A new jab to cure a double chin could soon be on offer.
The pioneering treatment means pockets of unsightly fat around the jaw could be banished without surgery or dieting, scientists say.
The treatment involves injecting a specially-formulated chemical, ATX-101, into the skin to kill off fat cells under the chin, known as "submental fat", or double chins.
If US watchdogs approve the treatment, regulators around the world could follow, to bring the first injections for double chins to market.
While injectable drugs such as Botox and dermal fillers can plump and smooth the face, tackling a double chin usually means more radical surgery.
ATX-101 is a version of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that occurs naturally in the body to help destroy fat. It reduces submental fat by irreversibly disrupting fat cell membranes and causing destruction of fat cells.
The injections have been tested on 1600 patients in clinical trials across Europe and the US. Manufacturers Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc said more than 90% of those who tried the drug maintained a meaningful reduction of fat after two years.
At present, people who are unhappy with a double chin can try liposuction or neck and face lifts to get rid of the excess flesh. But the invasive treatments are not suitable for everyone and require anaesthesia, an operating room and qualified staff.
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