What Are Fat Dissolving Injections
It is quite common to have areas of stubborn fat that can be hard to remove through just diet and exercise. Commonly problematic areas can include beneath the chin, on the abdomen and hips, and the legs. To target stubborn fat in specific areas, fat dissolving injections is a non-surgical method that works to break down undesired pockets of fat in our body.
Also known as lipodissolve or enzymatic lipo, the treatment has been used all over the world for many years. The efficacy, reliability and side effects have been well studied and reported, and conclusions showed that is an efficient method with minimal down time and risks. For this reason, is has continuously grown in popularity.
Lipodissolve injections are not a treatment for weight loss in terms of bulk fat removal. It is rather for reduction of fat pockets in small areas, and should be followed by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
How they work
Stubborn fat pocket removal with fat dissolving injections, such as a double chin removal treatment, involves a series of injections of a mixture of substances called Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Deoxycholic acid (DC). These are what we call bile acids, which means they cause disruption and rupture of fat cells, permanently getting rid of them.
Deoxycholic acid alone already promote fat cell death, but the combination with PC leads to less pain, bruising and induration, and facilitates the drainage of the fat released. After destroyed, an inflammatory response will occur and the cell debris are then removed by action of macrophages (cells that are especially involved in ‘cleaning up’) and that induces new collagen formation and skin tightening, which reduces the chance of flabby skin after the procedure. However, this can still happen, which is why sometimes additional skin tightening procedures may be also recommended.
Most common areas for treatment
The most commonly treatment areas and concerns are:
- Double chin removal
- Abdomen
- Love Handles
- Flanks
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Knees
- Calves
- Saddle bags
Suitable candidates
Fat dissolving injections as a treatment for double chin removal or removal of stubborn fat in another target area can generally be suitable for individuals who have localised areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Good candidates for fat dissolving injections typically:
- Are in good overall health: Candidates should be in good overall health and free from any medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications.
- Have a stable weight: Candidates should have a stable weight and be within their ideal weight range. Fat dissolving injections are not a weight loss solution and are not recommended for individuals who are considered to be significantly overweight.
- Have good skin elasticity: Candidates should have good skin elasticity in the treatment area, as this helps to ensure that the skin will retract properly after fat is removed.
- Have realistic expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations for the outcome of treatment and understand that the results of fat dissolving injections may take several weeks to become noticeable.
- Are committed to a healthy lifestyle: Candidates should be committed to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after treatment to maintain long-lasting results.
Before undergoing treatment with fat dissolving injections, you will need to discuss your suitability for the treatment during a consultation. One of our experienced team members will assess your individual needs, help you understand the potential risks and benefits of treatment, answer any questions you may have and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
What can I expect from treatment
First, your injector will clean the treatment area with an antiseptic solution to minimise the risk of infection. Then, using a fine needle, your physician will inject the fat dissolving solution into the targeted area, according to the details on your personalised treatment plan. You may feel some discomfort or mild burning as the solution is injected. Depending on the size of the treatment area, your provider may need to make multiple injections to ensure that the solution is evenly distributed. Treatment with fat dissolving injections is entirely customisable – whether you are undergoing a double chin treatment or removing fat in another area, the steps of the procedure will be tailored to suit your needs, your individual features and your goals.
After the injections are complete, your provider may apply a compression garment or bandage to the treated area to help reduce swelling and assist with the contour of the area. The entire treatment typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area and number of injections that you will need.
Even though results can be seen from one treatment, most of the times one treatment is not enough. For optimal results, we recommend performing two to three sessions, four to six weeks apart. This ensures we have a more significant and visible improvement. The exact amount of treatments that will be ideal to achieve your personal goals can be determined during a consultation, while putting your treatment plan together.
Your results
How soon can I see results?
Results from treatment with fat dissolving injections are typically visible after two to four weeks of treatment, with the full results becoming noticeable after about six to eight weeks. The amount of time that it can take for your results to show can vary from individual to individual, as it depends on the treatment area and other factors of each personalised treatment. For example, results from treatment for a double chin removal may be seen faster or slower than results from treatment performed on your hips, depending on the amount of stubborn fat that has been targeted and how your body will respond to the treatment.
Are results permanent?
