The fat-dissolving injection process can feel daunting and complex when you don’t know much about it. At Continental Skin Clinic, we understand this, and we believe the best road to treatment success is communication and transparency. Therefore, I have asked one of our top medical dermatologists, Dr Mariem, to take us through the fat dissolving injection process. I’ve also asked questions such as what to expect during fat dissolving treatment, whether fat dissolving injections permanent, and how long does fat dissolving last? So, if any of these questions sound like something you’re asking yourself right now before considering treatment, then read on!
What are fat dissolving injections?
Just a quick bit of background information before we get into the fat dissolving injection process! Fat dissolving injections, or lipolysis, chemically reduce the number of fat cells around the injection site. Substances such as deoxycholic acid or phosphatidylcholine are used to achieve this. The mechanisms of action and science behind these injections involve biochemical processes that target and break down fat cells. At Continental Skin Clinic, we use Aqualyx fat dissolving injections to achieve this.
What to expect during fat dissolving treatment:
During a fat-dissolving injection, the lipolytic solution is injected into any suitable area with fat. The area is marked and divided accordingly. Several pricks are made 1cm away from each other, and a fat-dissolving injection is injected into each mark to target all possible adipose cells in the area. Adipose cells are just a fancy way of saying ‘fat cells’; they make up adipose tissue, which is another way of saying body fat. The injection dissolves the adipose cells, and afterwards, the dissolved adipose cells are drained by the lymphatic system, hence eliminated. This is the scientific aspect of the fat-dissolving injection process. What you can expect during fat dissolving treatment with us is to be properly cared for by our medical team.
This means our highly trained experts will consult with you to determine if this treatment is right for you. During the consultation, you will discuss various treatment options, and together we will determine the best course of action to ensure you achieve the results you desire. If everything looks good, we can schedule your fat-dissolving injections, and you can begin your treatment journey towards a newer, more confident you!
What happens after the fat dissolving injection process:
Right after the treatment, the treated area is sore and swells. The swelling increases after a couple of hours but settles down within 36 to 48 hours. The results are visible after 3 to 4 weeks. At least three sessions are required for one area, four weeks apart. This treatment can be combined with HIFU done on the same day or after completing the sessions, as HIFU helps treat the sogginess of the skin and brings about a tightening effect.Â
The patient is advised not to put any pressure on the treated area or use warm compresses. They can use cold compresses and should keep the area clean. They should avoid strenuous exercises for at least three days, not take hot showers or saunas, and not expose skin directly to the sun. It’s better not to touch the area more frequently.
Q&A with Dr Mariem
Q: Can you drink alcohol after fat dissolving injections?
A: It is better to avoid it for at least 24-48 hrs, as alcohol can cause more inflammation and interfere with the natural body healing process.
Q: How long does fat dissolving last?
A: Are fat dissolving injections permanent? Well, yes, the results will be permanent if a healthy lifestyle is maintained. This procedure removes particular fat cells, ensuring they will never grow back. Still, it does not stop new fat cells from accumulating fat in the exact location and erasing the effects of the injections. This can happen if you continue the same lifestyle you had before the fat dissolving treatment. There is a reason why adipose cells built up in
Q: Are fat dissolving injections safe?
A: Aqualyx fat-dissolving injections are approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Since the release of fat-dissolving injections, minimal adverse effects have been documented worldwide. However, patients may swell, bruise, itch, hurt, have a risk of nodule or lump formation, be sensitive to pressure, or feel unusually hot where they had the injection. The swelling, which an ice pack can help reduce, should subside within 48 hours to 7 days.
For more information about the benefits and side effects of fat-dissolving injections, read our latest fat-dissolving blog post by Dr Kamryn.
Final Words
In conclusion, fat-dissolving injections are a safe and effective treatment. If you struggle to reduce fat in some areas of your body, the Aqualyx procedure is the easiest method to help you burn stubborn fat and recontour your face. At CSC, we mainly use Aqualyx lipolysis, an almost permanent fat loss with visible results. Depending on the area of the treatment and the thickness of the fat, the treatment sessions will vary from at least 3 to 8 sessions.
As this is an aesthetic medical procedure, it would be performed by one of our aesthetic doctors or dermatologists. We recommend that people seeking this treatment avoid high-street beauty and spa clinics and ensure their safety by going to an aesthetic medical clinic.
Written and Reviewed by Dr Mariem. August, 2024.
~~
Please get in touch with us today if you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation.
If you’re ready to book, you can do so through our booking system. However, if you want more information, please visit our Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Treatment page!
~~
Have you enjoyed this post? Why not share it on your social media? We would love to hear from you in the comments below, where Dr. Mariem can personally answer your fat-dissolving treatment questions!






