Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections

Aqualyx is a medically developed fat-dissolving solution containing modified deoxycholate that breaks down fat cell membranes through a process called adipocytolysis. Once destroyed, the contents of these cells are naturally flushed out via the lymphatic system. At Continental Skin Clinic London, Aqualyx is injected precisely into stubborn fat pockets to permanently reduce volume and improve contour.

Aqualyx safely treats both facial and body areas, including the double chin, jowls, upper arms, underarm/bra fat, stomach, hips, inner and outer thighs, the back, and fat around the knees. It is designed for targeted sculpting rather than overall weight loss.

Aqualyx is best for clients who are close to their ideal weight but have distinct pockets of fat that do not respond to exercise or diet. It is not suitable for obese clients, clients with severe autoimmune conditions, those pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with active infections or inflammation in the treatment area.

Aqualyx removes fat, while treatments like Ultraformer III HIFU tighten and firm the surrounding skin. Pairing them ensures:

• Better contour definition
• Improved jawline sharpness
• Reduced risk of mild post-fat-loss looseness
• More sculpted and lifted results

This combination is especially effective for the chin, jowls, stomach, and arms.

Swelling is expected and necessary — it shows the product is working. You may also experience redness, tenderness, warmth, bruising, or firmness. These reactions typically settle within 4 – 14 days depending on the area treated. A warm (not hot) compress can be used to ease discomfort.

Aqualyx is MHRA-approved in the UK and has an excellent safety profile when administered by trained medical professionals. At Continental Skin Clinic London, treatment is performed by experienced injectors who use precise anatomical techniques to ensure safety.

Expect swelling, tenderness, and firmness in the treated area for 4 –10 days. Some clients experience mild bruising or numbness, which settles on its own. Swelling is normal and expected, as Aqualyx triggers an inflammatory response to break down fat.

To ensure a safe procedure and reduce bruising, avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen for 7–14 days before your treatment (unless prescribed). Avoid supplements that thin the blood — including fish oil, Vitamin E, ginseng, garlic, and St John’s Wort — and avoid alcohol for 48 hours before your appointment.
Stay hydrated, avoid heat-based treatments (saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga), and do not have any invasive or strong facial or body treatments on the area for at least a week. On the day, wear comfortable clothing and avoid applying creams or oils to the treatment area.

Avoid alcohol for 48 hours, avoid applying make-up to facial areas for 24 hours, and avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, and swimming for 72 hours. Do not use ice — the inflammatory response is needed for fat cell destruction. Avoid facials, peels, laser treatments, or microneedling on the treated area for two weeks.

Most swelling peaks within the first 1–3 days and gradually settles over 7–14 days. You may feel firmness or tenderness for up to 2 weeks. Early results are usually visible after 3–4 weeks, with full results developing 8–12 weeks after the last session.

We use local anaesthetic and advanced injection techniques to keep the procedure comfortable. Most clients describe a warming or tingling sensation rather than pain. Discomfort after treatment is related to swelling and usually resolves within a few days.

Aqualyx does not cause skin laxity — it only dissolves fat cells. However, if the treated area already has poor elasticity, reducing volume may reveal existing looseness that was previously masked by fat.
This is why combining Aqualyx with Sculptra, Juvelook Volume, Radiesse, Ultraformer III HIFU or RF microneedling is often recommended. These treatments tighten the skin’s deeper support structures, helping the area retract smoothly as fat reduces. For clients with good elasticity, skin tightening may not be necessary.

Yes. Massage is an essential part of your aftercare because it helps break down the treated fat pockets. Begin gentle massage the day after treatment and gradually increase pressure as swelling improves. Massage the area 5 or more times daily for 5–10 minutes, continuing for 1–2 weeks.

Most clients require 3 – 6 sessions spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart. Smaller facial areas may need fewer treatments, while larger body areas may require additional sessions for full contouring.

Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours, as increased body heat and sweating may interfere with the treatment. After this, you may resume light activity. Staying active and drinking plenty of water (2–3 litres daily) and massage supports the lymphatic system and enhances your results.

Yes. Popular combinations include:

• Ultraformer III HIFU (skin tightening)
• RF microneedling (collagen stimulation)
• Weight-loss injections (for overall fat reduction)
• Body contouring technologies such as EnCurve
• Collagen biostimulators such as Sculptra, Juvelook and Radiesse.

Your practitioner will advise the ideal combination based on your goals.

Yes — the fat cells destroyed by Aqualyx do not return. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge if weight is gained, so a stable lifestyle maintains results long-term.