We have all heard that there is no secret panacea to weight loss and that’s quite true, but
burning fat from stubborn areas is not the same thing and science has found a silver bullet,
albeit a small one, that can help you on your journey to rid you of those additional layers that
you just can’t shake off.
This article will help you understand the treatments available to you for reducing the layers of
fat around those stubborn areas. Hopefully, reading this will give you confidence to make an
informed decision about your aesthetic goals.
What is fat dissolving?
Fat dissolving injection treatments, also known as lipolytic injections or intralipotherapy, are
non-surgical procedures designed to reduce small, localised fat deposits in targeted areas of
the body.
These treatments are an alternative to more invasive fat reduction procedures like
liposuction. Their non-invasive nature make them much more preferable as there is a lower
chance of complication, and the cost of the treatment makes it much more accessible, too.
How fat dissolving injections works
Fat dissolving injections typically use substances such as deoxycholic acid or
phosphatidylcholine, which are natural compounds that break down fat. Deoxycholic acid, in
particular, is a bile acid that helps the body break down and absorb dietary fat. When
injected into fatty areas, it breaks down fat cells, which are then naturally metabolised and
eliminated by the body over time.
In other words, the injections use a formula that your body naturally uses to break down fat,
and then your body will flush it out as it normally would.
The good thing about this method, and it may be the best thing, is that once the fat cells
have been removed, they can no longer store fat, so the procedure can prove to be a
permanent result.
The caveat to this however, is that you maintain a healthy lifestyle because weight gain from
overeating will naturally produce new fat cells and storage. Notwithstanding, it is an effective
way to treat those hard to work off areas, if you approach it with the right attitude.
The Process
Every treatment starts with an initial consultation with Opulence Aesthetics. Our lead
consultant, Sadie, will carry out an initial assessment and take you through the process to
make sure it is suitable for you.
This will include taking into account your specific body type because everyone is different.
The focus will be on your fat distribution as not all treatable areas will be targeted if the
levels of fat are too high. These injections are generally used for the smaller, last remaining
fat deposits, which are considered stubborn because they are resistant to other
non-procedural attempts to remove them, i.e. dieting and exercise.
The injection procedure
The injections are administered directly into the fat tissue in the targeted area using a fine
needle. The fat cells are broken down over a few weeks, and the body naturally disposes of
them through the lymphatic system.
:
The most common treatment areas include the following:
● Chin (double chin)
● Jowls
● Abdomen
● Love handles
● Thighs or saddlebags
● Upper arms
● Back fat
Expected outcomes
The exact outcomes will vary from person to person, as it will largely depend on the volume
of fat and your individual metabolism, and the number of treatments you have, but there are
general guidelines that provide a strong indication from observations of treatments over a
vast population. These are:
Timeframes
Most people require between 2-4 sessions per area targeted. The sessions are spaced
several weeks apart for optimal results, and to give your body enough time to do its thing
and naturally remove the fat. Having distance between the sessions also helps Opulent
Aesthetics to reassess your treatment needs to ensure that you do not undergo more
treatments than is necessary. It also allows your body some time to heal from the injections.
How long they last
Once fat cells are dissolved they do not regenerate, simply put – they are no more, which
makes the results permanent if you maintain a stable weight with a healthy lifestyle. There
are few treatments out there that can promise this. But, remember, after the treatment, it is
all on you because new fat cells can and will develop in the treated areas if significant weight
gain occurs.
Part of our consultation is to guide you so that you approach your aesthetic goals with the
right attitude. This avoids the yo-yoing that results from complacency just because there is
an obvious ‘solution’ to ridding the fat. Remember, health is wealth and we always put you
first to avoid unnecessary treatments.
The benefits of fat dissolving
Compared to most other treatment options, fat dissolving injections use compounds naturally
occurring in your body, so there is little risk of an adverse reaction.
Unlike most approaches to fat reduction, fat dissolving injections are able to target specific
sites of fat deposits on your body.
The results, while quicker than most solutions, work gradually over time to give you a more
natural look.
But, best of all, the results are guaranteed and are permanent if you maintain a healthy
weight.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any kind of aesthetic procedure there are risks, and fat dissolving injections are no
exception to that. Our duty is to keep you informed so that you can make the right decision
for you. This will be discussed in detail in your consultation with Opulence Aesthetics, where
we will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Most common effects:
After your treatment you can expect to experience some swelling, redness, and bruising.
They say ‘no pain – no gain’, well the same is true of fat loss.
These are common at and around the injection site, especially in areas like the chin, which
has tougher skin.
Because of this you can expect some discomfort or tenderness. Some patients experience
mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but it is nothing extreme and
most pain killers available at your pharmacy will comfortably address the issue.
You may experience some temporary numbness around the treated area, especially if we
use a numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable.
Less common effects
As the natural compounds are injected into the general fat deposit site and the compounds
flow naturally to the surrounding area, it is possible that the fat will be broken down unevenly
leading to asymmetry in your appearance. While we cannot control precisely where the
compound flows, good technique minimises this risk, and of course, it can be corrected with
further injections.
Rare effects
Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the substances used in the
injections, but this can be avoided by carrying out a small patch test before commencing
treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for fat dissolving injections?
Fat dissolving injections are ideal for people who are close to their ideal body weight but
have small, localised fat pockets that don’t respond to diet and exercise, and want a
non-surgical fat reduction procedure to polish off those last remaining stores.
However, they are not recommended for those who are significantly overweight or obese (as
it’s not a weight loss solution), or have loose or sagging skin, as this treatment does not
tighten the skin.
Final thoughts
Fat dissolving injections are an effective and safe way to shape your body using a
non-invasive procedure. Compared to most other treatments, it is relatively cost effective,
especially when you consider that you will not require time off work and will be free to
continue with your everyday life immediately after the procedure.
The results are permanent and will remain for as long as you take care of your body through
your lifestyle choices. Few other treatments can promise that.
Remember, this is not a weight-loss treatment and should only be implemented once you are
close to your ideal weight and look.
Here at Opulence Aesthetics, we take great pride in delivering the best aesthetic outcomes
for our patience, so they walk away looking and feeling great about themselves.
If you believe that fat dissolving injections are for you, give us a call and we will be delighted
to talk you through the treatment process.
Until then, stay, happy, confident and radiant because you are worthy.
