Fat Dissolving Injections

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.

What are fat-dissolving injections?

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.

How do fat-dissolving injections work?

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.

Benefits of fat-dissolving injections

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:

• Helps reduce fat in isolated zones that resist traditional methods
• Offers a tailored approach with precise delivery of the fat-breaking solution
• Supports fat removal without incisions or scarring
• Suitable for refining the lower face and balancing facial proportions
• Treatment is typically fast, requiring minimal recovery time
• Sessions are adjusted to suit different areas of fat and body types
• Once fat cells are permanently destroyed, they do not return. 
• Versatile enough to treat both small and larger areas of fat
• Complements healthy habits without replacing them
• A good option for those not ready for surgical intervention

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. ​

What areas can be treated?

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:

• The skin under the chin, where volume can blur jawline definition
• The double chin of the fat under the chin, often caused by genetics or age-related fat storage
• The lower face, to enhance symmetry and refine facial structure
• The upper arms, particularly the back of the arms near the triceps
• The abdomen, for smoothing small pockets that resist tightening
• The hips and flanks, to balance the silhouette and address side bulges
• The thighs, especially the inner and outer portions
• The bra line area, where fat may collect above or below the strap
• The back, particularly near the lower section or under the shoulder blades
• The knees, which can accumulate fat and affect leg contour

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.

What to expect during and after the treatment?

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 injections vs fat freezing

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.

Frequently asked questions about fat-dissolving injections