CPCA-certified doctors
are highly qualified,
experienced and ethical
practitioners.
CPCA-certified doctors
are highly qualified,
experienced and ethical
practitioners.
Fat dissolving injections use natural chemicals, present in your body, to remove unwanted fat. There are currently two versions available in Australia, one produced by a pharmaceutical company and one compounded by specialised compounding pharmacies. Both products can work. They work best on the jawline and under the chin. On the right patient, they can dramatically improve the appearance of the jawline and the overall balance of the face.
Fat-dissolving injections, also known as injection lipolysis, are a non-surgical alternative for those seeking shape refinement. Using deoxycholic acid injection, this treatment offers a non-surgical approach that precisely targets challenging bulges like double chin fat and other stubborn fats.
When the solution is injected into the treatment area, it works to dissolve localised fat pockets, enhancing and refining the body’s natural contours.
Fat-dissolving injections work by targeting and breaking down stubborn fat cells in the area using a compound that mimics the body’s natural ability to process dietary fat. This compound disrupts the fat cell membrane, allowing the body to flush out the dissolved fat cells through metabolic processes.
The treatment involves a series of injections directly into the injection site, delivering a fat-dissolving product with precision. The number of sessions varies based on the amount of fat present in the treated area, with popular zones including submental fat, the lower face, and other areas of the body resistant to traditional fat loss methods.
Once the fat cells have been destroyed, they do not regenerate. Visible changes typically appear a few weeks post-treatment, with full fat reduction achieved over time. A long-term follow-up study showed that 90.4% of patients maintained fat loss results up to 12 months after their final session.
Fat-dissolving injections offer a strategic solution for shaping areas that retain volume despite consistent exercise or healthy eating. As a cosmetic alternative to surgery, this treatment appeals to individuals seeking precision without downtime.
It’s commonly used for double chin removal or contouring the chin and lower face, but it can also address fat around the abdomen, thighs, arms, and flanks. Because the injections can be long-lasting, results often remain stable with proper maintenance.
Here are the key advantages of this approach:
This non-surgical fat-dissolving option gives patients visible results with minimal interruption to their routine.
One study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted that ageing can lead to changes in fat distribution, with certain areas like the submental region tending to hypertrophy. This makes treatments like fat-dissolving injections particularly beneficial for restoring facial balance.
Fat-dissolving injections are designed to reshape and refine specific regions where volume tends to linger despite healthy routines. These injections eliminate stubborn areas of fat with precision, making them ideal for contouring zones that don’t respond well to exercise or calorie control.
The flexibility of the treatment allows it to be tailored for both facial sculpting and body contouring needs.
Common treatment areas include:
Each treated area is assessed individually during a professional evaluation to map out a safe and effective plan. This allows for focused fat-dissolving treatment that aligns with your body goals and achieves the desired results.
Treatment requires a number of small injections. There may be some discomfort, depending on whether the doctor uses a local anaesthetic. Immediately afterwards, there is swelling, which is variable but often quite noticeable, lasting approximately from 4 to 14 days, and some redness.
The effects occur gradually and take 2 months or more to fully materialise. The treatment is often repeated every 2 months until the desired results are achieved. Clinical data shows that two to four sessions are common for visible improvement, with over 75% of patients showing noticeable reduction after their fourth session.
Fat-dissolving and fat-freezing both target localised fat deposits, but they work through entirely different mechanisms.
Fat-dissolving injections use a specially formulated compound to break down adipose tissue at the cellular level to destroy the fat cells. The body then eliminates the damaged cells through natural processes. This method allows for precise application to problem areas and offers customisable dosing based on an individual’s needs.
Fat freezing, on the other hand, uses controlled cooling to damage fat tissue. The frozen cells gradually die off, and the body clears them out over time. While this method can treat broader surface areas in a single session, the results may be less targeted than those achieved with injections.
A study comparing laser-based fat reduction to injectables like deoxycholic acid found the latter offered more targeted results, especially for smaller zones like the jawline and chin. Fat freezing typically suits individuals with softer fat tissue, as firmer deposits can be harder to treat effectively with this method.
Ultimately, the best option depends on factors such as body goals, fat distribution, and personal comfort with the treatment. A tailored consultation is essential to determine which technique is best suited to the target area and desired outcome.
Ideal candidates for fat-dissolving injections are typically adults with moderate areas of stubborn fat who are not significantly overweight. This cosmetic procedure suits individuals aiming to reduce fat that doesn’t respond to exercise or calorie control.
It’s important to understand that while injections that dissolve fat can significantly eliminate fat in specific areas, they are not a substitute for lifestyle improvements. You need to consult first to determine suitability and discuss the potential cost of fat-dissolving injections based on the specific targeted fat area.
As with any cosmetic injection, there are common side effects such as swelling or tenderness. There may be redness or bruising, aching, numbness, or tingling sensations are common and generally short-lived. If the treatment is misplaced, it may cause temporary nerve inflammation, causing weakness of the smile muscles or, if placed too deeply, difficulty breathing or swallowing. For these reasons, treatment should be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an experienced doctor. Too aggressive treatment may potentially cause a loss of too much of the fat.
Patients may encounter rare side effects associated with fat-dissolving injections, such as nerve injury or uneven texture in the treated area, particularly if larger areas of fat are addressed in one session. A professional cosmetic provider will discuss the risks and side effects during your consultation.
The injection costs vary based on the size of the treated area, the product used, and the number of sessions required. Smaller zones like the double chin typically fall on the lower end of the pricing scale, while treating larger areas of fat can increase the overall expense. The total cost of fat-dissolving injections also depends on the provider’s expertise and the complexity of the treatment plan. An in-person consultation provides a clearer breakdown based on your specific needs.
Results of fat-dissolving injections vary, and the number of sessions needed depends on the amount of fat in the selected area and how your body responds to the treatment. Most people require two to four appointments spaced several weeks apart. Each treatment with fat-targeting injections works progressively, and visible results typically begin to appear after the second session. Our CPCA-accredited doctors assess the areas of the body being addressed and recommend a schedule to help you achieve the desired results.
Generally, no. These treatments often have a skin-tightening effect, particularly in the area beneath the chin and the lower face. These reduce the excess fat tends to force the skin to sit in a more curved position, causing further tightening. This natural retraction gives the skin a more defined and youthful appearance without added procedures.
While jawline and double chin injections remain the most requested option, these treatments can also be effective in other areas of stubborn fat. Areas such as the arms, abdomen, or flanks can be considered if evaluated properly. A thorough consultation will determine if you are a suitable candidate for expanding treatment beyond the jawline.