Fat Dissolving

Deoxycholic Acid is found naturally in our bodies and helps to aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. When this compound is injected in a controlled manner into a fat pocket on the body, it breaks down and destroys fat cells that are then absorbed by the body and excreted. The procedure is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The clinician outlines the treatment area using a grid pattern technique. Deoxycholic Acid is injected into the area of concern. This treatment generally requires multiple sessions, but once completed, results are considered permanent due to the lasting destruction of fat cells. Fat cells are unable to multiply, they only get bigger and smaller, so once they’re destroyed, they are gone forever.

What To Expect

Prior to treatment, a triple-strength, prescription numbing cream is applied to the treatment area so that the procedure is painless. After a few minutes, the numbing cream is removed and the skin is thoroughly cleansed with disinfectant to ensure sterility of the area during the procedure. Ice packs are also used to numb the area. Prior to the injection, and as an added step to maximize comfort, the Deoxycholic Acid is mixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent used by dentists to freeze the teeth or jaw prior to dental procedures. A tiny needle delivers small injections of Deoxycholic Acid into the fat. Patients may feel a slight stinging or discomfort during the procedure.

The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes but depends upon the size of the treatment area.

After the solution is injected, there will be some swelling which may result in a tingling sensation with some mild redness.

After a treatment with Deoxycholic Acid, mild to moderate swelling and tenderness are expected, and considered a normal, temporary outcome of treatment. The majority of swelling resolves within a few days but may take 1 – 2 weeks for complete resolution. As with all cosmetic procedures, treatment immediately before a big event or engagement is strongly encouraged. The degree of swelling and discomfort varies between patients and may be based upon the amount of fat tissue being treated.

Dermatologist performing non invasive fat reduction procedure in beauty center
Beautiful female is receiving anti cellulite injection in beauty center

What To Expectwhat Areas Can Be Treated?

Fat dissolving injections using Deoxycholic Acid are indicated for the improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity (fullness) associated with submental fat (double chin) in adults. Common causes of submental fullness include aging, genetics (despite not being overweight) and weight gain or increased body mass index (BMI). Treatment of a double chin is the most common clinical indication for treatment.   Other areas of the body that may be treated using deoxycholic acid injections include:
  • Love handles (fat on the sides of the abdomen)
  • Subcutaneous abdominal fat (front of the abdomen)
  • Fat on the inner thigh
  • Fat at the top of the arm (“bat wing”)
  • Back fat visible when wearing a bra or restrictive undergarment (anterior and posterior axillary fat)
  • Fat above the knees (medial and lateral knee fat)
Our experienced clinicians will complete a thorough assessment to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for permanent fat treatment using Deoxycholic Acid.

When Will I See Results?

The effects of treatment with Deoxycholic Acid injections are visible within 4 – 6 weeks. Subsequent treatments should occur no earlier than every 4 weeks for a maximum of 6 treatments in a specific area. Multiple treatments are usually required and are dependent upon the amount of fat in the treatment area. For example, moderate fullness in the submental area (double chin) may respond to 1 or 2 treatments, while abdomen and love handles may require several more.

The girl takes her body measurements with a measuring tape