What is Fat Dissolving Injection?
Fat dissolving injection is an aesthetic medical treatment that directly injects medication into specific areas of concern to reduce fat cells. It is used for localized fat (e.g., double chin, jawline, cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, thighs) that is difficult to reduce through exercise or diet.
Compared to surgical procedures like liposuction, it is characterized by being non-surgical with no incisions and having a short downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily lives after the injection.
Gradual change, not immediate effect
Fat dissolving injections work by having the injected fat cells excreted from the body over several weeks to months. Rather than dramatic changes after a single session, many people experience gradual changes after multiple treatments.
Mechanism of Action of Fat Dissolving Injections
The main ingredients in the injection, such as deoxycholic acid and phosphatidylcholine, act on fat cells through the following mechanisms:
- Breaks down fat cell membranes and destroys fat cells.
- Destroyed fat is broken down through the body's metabolic pathways.
- Excreted from the body via lymphatic and blood circulation.
- Metabolized by the liver and excreted as urine and feces.
Main Fat Dissolving Injections Handled at Our Clinic
| Product Name | Features | Main Indication Areas |
|---|---|---|
| BNLS Neo (BNLS Ultimate) | Mainly plant-derived ingredients, less swelling, minimal downtime | Face, neck, jawline |
| Caberin | Improved version of BNLS, fat reduction + skin tightening effect | Face, double chin, cheeks |
| Deoxycholic acid preparations (e.g., Kybella) | FDA approved, powerful fat dissolving, more prone to swelling | Under chin, body |
| FatX | For large fat deposits in the torso and limbs | Abdomen, thighs, upper arms |
* The type and brand of medication may change depending on the period. Please consult during your examination.
Applicable Areas for Treatment
Face Area
- Double chin / submental fat
- Sagging cheeks / jawline
- Temples / under temples
- Around the nose / nasal wings
Body Area
- Upper arms (bat wings)
- Abdomen / flanks
- Back / bra line
- Thighs / inner thighs
- Calves
- Around the knees
Treatment Flow
- Counseling: Discuss areas, desired outcome, and estimated number of sessions.
- Area Marking: Confirm injection points.
- Anesthesia (if desired): Apply anesthetic cream or cool with ice.
- Injection: Inject medication into multiple points (10-20 minutes per area).
- Aftercare: Cooling, compression, and explanation of precautions.
Estimated Treatment Time
- Under chin / cheeks: 15-30 minutes
- Abdomen / thighs: 30-60 minutes
- Multiple body areas: Approximately 1 hour
Expected Effects and Number of Sessions
| Area | Recommended Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Under chin / Jawline | 3-5 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Cheeks / For a smaller face | 2-4 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Abdomen / Thighs / Other body areas | 5-8 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Upper arms / Back | 4-6 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
Individual results may vary
The outcome may differ depending on the amount of fat, metabolic capacity, and lifestyle. Many people experience changes within 2-4 weeks after treatment, with the final results visible 1-2 months after the last treatment. For maintenance, a focus on basic diet and exercise is also important.
Downtime and Side Effects
Possible Symptoms After Treatment
| Symptom | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling at injection site | Common | 2-7 days |
| Redness / Warmth | Common | 1-3 days |
| Bruising | Occasional | 1-2 weeks |
| Mild pain / Pain when pressed | Common | 3-7 days |
| Induration (lumpiness) | Occasional | Several weeks |
| Itching | Rare | 1-2 days |
Rare Side Effects
- Allergic reaction (important to confirm history and ingredients)
- Skin depressions / irregularities
- Hyperpigmentation
- Infection at the injection site (very rare)
- Asymmetry
Consult us if you experience these symptoms
If you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, widespread swelling, fever, pus, or skin discoloration, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Who Cannot Receive Treatment / Who Needs Caution
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Severe liver or kidney dysfunction
- Infection or skin disease at the injection site
- History of allergy to medication ingredients
- Keloid predisposition
Caution Required (Consultation needed)
- Soy allergy (for preparations containing phosphatidylcholine)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Taking anticoagulant medication
- Pacemaker implantation
- Using immunosuppressants
Precautions Before and After Treatment
Before Treatment
- Manage your physical condition on the day (postpone if you have a fever or feel unwell)
- Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise the day before
- If taking anticoagulant medication, consult us in advance
- Remove makeup from the treatment area before treatment
- Ensure adequate hydration and have a meal beforehand
After Treatment
- Avoid strong massage of the treated area for a few days after treatment
- Only take showers on the day of treatment or the following day
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol on the day of treatment
- Stay well-hydrated (promotes metabolism)
- Mild swelling and redness will subside in a few days
- Contact us if you have any concerns
Comparison of Fat Dissolving Injections with Other Body Contouring Treatments
| Treatment | Features | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Fat dissolving injection | Injection only, for localized fat reduction, requires multiple sessions | Mild swelling for several days |
| CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) | Destroys fat cells with cooling, non-invasive | Mild redness, altered sensation |
| Radiofrequency (e.g., BTL Vanquish) | Reduces fat and tightens skin with heat | Almost none |
| Liposuction (surgery) | Removes large amounts of fat at once, highly effective | 1-2 weeks, pain involved |
| Medical weight loss (e.g., GLP-1) | Systemic weight loss, oral/injectable, appetite suppression | None |
Features of Our Clinic's Fat Dissolving Injections
- Selection from multiple brands and preparations tailored to the area and desired outcome
- Emphasis on counseling, with thorough explanation of estimated treatment sessions and costs
- Post-treatment follow-up support
- Treatment performed after checking health conditions (liver/kidney function, etc.) at our in-house internal medicine department
- Thorough confirmation of allergies and medical history
- Walk-ins and same-day appointments welcome / Open daily 9am-9pm / 1-minute walk from Jujo Station
We do not recommend unnecessary procedures.
It is important to plan fat dissolving injections considering the applicable areas, number of sessions, and physical condition. Let's work together to create the optimal treatment plan according to your wishes and budget.
