Deoxycholic Acid Injection for Submental Fat Necrosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nonsurgical methods for reducing localized subcutaneous fat, particularly in the submental area, lack effective and safe alternatives to invasive surgical procedures, with existing compositions like phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate not being FDA-approved and carrying risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving subcutaneous injections of deoxycholic acid or its salt into the submental fat area, with specific concentrations and treatment schedules to achieve fat cell necrosis, using compositions like 0.5% to 1% sodium deoxycholate solutions, administered in a grid pattern to effectively reduce fat deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical procedures like liposuction are used to remove submental fat, then fat removal effectiveness is improved, but risks of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and scarring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical removal (liposuction) with a chemical/biological mechanism (deoxycholic acid-induced fat cell necrosis). The injection solution chemically destroys fat cells through necrosis rather than mechanically suctioning them out, thereby eliminating surgical risks while maintaining fat removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces deoxycholic acid as an intermediary substance that mediates fat cell destruction. Instead of direct mechanical removal, the acid acts as a mediator that triggers controlled necrosis of fat cells, which are then naturally processed and removed by the body's immune system
2Adaptability or versatility
If unapproved PC/DC mixtures are used for fat reduction, then treatment availability is improved, but safety and regulatory compliance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of deoxycholic acid to an optimized range (0.5%-2.0%) that balances efficacy and safety. This parameter optimization allows the treatment to be both effective and safe, unlike unapproved mixtures with unknown concentrations, while maintaining treatment availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable injection solution that is administered in controlled sessions. Each treatment session uses a fresh, sterile, FDA-approved solution, eliminating the safety risks associated with compounding and storage of unapproved mixtures while maintaining treatment accessibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves significant reduction in submental fat deposits with modest adverse effects, improving cosmetic appearance by reducing the double chin appearance, as demonstrated by clinical studies showing statistically significant improvements in fat rating scales and patient-reported satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
employ compositions having specific concentrations of a salt of deoxycholic acid which provides a superior fat cell necrosis
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to compositions, kits and methods for non-surgical reduction of localized subcutaneous fat such as that associated with a cosmetic fat accumulation. The methods employ compositions having specific concentrations of a salt of deoxycholic acid which provides a superior fat cell necrosis with modest adverse effects. Examples of localized subcutaneous fat are found in the submental area, in particular under the chin.