As humans, we only produce fat cells when we are children. Adults do not produce more fat cells, rather, they only hold more or less fat within them. This means that once a fat cell is gone, it is permanently gone! Meaning results from treatment with fat dissolving injections focused on a specific area are permanent. For example, a double chin treatment should achieve a permanent double chin removal!
Naturally, we cannot eliminate all fat cells, so a prominent weight gain will mean that you will still have excess fat on areas. Remaining fat cells can also swell up with weight gain. To maintain your results and prevent the need for future treatments to target more stubborn fat, we encourage maintained weight loss through a healthy lifestyle, with a healthy diet and regular physical activities.
Aftercare guide
After treatment with fat dissolving injections, you will need to follow some simple instructions to ensure that you will heal sufficiently, see the best results and minimise any potential complications. One of our team members will provide you with a personalised set of instructions according to your personal needs and the details of your individual treatment. As a general guide of what you can expect, here are our main aftercare instructions, whether for a double chin removal or removal of stubborn fat in other areas:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after the treatment
- Apply ice packs to the treated area for about 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first few days after treatment to help reduce swelling
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours after treatment
- Wear compression garments as recommended to help reduce swelling and improve the contour of the treated area
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the treated area from UV damage
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications
- Contact your provider immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, fever, or infection at the treatment site
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen to help maintain the results of the treatment
It’s essential to follow your provider’s instructions for aftercare to ensure optimal results and minimise the risk of complications. At Essence, we strive to support our patients from the beginning of their treatment through to aftercare, so we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or need additional guidance after your treatment.
Costs of fat dissolving injections in Melbourne
At Essence Cosmetic Medicine, we provide personalised treatment plans for each of our treatments that we offer, to ensure a patient-centred level of care that delivers the ideal results for each individual.
Since the details of every treatment can change greatly per patient, as will the total treatment costs. For an accurate, personalised quote, you will need to discuss your treatment goals during a fat dissolving injections consultation with one of our friendly team members. It’s important not to estimate your costs using online sources as every patient is different, with unique treatment areas and different goals.
As a guide, here are the factors that will influence the costs of your treatment:
- The treatment area: The cost of fat dissolving injections can vary depending on the size of the area being treated. Larger treatment areas may require more injections, resulting in a higher overall cost.
- The number of treatment areas: Sometimes, patients are able to treat multiple areas with fat dissolving injections at the same time. If this is an option you may be interested in, each treatment area will be factored into your total treatment costs.
- The amount of fat dissolving solution required: Every patient will have a different amount of stubborn fat within their desired treatment area, which will require varying amounts of fat dissolving solution to target. This is why one of our team members will need to measure the amount of fat in the area against your treatment goals, and create a personalised plan accordingly.
- The number of sessions required: Most of the time, patients may require multiple sessions of fat dissolving injections to achieve their desired results. Of course, this will be discussed in advance during your first consultation, so that you will know what to expect.
Treatment side effects
Like any cosmetic procedure, fat dissolving injections can sometimes be associated with side effects. Some of the potential side effects of the treatment may include:
- Pain, discomfort, numbness, swelling, bruising, redness, itching, skin rash or tingling at the injection site
- Hardness or lumps in the treated area
- Infection at the injection site
- Allergic reactions to the injection
- Necrosis or tissue death in the treated area, which is a rare but serious complication that can occur if the injections are not administered correctly
At your consultation, we will ensure that you know how to spot the signs of any significant complications in your chosen treatment area, and how to prevent any side effects from occurring. We will make sure that you feel informed based on your chosen treatment area, whether you have undergone treatment with double chin injections or injections to remove fat in other areas such as the hips or knees. We can also help you to understand the likelihood of side effects and how they can be managed or treated if they occur.
If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms after treatment fat dissolving injections, such as severe pain, or a fever, you should seek assistance as soon as possible. However, you can rest assured knowing that serious complications are quite rare, and can be prevented by following the right aftercare instructions and choosing an experienced, qualified clinic like Essence.
Why Choose Essence Cosmetic Medicine
Dr Lucas de Siqueira and Dr Isabela dos Anjos Siqueira created Essence Healthcare with the goal of offering exceptional medical care and an environment that priorities health, transparency, and respect. Their partnership has always been grounded in shared values, such as honesty, dedication, and hard work, putting the wellbeing of every patient and quality of results first.
When you choose Essence, you choose high quality care in a space that your comfort and level of support you receive matters.