Fat dissolving is a non-surgical treatment to reduce areas of excess fat. The treatment involves the injections of a solution containing compounds that break down fat cells (akin to darts popping a balloon). These broken-down fat cells are then removed by the body over a 6-8 week period.
Fat Dissolving Injections Target Areas
Fat dissolving injections can be used on many areas of the body including:
- The jowls;
- Double chin;
- Bra bulge;
- Neck hump;
- Lower abdomen;
- Knees;
- Ankles;
- Banana thigh roll (under the gluteal fold).
Larger areas of stubborn fat are better treated with fat freezing or liposuction, as injections of large amounts of fat dissolving solution can cause significant swelling.
Once broken down, the fat cells cannot return. However, remaining fat cells can increase in size if you gain weight in the future. In such cases, the volume of fat you accumulate is generally less than had you not had fat dissolving treatment, are there are a small number of fat cells.
Risks of Fat Dissolving Injections
Fat dissolving is very safe. The risks include:
- Bruising;
- Swelling (usually moderate for most people);
- Induration (firmness under the skin);
- Numbness of the skin (temporary);
- Infection;
- Skin breakdown;
- Temporary paralysis of the lower lip (lasting an average of 28 days);
When performed correctly, fat dissolving should have only very mild discomfort.
Fat dissolving is an effective treatment at reducing unwanted fat. However, one treatment will not remove all fat cells. If you would like more pronounced results, then multiple treatments may be needed. Liposuction is more suitable for those wanting a dramatic change in one procedure, and who are happy to accept the higher cost, downtime and risk associated with it.
It is critical that not all of the fat is removed from the area of concern. This will cause a lack of support to the skin that may leave it with an unpleasant appearance as you age and the skin loses collagen and elasticity.
Finally, there are cases where people have undergoing fat dissolving (particularly to the double chin) and have not seen any appreciable difference. Whilst this is possible, many such cases often had little fat in this area to begin with. Under chin fullness is not always caused by excess fat, and so it is crucial that you are assessed by an experienced cosmetic doctor to determine if the treatment is appropriate.
Want to know if fat dissolving is right for you? Find out more about fat dissolving here.