V-olet (double chin)
An injection approved for submental fat
V-olet is an injectable approved by Korea's MFDS for improving fat under the chin. Its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid (DCA), is a secondary bile acid that occurs in the body and emulsifies fat. Placed into the submental fat pad it disrupts the membrane of the fat cells there, so the aim is to reduce the number of cells rather than only their size.
※ The final plan and cost are confirmed by your physician after an in-person examination at the clinic. Results and recovery vary by individual.
What it is, and what it acts on
Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid the body already produces to emulsify dietary fat. In this preparation it is delivered directly into the fat under the chin, where it breaks down the fat cell membrane.
There is a second half to the process. As macrophages clear the cell debris, fibroblast activity increases and collagen forms in the same area — which is why the treatment is described as supporting skin firmness under the jaw as well as reducing the fat pad. It is also the reason swelling is part of the process rather than a sign that something went wrong.
The four stages
- 01Fat cellsThe submental fat pad before treatment.
- 02The cell membrane is disruptedDeoxycholic acid acts on the membrane of the fat cells in the injected area.
- 03Macrophages move in, fibroblasts multiplyThe body clears the cell debris. This clearance phase is where most of the visible swelling comes from.
- 04Collagen formsFibroblast activity leads to collagen synthesis in the treated area, supporting firmness of the skin under the jaw.
Contouring injections and DCA injections
Both are given under the chin, and patients often assume they are the same thing.
| General contouring injection | DCA injection | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reduces the size of the fat cells | Disrupts the fat cell membrane |
| What changes | The fat pad becomes smaller while the cells remain | The number of fat cells in the treated area is reduced |
| Over time | Cells that shrank can return to their previous size | Cells that are broken down are cleared by the body rather than shrinking back |
The essentials
How we handle it
This is a straightforward injection to give and an easy one to give badly. These are the parts we hold to.
What to expect, and when
Response varies between individuals. This is the course we describe at consultation.
Questions we are asked most
How many sessions will I need?
DCA injections are usually given as a course of two to three sessions with at least one month between them. How many you need is discussed after examining the fat pad.
How long is the recovery?
You can return to ordinary activity the same day, but plan for visible swelling. It commonly lasts more than a week, and it is part of the process rather than a complication.
When will I see the result?
Change under the chin can generally be assessed from about one month after the session.
I am flying home in three days. Should I have it now?
We would usually say no, and we will tell you so. If you are travelling for an event, a treatment whose swelling peaks in the first week is not the one to have on a short trip. We would rather plan it for a visit with more margin.
What should I avoid afterwards?
Avoid heat: saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths and heat packs are best kept away from the treated area while swelling settles.
※ As with any injection, pain, swelling and light bruising can occur and usually settle on their own; with this treatment swelling may last more than a week. Effect, duration and sensation vary by individual, and no outcome is guaranteed. Suitability, the number of sessions and the injection plan are confirmed by your physician at consultation — please tell us about medication and medical history beforehand.
What we look at before anything is switched on
You have read this far. Start with one photo.
Free, one-on-one, and nothing is decided until you see the plan in person.
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