FDA Recommends Approval Of New Drug To Treat Double Chins
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Double chin got you down? Soon you may have a shot for that.
"If it's a simple injection and it's painless, and it's going to help me feel better about myself, yeah, I'd do it," says one man.
"The trend has been finding things that are non-invasive, with little to no risk, little to no down time, that can make an improvement," says plastic surgeon Dr. Leo McCafferty.
An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommends approval of an injectable drug called deoxycholic acid which dissolves fat. In studies of injections under the chin, MRI scans showed decreased fat over several weeks.
"It doesn't involve a very expensive piece of equipment, like a laser which might cost $100,000. It involves a syringe, the product and the needle," Dr. McCafferty explains.
The only options currently available include neck lifts and liposuction, which can cost $800 to $2,500.
To show reasonable expectations, the plastic surgeon demonstrated on KDKA's Dr. Maria Simbra with 3D imaging.
The injections are best suited for those with good skin tone. The product will not tighten loose skin, but will shrink a small pouch of fat.
"I think this is just another tool that we'll have, but it isn't going to be a panacea for all double chins," Dr. McCafferty emphasizes.
While pricing has not yet been worked out, it will likely have a similar cost to Botox.
No matter what the expense, it's all too much for some folks.
"I would just go run outside, and get rid of it, rather than doing anything artificial," says one woman.
"I think it's ridiculous. Just live with what you have," says a man.
The FDA's final decision is expected in May. The FDA usually follows the recommendations of its advisory panels.
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