDC into specific targeted treatment areas. The fat cells absorb the PCDC and become slightly inflamed and then harden. The PCDC is absorbed by the fat cells which causes them to become mildly irritated and then harden. The fat is then excreted by the body’s natural metabolism. Additionally, this procedure promotes the natural synthesis of collagen, improves the fullness, elasticity, and texture of the skin which produces a revived glow and healthier look in the skin.
Areas that can be treated with PCDC:
PCDC lipolysis (breakdown of fat cells) offers the following benefits to patients with excess submental fat:
The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness, areas of firmness, numbness, and redness, all of which resolve with time within a few days to weeks. There is also a small risk of nerve damage along the jawline that could cause trouble swallowing and/or temporary unevenness of the smile.
During an office visit, PCDC will be injected in a series of shots, using a very tiny needle. With each treatment session we disinfect the skin, mark out the treatment area, and ice the area for several minutes before the series of injections. This injection process generally takes 15 to 20 minutes. Immediately after the injection, a mild burning sensation may be felt about 3 minutes after the injection, lasting for about 5 minutes.
Once the procedure is finished, you’ll be able to leave the office and return to your daily activities immediately. To get the desired results, it will require several treatments to completely remove the fat cells in the target area. Normally, results are seen gradually over a 2 to 4 week period following each treatment.
The most common side effects include swelling at the injection area, bruising, tenderness, itching, hives, nausea, and redness. This typically resolves over the next few days but may be tender for up to two weeks due to the body’s inflammatory response. The treatment area can become firm but is a sign the treatment is working. Ice packs and arnica may be used for comfort as well.
If you have stubborn patches of fat that you can't get off through diet and exercise, small well localized deposit of subcutaneous fat, and does not want to have surgery then you are likely a great candidate. The best candidates are those with a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 and have unwanted fat deposits that just won’t go away.
Not everyone is a good candidate especially those with below signs are suggested not to have PCDC:
You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after treatment although you will have considerable amount of swelling for the first few days. We advise bringing tight clothing or something for compression to put on afterwards. Keep social plans, time in the sun, and work commitments in mind when scheduling your treatments. Swelling is normally resolved enough to return to exercising after 3 days. The remainder of swelling and inflammation will be completely resolved within one month and results will develop steadily over time as the fat disappears.
Everyone is born with a specific number of fat cells and after teenage years we do not develop more. PCDC treatments will permanently remove fat cells in the treatment area which leaves only a thin layer of cells. But if the patient gains weight, the treated area can become bigger because some fat cells still present. However, the treated area should remain proportional to the surrounding areas.
The number of treatment sessions required will vary between patients based on the amount and distribution of fat in the treatment area and personal goals. Typically, 4 to 6 sessions are needed that are 2 to 4 weeks apart. Results are permanent with additional treatments not required once the desired contour is achieved.
If you’re interested in undergoing mesotherapy with PCDC treatment, you can start the process by having a consultation with our nurse practitioner who is certified in mesotherapy with PCDC. She will discuss the treatment with you to determine your goals and whether or not it’s the right procedure for you.