Fat dissolving injections have rapidly become one of the most sought-after non-surgical body contouring treatments in the aesthetics industry — and for good reason. If you’ve been battling stubborn pockets of fat that refuse to budge despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, this revolutionary injectable treatment could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Whether it’s a double chin, love handles, bra bulge, or inner thighs, fat dissolving injections offer a minimally invasive way to reshape your body without going under the knife.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — how the treatment works, what results to expect, who makes an ideal candidate, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Are Fat Dissolving Injections?
Fat dissolving injections are a type of lipolytic treatment that uses a specially formulated solution — typically containing deoxycholic acid or phosphatidylcholine — to break down and permanently destroy fat cells in targeted areas. Once the fat cells are destroyed, the body naturally metabolises and eliminates them through the lymphatic system over the following weeks.
The most widely used and clinically approved formula is Aqualyx®, though several comparable products are available globally. These injectables have been used safely in clinical settings for over a decade, with an excellent safety profile when administered by qualified practitioners.
How Do Fat Reduction Injections Work?
Fat reduction injections work by introducing a synthetic bile acid compound directly into the subcutaneous fat layer beneath the skin. The active ingredient destabilises the fat cell membrane, causing the cell to rupture and release its fatty contents. These fatty acids are then processed by the liver and expelled from the body as waste.
The step-by-step process typically includes:
- Consultation & Assessment – A qualified aesthetic practitioner evaluates the target area and discusses your medical history.
- Mapping the Treatment Zone – The treatment area is marked for precision injection placement.
- Application of Topical Anaesthetic – A numbing cream is applied to minimise discomfort.
- Injection of the Solution – The fat-dissolving compound is administered through a series of small injections.
- Post-Treatment Care – The practitioner provides aftercare instructions to support healing and optimal results.
Popular Treatment Areas for Fat Melting Injections
Fat melting injections are incredibly versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of areas where localised fat deposits are resistant to lifestyle changes. The most commonly treated areas include:
- Double chin (submental fat) — one of the most popular areas
- Jowls and jawline
- Upper arms and bingo wings
- Abdomen and stomach pouches
- Love handles and flanks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Bra strap fat and back rolls
- Knees and ankles
It’s important to note that this treatment is designed for body contouring — not significant weight loss. Ideal candidates are those who are at or near their target weight but have specific pockets of fat they’d like to reduce.
Fat Dissolving vs. Weight Loss Injections: Understanding the Difference
Many people confuse fat dissolving injections with weight loss injections — but they serve very different purposes. Weight loss injections, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide or liraglutide), work systemically to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar, leading to overall body weight reduction. They are typically prescribed for individuals with obesity or weight-related health conditions.
Fat dissolving injections, on the other hand, work locally — targeting a specific area of the body without affecting your overall weight or metabolism. Think of them as precision sculpting tools rather than a weight management solution. For best results, many practitioners recommend combining both approaches: using weight loss injections to achieve a healthier body weight, and fat dissolving injections to refine and contour stubborn areas that remain.
What Results Can You Expect?
Results from fat dissolving injections are gradual and progressive. Most patients begin to notice changes around 4–6 weeks after their first treatment, with optimal results typically visible after 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Since the fat cells are permanently destroyed, the results are long-lasting — provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Patients commonly report a visible reduction in the treated area, improved contouring and definition, a boost in self-confidence, and firmer-looking skin in the treated zone. Individual results vary based on factors such as the size of the area, the number of sessions, and your body’s natural metabolism.
Are Fat Dissolving Injections Safe?
When administered by a trained and qualified aesthetic practitioner, fat dissolving injections are considered safe with a well-established clinical track record. Common side effects are temporary and may include swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, and mild lumping at the injection site — all of which typically resolve within 1–2 weeks.
Serious complications are rare but can occur if the treatment is administered incorrectly. Always ensure your practitioner is fully qualified, uses medically approved products, and operates in a regulated clinical environment. Never opt for treatments offered at unusually low prices or by unverified providers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many sessions of fat dissolving injections will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the size of the area being treated. Most patients require between 2 and 4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Your practitioner will assess your specific needs during a consultation and recommend a tailored treatment plan.
Q2. Are fat dissolving injections painful?
Some discomfort is normal during the procedure. A topical anaesthetic cream is usually applied beforehand to minimise pain. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild stinging or burning feeling during the injections, which subsides quickly. Post-treatment swelling and tenderness can last several days but is generally manageable.
Q3. How long do the results of fat dissolving injections last?
Because the fat cells are permanently destroyed, the results can be long-lasting. However, remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight. Maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle will help preserve your results indefinitely.
Q4. Who is not suitable for fat dissolving injections?
This treatment is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with active skin infections in the treatment area, those with certain autoimmune conditions, people with a known allergy to any component of the solution, and individuals with severe obesity (as this is not a weight loss treatment). Always disclose your full medical history during your consultation.
Q5. How are fat dissolving injections different from liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat cells via suction under general or local anaesthesia, with associated downtime and surgical risks. Fat dissolving injections are non-surgical, require no incisions or anaesthesia, and involve minimal downtime. Liposuction may offer more dramatic results in a single session, while fat dissolving injections are ideal for smaller, targeted areas.
Q6. Can I combine fat dissolving injections with other treatments?
Yes, fat dissolving injections can be effectively combined with other aesthetic treatments such as skin tightening procedures (e.g., radiofrequency or HIFU), muscle-toning treatments (e.g., EMS body sculpting), or weight loss injections for a more comprehensive body transformation. Your practitioner can recommend the best combination based on your goals.
Q7. Is there any downtime after fat dissolving injections?
There is minimal downtime. Most patients return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment. However, you may experience noticeable swelling and bruising for 3–7 days, so it’s worth scheduling your appointment accordingly — particularly if you have an important event.
Fat dissolving injections represent a genuinely exciting advancement in non-surgical aesthetics. With the right practitioner, realistic expectations, and a healthy lifestyle, they can deliver impressive, lasting results — helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin. Whether you’re exploring fat reduction injections for your chin, considering fat melting injections for stubborn body fat, or weighing them up against weight loss injections, the key is to consult with a qualified professional who can guide you toward the safest and most effective solution for your individual goals.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with the expert team at Slimspa Clinic today and discover how fat dissolving injections could help you achieve the body confidence you deserve. At Slimspa, our certified aesthetic practitioners are dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and personalised treatments tailored to your unique goals.
