Fat Dissolve Injections
Fat dissolving injections offer a fast, safe, non-surgical fat reduction solution to treat stubborn pockets of fats which are not responsive to diet and exercise alone.
For some clients, no matter how much they diet or exercise, they cannot get rid of certain pockets of fat which tend to remain in problem areas such as love handles, bra rolls, muffin tops, around the tummy, saddle bags on outer thighs and double chins. Fat dissolving injections are extremely helpful in refining body shape by tackling those areas of fat that are stubborn.
However this treatment is not a weight loss treatment or an alternative to diet and exercise.
How do fat dissolving injections work?
Fat dissolving injections, also known as lipolytic injections, destroy fat cells by damaging the fat cell membrane and liquifying the fat in the treatment area. The destroyed fat cells are then broken down and removed naturally by the bodies lymphatic system. They are based on the formulation containing deoxycholic acid, which is a secondary bile acid which the body naturally produces to liquify fat in the gut.
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Are fat dissolving injections safe?
Yes, they are perfectly safe when administered by a qualified practitioner using products with a good safety record. Aqualyx has been given CE approval for use in the UK which means it meets the health and safety standards required by the European Union.
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Is the treatment painful?
As fat dissolving injections are minimally invasive, there may be some level of mild to moderate discomfort, but it should not be painful and is easily tolerated. As with all treatments that involve needles, the injections may sting for a few seconds, but generally, pain is minimal. You can of course be given the option of applying a topical numbing agent to the treatment area to minimize discomfort, but this will add a cost and increased time allocation for the treatment. Where applicable a lidocaine local anaesthetic may be used with the Aqualyx to make it more comfortable.
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What does the treatment involve?
Prior to your first treatment, you will be given a consultation to assess your suitability for treatment and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. The treatment itself involves a series of small injections of the fat dissolving products directly into the pockets of unwanted fat.
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What areas can be treated with fat dissolving injections?
Target areas that can be treated with fat dissolving injections on the body include the abdomen, love handles, muffin top, saddlebags, inner thighs, knees, upper arms, back rolls, buttocks and underarm bra fat. Target areas on the face include double chins and the jawline.
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Who is a suitable candidate for fat dissolving injections?
This treatment is ideal for clients who are slightly overweight with stubborn, localized fatty deposits which appear resistant to diet and physical activity. Candidates need to have between 1.5cm and 10cm pinchable fat on the body. For treatment to the face, the treatment area would need to be sufficient to be able to pinch the fat away from the chin and jawline.
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When are fat dissolving injections not recommended?
For safety reasons, all clients are given a full consultation and medical history check to ensure they are suitable for the treatment. Typical contraindications to the treatment include those with a history of anaphylaxis, severe allergies, severe physical illness, autoimmune disease, as well as someone who are pregnant or breastfeeding or anyone under the age of 18.
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How long does the treatment take?
Depending on how many areas are treated, a treatment session takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Are there any side effects?
Initial localized swelling and redness in the treatment area usually resolves within 3 to 4 days. There may be minor bruising at the injection sites and/or sensitivity and tenderness around the treated area. This will generally resolve in up to 10 to 14 days.
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What is the downtime?
There is no down time as such; clients can go back to their normal routine straight after treatment. However, it is recommended that an elastic compression garment is worn post treatment for several days to get the best results and reduce swelling.
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How soon will I see results?
Fat loss results take approximately 3 to 6 weeks to show, however, the treatment area will continue to improve over the coming weeks and months. A course of treatments is required for optimal fat reduction results.
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How many treatments will I need?
A number of treatments required varies depending on the size of the fatty deposit and from client to client. Most clients will need at least two treatments to see the results they are after. Fat dissolving injection treatments are recommended between 4 to 6 weeks apart, which is usually how long any swelling can potentially last. A course of 3 to 5 treatments on the body and 1 to 3 on the face is usually advised for the best results.
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Is there anything I need to know to prepare for fat dissolving injections?
We advise you not drink alcohol or take ibuprofen within the preceding 24 hours of your appointment as this can increase the risk of bruising. If you intend to have a facial treatment e.g., Double chin where swelling may be obvious you may wish to organize some time away from work or social engagements.
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Are the results permanent?
Whilst the body can regenerate fat cells, the process is very slow. Once fat cells are removed from a localized area, your results are as good as permanent. However, if you do not continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle then your body will put on weight in other areas of your body where fat cells remain. Destroying fats cells leads to a long-lasting solution provided patients retain a stable weight and continue to exercise as usual.