Skin Cancer Blog and News | National Skin Cancer Centres

Are fat-dissolving injections right for me?

Written by National Skin Cancer Centres | May 23, 2022 4:00:00 AM

Small but stubborn pockets of fat can be a significant obstacle on the road to your desired look - and even more so when they do not respond to any dietary or exercise regimen. Until recently, surgery was the only solution. However, few people were ready to accept all the drawbacks and risks only to get rid of little fat. Luckily, a much simpler treatment is available now – fat-dissolving injections. If you want to know how they work and are you a good candidate, look no further.

Why is there a need for fat-dissolving injections?

Pockets of fat can accumulate in some common problem areas as a natural part of ageing or after rapid weight loss. This can result in a double chin, "tuck shop arms", "love handles" and other areas of residual fat that might make you feel self-conscious. Fat-dissolving injections can help reduce areas of stubborn fat around the chin, legs, abdomen, arms and more, to effectively tighten, contour and tone your face, neck and body.

What are fat-dissolving injections?

The procedure is also known as intralipotherapy or injection lipolysis. It is a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment that targets small pockets of fat located in different areas, such as:

  • Chin,
  • Chest,
  • Abdomen,
  • Thighs,
  • Knees, and
  • Ankles

Fat-dissolving injections work using the same principle as your metabolism. When you eat fatty foods, your body uses bile acids to break down the fat in the intestines. Intralipotherapy uses similar chemicals to break down fat deposits locally, for example, in your chin.

Are fat-dissolving injections safe?

Fat-dissolving injections are very safe. The body has no problem metabolising these chemicals, so the entire process is smooth and natural. The broken-down fat cells and the chemical agent disappear through the liver and the lymphatic system.

Who is a good candidate for fat-dissolving injections?

Intralipotherapy is not a weight-loss treatment. The treatment is perfect for people with a healthy weight who struggle with local pockets of persistent fat, such as double chin, "moobs," "cankles," "saddlebags," etc.

The procedure is not suitable for diabetics, people on blood-thinning therapy, liver or kidney disease patients, and those with active skin conditions in the treatment area.

Fat-dissolving injections are a safe and minimally invasive option for people with healthy weight looking to get rid of small, stubborn pockets of fat.

If you would like to speak to a Doctor or Dermal Clinician about your skin concerns, please call us or book your appointment online.

Read another blog: What causes dull skin?

References:

Rotunda AM, Kolodney MS. Mesotherapy and phosphatidylcholine injections: historical clarification and review. Dermatol Surg. 2006;32(4):465-480. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32100.x

Amore R, Pinto H, Gritzalas K, et al. Intralipotherapy, the State of the Art. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4(10):e1085. Published 2016 Oct 27. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001085

Talathi A, Talathi P. Fat Busters: Lipolysis for Face and Neck. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(2):67-72. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_59_18