Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat Dissolving Injections, using products like Aqualyx®, offer a minimally invasive solution for tackling localized, stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. This treatment is ideal for contouring specific areas rather than overall weight loss.

At PRP London Clinic, our medical team uses Aqualyx®, a specially formulated compound solution, to safely and effectively break down fat cells in target areas like the chin ('double chin'), abdomen, thighs, flanks ('love handles'), and more. The body then naturally eliminates the dissolved fat over the following weeks.

Aqualyx® contains a synthesized version of deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that helps digest dietary fat. When injected directly into subcutaneous fatty tissue, Aqualyx® works by:

• Disrupting Fat Cells: It attaches to the fat cell membrane, causing it to destabilize and break down (a process called adipocytolysis).
• Liquefying Fat: The stored fatty acids within the cells are released and liquefied.
• Natural Elimination: The body's lymphatic system then naturally processes and permanently eliminates these fatty acids and cellular debris over several weeks following the treatment.

This leads to a visible reduction in the thickness of the fat layer in the treated area.

Fat Dissolving Injections are effective for small-to-medium sized pockets of localized fat that are resistant to other efforts. Common areas treated by our medical team include:

• Under the Chin (Submental Fat / 'Double Chin')
• Abdomen (Small pockets)
• Flanks ('Love Handles')
• Inner and Outer Thighs ('Saddlebags')
• Upper Arms ('Bingo Wings')
• Back Fat (Bra strap area)
• Area Above the Knees

It is not a treatment for obesity or large-volume fat removal (liposuction is required for that).

Your treatment journey involves:

1. Consultation: Our medical team assesses the target area, confirms suitability, discusses expected results, and determines the appropriate amount of product and number of sessions likely needed.
2. Marking & Preparation: The treatment area is cleansed and marked for precise injection points. Anaesthetic (either mixed with Aqualyx® or applied topically) is used for comfort.
3. Injection: Using specific techniques (often fanning injections with a needle or cannula), our practitioner administers the Aqualyx® solution directly into the subcutaneous fat layer.
4. Post-Treatment: Significant swelling, redness, tenderness, and potential bruising in the treated area are expected and normal, indicating the inflammatory process required for fat breakdown. This typically peaks over the first few days and gradually subsides over 1-3 weeks or longer depending on the area and individual response.

The injection procedure itself takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the size and number of areas.

Results are not immediate. As the fat cells break down and are cleared by the body, a visible reduction in fat thickness occurs gradually over several weeks, typically noticeable from about 4-8 weeks after a session.

Multiple sessions are almost always required for optimal results, spaced 4-8 weeks apart depending on the area. The number needed varies greatly:

• Small Areas (e.g., Chin): Often 2-4 sessions.
• Medium/Large Areas (e.g., Abdomen, Thighs): May require 4-8 sessions or more.

Our medical team will provide a realistic estimate during your consultation. Results are considered permanent as the treated fat cells are destroyed, but maintaining a stable weight is important.

Fat Dissolving Injections are best suited for individuals who:

• Are close to their ideal body weight but have specific, localized areas of stubborn fat.
• Have good skin elasticity (as the treatment doesn't tighten skin).
• Understand the process involves expected swelling and requires multiple sessions.
• Have realistic expectations about the degree of fat reduction achievable.
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding and have no significant medical conditions affecting the treatment area.

It is not suitable for general weight loss or treating large volumes of fat.

The cost is based on the size of the area being treated per session (Small, Medium, Large), which relates to the amount of product needed. Our medical team will determine the area size during your consultation. See the pricing table below.

Aqualyx® is CE-marked and has a good safety profile when administered correctly by our trained medical professionals into the subcutaneous fat layer. The most common side effects are expected post-treatment reactions: significant swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, warmth, and temporary numbness in the treated area. These are signs the treatment is working and resolve over time. Less common risks include temporary skin irregularities or infection, minimised by proper technique.

Target those frustrating pockets of fat that diet and exercise can't shift. Book a consultation with our medical team at PRP London Clinic to discuss Fat Dissolving Injections.