The Complete Guide to Fat Dissolving Injections

November 11, 2024

Fat dissolving injections are rising in popularity as a non-surgical method for reducing small, localized fat deposits on the body. As an alternative to liposuction, these injections can target stubborn fat cells without surgery or downtime. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about using fat dissolving injections for body contouring.

What Are Fat Dissolving Injections?

Fat dissolving injections, also called injection lipolysis or mesotherapy, is a procedure that involves injecting a fat-dissolving solution into specific areas of unwanted fat. The injections contain substances that break down and permanently destroy fat cells, allowing your body to naturally eliminate the dead cells over time.

The most widely used fat-dissolving injection solution contains phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and deoxycholic acid (DCA). PPC is a compound that occurs naturally in the body’s cell membranes, while DCA aids in fat digestion. When injected together, PPC and DCA target and lyse, or rupture, fat cell membranes.

Other substances used alone or with PPC and DCA may include:

Sodium deoxycholate - Bile salt that dissolves cell membranes
Phosphatidylinositol - Compound targeting fat cell membranes
Beta-glucan - Polysaccharide that stimulates immune response
Aminophyline - Methylxanthine that enhances lipolysis
Herbal extracts - Containing caffeine or theobromine

How Do Fat Dissolving Injections Work?

Fat dissolving injections work in a few simple steps:

The doctor injects the fat-dissolving solution directly into the deep fat layer under the skin using a very small needle. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort.
The substances penetrate the membranes of the fat cells, causing them to swell, burst, and die.
The destroyed fat cells release lipids that are eliminated from the body via natural metabolic processes over 8 to 12 weeks.
With the fat cells permanently gone, the treated area becomes firmer and smaller in size.

Lipotropic substances are sometimes also injected alongside or after fat dissolution. Lipotropics aid the body’s ability to utilize or remove the released fat, enhancing skin tightening.

Benefits of Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat reducing injections offer several benefits over liposuction and other body contouring procedures:

Non-invasive method: No surgery or incisions required
Minimal downtime: Most patients resume normal activities immediately
No anesthesia required: Only local numbing used
Customizable: Treat specific problem areas of fat
Long-lasting results: Fat cells destroyed are eliminated for good
Natural-looking contours: Results look smooth and natural
Safe: Considered very safe with few side effects
Cost-effective: More affordable than surgical alternatives

The Fat Dissolving Injection Procedure

During your fat dissolving injection session, your doctor will precisely administer customized injections using the following steps:

The treatment area(s) are marked and thoroughly cleaned.
Numbing medication may be applied topically or injected for maximum comfort.
The doctor methodically injects microdoses of the fat-melting solution into the deep fat layer of the targeted zones using an ultrafine needle.
Injection volume and depth varies depending on the amount of fat and area size being addressed. Common dosages range from 20mg up to 100mg per zone.
Most patients require a series of 4-8 weekly sessions for optimal results.

The needles used are very fine, but some sensitivity or discomfort may occur during injections. Let your doctor know if you require additional numbing or pain control at any time.

What to Expect After Injections

Following your fat reduction injection session, you can expect:

Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness around injection sites
Minor bruising, normally resolving within 5-10 days
Potential minor pain, cramping or tingling as the fat breaks down
Feeling of fullness or hardness under treatment zones

Symptoms typically peak within the first 72 hours before subsiding. Ask your doctor what relieving medications are appropriate, if needed. Most side effects resolve on their own.