What is Fat Dissolving Injections?
Fat dissolving injections utilize a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that occurs naturally in the body to aid in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When administered into targeted areas, most commonly the submental area beneath the chin, the prescription medicine works to disrupt the membrane of localized fat cells. Once these cells are broken down, the body’s natural metabolic pathways gradually process and clear the cellular debris over a period of weeks.
What makes a suitable candidate for Fat Dissolving Injections?
A suitable candidate for fat dissolving injections is generally a healthy adult who has isolated pockets of fat, such as a “double chin,” that have not responded to lifestyle modifications. It is important that candidates possess adequate skin elasticity, as this treatment reduces fat volume but does not tighten loose or sagging skin.
Candidates must also have realistic expectations regarding the gradual nature of the results and undergo a thorough clinical assessment to ensure no underlying medical conditions contraindicate the injections.
What are the Fat Dissolving Injections options?
When considering fat dissolving injections, patients may also explore several other treatment options depending on their specific anatomy and goals. Non-surgical alternatives designed to target localized fat include cryolipolysis (fat freezing) or focused radiofrequency treatments.
For patients with a larger volume of fat, or those who present with both excess fat and significant skin laxity, surgical options such as submental liposuction or a formal neck lift may be discussed during the consultation to determine the most appropriate clinical pathway.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Fat Dissolving Injections techniques
While fat dissolving injections are inherently a non-surgical intervention, the clinical application requires precise methodology, and surgical techniques are often considered as the primary alternative. The injection technique itself involves meticulously mapping the treatment area with a grid to ensure an even and accurate distribution of the deoxycholic acid via multiple micro-injections.
If an individual’s anatomy dictates that a surgical technique would be more appropriate, Dr. Mirkazemi may perform tumescent liposuction. This surgical technique involves making small, discreet incisions to manually aspirate the fat cells, offering a different approach to contouring compared to the chemical dissolution process of the injections.
Recovery after Fat Dissolving Injections
Recovery following fat dissolving injections involves an expected, localized inflammatory response as the body processes the treated cells. During week one, patients typically experience noticeable swelling, redness, and tenderness in the injected area. By month one, the acute swelling generally subsides, and the tissue may feel firm or develop small, temporary nodules as the fat breakdown continues. By month three, the internal inflammatory process is usually complete, and the alterations to the contour of the treated area become more apparent, though individual healing and metabolic rates will vary.
How much does Fat Dissolving Injections cost?
The cost of fat dissolving injections depends heavily on the individual patient’s anatomical requirements and the number of treatment sessions necessary to achieve the desired clinical outcome. Because the volume of the injectable product and the size of the target area vary significantly from person to person, pricing is determined strictly on a case-by-case basis.
A comprehensive consultation at our Melbourne clinic is required to evaluate your specific presentation and provide a customized financial estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions for Fat Dissolving Injections
Specific Risks and Complications For Fat Dissolving Injections
Fat dissolving injections are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to modify the anatomical contour of specific areas, such as the submental region (under the chin), by addressing localized adipose tissue. While this is a non-invasive alternative to surgery, it is a medical treatment that carries specific clinical risks and potential complications.
The following information outlines possible side effects and complications. It is important to note that individual responses to the treatment vary, and a clinical consultation is required to determine suitability.
Common Treatment Responses
Most patients experience localized reactions following the administration of fat dissolving injections. These are generally considered part of the inflammatory process required to break down fat cells:
- Swelling (Oedema): Significant swelling in the treated area is expected and can last for several days to a week.
- Bruising and Redness: Localized bruising and erythema (redness) at the injection sites are common.
- Pain and Discomfort: Patients often experience a sensation of heat, tenderness, or aching in the treated area during and after the procedure.
- Numbness: Temporary loss of sensation or altered feeling (paresthesia) in the treated area can occur and may persist for several weeks.
Potential Clinical Complications
While less common, more significant complications can arise from fat dissolving treatments:
- Nerve Injury: Injections in the submental area carry a risk of injury to the marginal mandibular nerve. This may result in an asymmetric smile or facial muscle weakness. While typically temporary, this can take several months to resolve.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Some patients may experience a temporary sensation of difficulty swallowing due to localized swelling or nerve involvement.
- Skin Ulceration or Necrosis: If the solution is injected too superficially or into a blood vessel, it may cause tissue damage or skin breakdown, which can lead to permanent scarring.
- Nodules or Induration: Small, firm lumps or areas of hardness may develop in the treated area. These usually resolve over time but may require clinical assessment.
- Asymmetry: The fat dissolution process may occur unevenly, leading to a contour that is not proportionally balanced.
- Allergic Reactions: As with any injectable substance, there is a risk of an allergic reaction to the active ingredients or the local anaesthetic used during the procedure.
- Unsatisfactory Anatomical Outcome: The degree of fat reduction may not meet the patient’s anatomical goals, and multiple sessions are typically required to achieve a visible change in contour.
Risk Mitigation and Clinical Oversight
To manage these risks, fat dissolving injections must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. Adhering to post-treatment instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity and managing the area as directed, is essential for the healing process.
General Risks & Complications of Non-Surgical Treatments
While non-surgical cosmetic treatments are minimally invasive and typically involve less downtime than surgery, they are still medical procedures and carry potential risks. These may include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, infection, allergic reactions, asymmetry, skin discoloration, vascular compromise (in rare cases), and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes. Certain treatments such as injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices also carry procedure-specific risks depending on the area treated and the product or technology used. Individual factors including medical history, medications, autoimmune conditions, and smoking can influence healing and outcomes. A thorough consultation and adherence to aftercare instructions are essential to minimise complications and ensure safe, optimal results.
