Researchers have developed a new jab that could banish a double chin, without the need for surgery or dieting.
The treatment involves injecting a specially-formulated chemical - known as ATX-101 - into the skin to kill off fat cells under the chin, known as 'submental fat', or double chins.
While injectable drugs such as Botox and dermal fillers can plump and smooth the face, tackling a double chin usually means more radical surgery.
The new drug is a version of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that occurs naturally in the body to help destroy fat, 'The Telegraph' reported.
It reduces submental fat by irreversibly disrupting fat cell membranes and causing destruction of fat cells.
The injections have been tested on 1,600 patients in clinical trials across Europe and the US.
Manufacturers Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc in the US said more than 90 per cent of those who tried the drug maintained a meaningful reduction of fat after two years.
Currently, those who are unhappy with a double chin can try liposuction or neck and face lifts to get rid of the excess.
But the invasive treatments are not suitable for everyone, and require anaesthesia, an operating room and qualified staff, increasing risks and costs.
