Many people find that although dieting brought their weight down, the fat under the chin stayed put. If treatments such as a lipolysis contouring injection left the change hard to feel, it may be time to look at the V-OLET injection, which acts on the fat cells themselves. This article sets out V-OLET's mechanism, how it differs from contouring injections, and the reactions that follow treatment — things worth knowing in advance.
What kind of injection is V-OLET?
V-OLET is an injectable launched by Daewoong Pharmaceutical in 2021 and approved by Korea's MFDS for the improvement of submental fat. Its main ingredient, deoxycholic acid, is similar to a substance found in bile within the body, and it emulsifies fat and breaks down the membrane of fat cells. Injected into an area with excess fat, it acts in the direction of reducing the number of fat cells in that area. One vial contains 2cc of colourless liquid.
The mechanism differs from a contouring injection
Many people place contouring injections and V-OLET in the same category, but they work differently. A contouring injection is closer to temporarily reducing the size of the fat within fat cells, whereas V-OLET works by eliminating the fat cells themselves, so the nature of the approach differs. An action supporting collagen synthesis at the injection site has also been reported, so skin firmness where the fat has reduced can be considered alongside.
Swelling and a heavy ache afterwards are expected reactions
There is something to know in advance. The process by which V-OLET breaks down fat cell membranes is accompanied by an inflammatory response, and because of this, swelling and a dull, heavy discomfort can continue for two weeks and sometimes as long as a month. This is a natural course arising as the drug acts, but without knowing this it is easy to mistake it for a side effect. We suggest deciding only once you fully understand that the downtime is not short.
Why the practitioner's experience matters especially here
Nerves, blood vessels and fascia run around the fat layer. Injecting outside the target fat layer can damage these structures, so with V-OLET, anatomical understanding and injection experience shape both the result and safety. Rather than a place that simply injects quickly and sends you on your way without consultation, choose a clinic that begins by considering whether V-OLET is the right method for the state of your own submental area.
How Skinique Clinic proceeds
Treatment begins with a consultation by the director in person. Not every double chin is caused by fat alone; the type where fat accumulation is compounded by skin laxity is also common. Where laxity is present, we explain that lifting-type treatments may also help, then check the extent of the fat and decide together whether to proceed. It is our principle to say frankly that V-OLET is not the answer to every double chin.
Once treatment is decided, the area is calmed with a cold compress rather than a separate anaesthetic, and preparation begins straight away.
At this point the unopened new product and its expiry date are shown to you directly in the treatment room, and the full 2cc is drawn into the syringe there and then.
During the treatment itself, the injection is given swiftly while keeping to the depth at which V-OLET should enter only the fat layer where it is meant to act.
Once the injection is finished, the area is settled briefly with an ice pack and you can go home.
How many sessions are needed?
Where there is a large volume of submental fat, rather than expecting a clear change from a single session, it is usual to proceed over two to three sessions while observing the course. If the type is one where loss of skin firmness is compounded with the fat, combining with lifting treatments such as Ultherapy can be reviewed together during consultation. The pace and degree of response vary between individuals.
Detailed costs can be found on the price guide.
In summary
V-OLET is an MFDS-approved injectable that uses deoxycholic acid to reduce the number of fat cells under the chin, and its mechanism differs from contouring injections that temporarily reduce fat size. That said, swelling and heaviness can continue for several weeks and the practitioner's experience matters, so please decide after a thorough consultation. If you are wondering which method suits your own double chin, ask via a chat consultation on the approach that suits me.
This article was written by Dr. Park Tae-hyung. He is the chief director of Skinique Clinic and serves as academic director of the Korean Society for Laser Dermatology and Trichology. First published 9 September 2023 · Last reviewed 24 August 2026
This text is general medical information. Skin condition and response to treatment vary between individuals. Whether and how to treat should be decided through consultation.