Fat-dissolving
Fat-dissolving injections are a non-surgical treatment designed to reduce small, stubborn pockets of fat in areas such as the chin, abdomen, thighs and love handles. They are not a weight-loss treatment.
Book an appointment →Understanding Fat-dissolving
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Background
How Did Fat-Dissolving Injections Develop?
Injection treatments for localised fat grew out of mesotherapy in Europe and South America, and became popular in the early 2000s under names such as “injection lipolysis”. The earliest formulations combined phosphatidylcholine (PC) with deoxycholic acid (DC). Their rapid uptake attracted scrutiny from regulators and the media, as there was little good-quality evidence at the time[2].
Laboratory research then showed that deoxycholic acid, which is similar to a bile acid the body naturally uses to break down dietary fat, was largely responsible for destroying fat cells[1]. This led to more structured research, particularly for fat under the chin.
Mesotherapythe origin of injection lipolysisPC + DCthe first fat-dissolving formulationsScrutinyearly use outpaced the evidenceResearchdeoxycholic acid identified as the key activeFigure 1. How fat-dissolving injections developed.
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Modern Scientific Perspective
How Do Fat-Dissolving Injections Work?
The compounds in fat-dissolving injections act like a detergent on fat cells. They disrupt the cell membrane, the released fat is gradually cleared by the body, and the treated area slowly becomes less full[1].
Fat-dissolving injection
into a localised fat pocketDetergent effectDeoxycholic acid disrupts fat-cell membranes in the treated area.ClearanceThe body’s natural inflammatory and healing processes remove the released fat over several weeks.Contour changeFullness in the area may gradually reduce.Figure 2. How fat-dissolving injections are thought to work[1].
The strongest evidence is for fat under the chin, where a meta-analysis of randomised trials found that a licensed deoxycholic acid injection reduced fat compared with placebo, with mostly temporary injection-site side effects[3]. Evidence for other body areas, and for many of the products used in clinics, is much more limited[2]. Results vary between individuals and usually need several sessions. Fat-dissolving injections are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, and are not suitable for weight loss.
References
- Rotunda AM, Suzuki H, Moy RL, Kolodney MS. Detergent effects of sodium deoxycholate are a major feature of an injectable phosphatidylcholine formulation used for localized fat dissolution. Dermatologic Surgery. 2004;30(7):1001–1008. doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30305.x
- Duncan D, Rotunda AM. Injectable therapies for localized fat loss: state of the art. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2011;38(3):489–501. doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2011.02.005
- Cunha KS, Lima F, Cardoso RM. Efficacy and safety of injectable deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2021;14(3):383–397. doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1884070
What you need to know
- 1Before your treatment
What to Prepare
10 days before:
- Avoid aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), fish oil, ginkgo biloba, St John’s wort and high-dose vitamin E, as these may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. A regular multivitamin and paracetamol are usually fine if not otherwise contraindicated. Please do not stop any medicine prescribed by your doctor without speaking to them first.
- Tell us if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex) on the face.
- Avoid dental procedures and direct sun exposure.
24 hours before:
- Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing or hair-removal creams on the area to be treated.
- Eat a small meal or snack before your appointment.
Please tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any allergies (including to soya, as some formulations contain soya-derived phosphatidylcholine), have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication, have an infection in the area, or have had surgery or other treatment in the area. Your practitioner will check that the treatment is suitable for you.
- 2During your treatment
What to Expect
- Your practitioner will assess the area, check that the treatment is suitable and discuss possible side effects with you.
- The skin is cleansed and the area to be treated is marked.
- A series of small injections is given into the fat using a fine needle.
- You may feel stinging, burning or warmth for a short time afterwards.
- 3After your treatment
Aftercare
- For facial injections, keep your head upright and avoid touching the treated area for at least 6 hours.
- Avoid heat exposure such as sunbeds and saunas for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid strenuous activity or vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid high-pressure activities such as diving and flying for 72 hours.
- Avoid any other facial treatment or massage for 1 month, and dental procedures for 2 weeks.
- No laser treatment for 2 weeks.
- Use SPF 50 daily.
Swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising and numbness in the treated area are common and can last several days, sometimes longer. Contact us if you notice increasing pain, heat, skin changes, or anything that concerns you.
Who fat-dissolving injections are for
Fat-dissolving injections are often chosen by people close to a healthy weight who have small areas of stubborn fat. These are some of the most common reasons our patients ask about them.
Double chin
Fat under the chin, the area with the strongest evidence for this treatment.
Learn more →
Jawline definition
Fullness that softens the jawline.
Abdomen
Small pockets of stubborn fat on the stomach.
Love handles
Fat on the flanks that has not responded to diet and exercise.
Thighs
Small, localised areas of fat on the inner or outer thighs.
Bra-line and arms
Small fat pockets around the bra line or upper arms.
Non-surgical preference
People who would prefer to avoid liposuction and a long recovery.
Your practitioner will assess whether fat-dissolving injections are right for you at your consultation. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a weight-loss treatment?
Which areas can be treated?
How many sessions will I need?
What are the side effects?
Are the results permanent?
Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.
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