“Keeping up with exercise and dieting is so hard…”
“I always end up rebounding, and I really want to do something about it…”
Do any of these concerns sound familiar?
Fat-dissolving injections are a body-contouring treatment that breaks down and dissolves fat to reduce it in targeted areas. They can help improve concerns such as a double chin, and may also support a body that is less prone to weight regain.
On this page, we explain what fat-dissolving injections involve, how fat is dissolved, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of the treatment.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Are Fat-Dissolving Injections? A Body-Contouring Treatment for Targeted Fat Reduction
- 2 How Does Fat Dissolve? Metabolism-Boosting Ingredients That Promote Fat Breakdown and Elimination
- 3 What Are the Benefits of Fat-Dissolving Injections? Three Potential Effects
- 3.1 ① Slimming and defining facial contours for a more sculpted look
- 3.2 ② Targeted fat reduction in areas such as the thighs, abdomen, and upper arms
- 3.3 ③ Reduced cellulite and fat, helping to support a body less prone to rebounding
- 4 What Are the Drawbacks? Not Suitable for Visceral Fat or Large Treatment Areas
- 5 What Are the Side Effects? Swelling at the Injection Site Is Possible
- 6 Differences Between Liposuction and Fat-Dissolving Injections
- 7 Pricing for Fat-Dissolving Injections
- 8 Treatment Process for Fat-Dissolving Injections
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions About Fat-Dissolving Injections
- 9.1 Q. Is the procedure painful?
- 9.2 Q. How many sessions are needed, and over what period of time?
- 10 Considering Fat-Dissolving Injections? Visit IC Clinic
What Are Fat-Dissolving Injections? A Body-Contouring Treatment for Targeted Fat Reduction
Fat-dissolving injections are a body-contouring treatment capable of breaking down and dissolving fat cells. By injecting the solution into areas of concern, it is possible to reduce fat in a targeted way.
Because the injections act within a relatively small area, achieving a dramatic change to the overall body contour in a single session can be difficult.
On the other hand, since the treatment can target only the specific areas where you want to reduce fat, it is possible, for example, to slim the abdominal area while maintaining bust size.
The main active ingredients in fat-dissolving injections are phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate. Each works to dissolve the fat cell membrane and reduce the number of fat cells.
How Does Fat Dissolve? Metabolism-Boosting Ingredients That Promote Fat Breakdown and Elimination
The process by which fat-dissolving injections reduce fat is as follows:
- The ingredients in the injection dissolve the fat cell membrane
- Neutral fats (lipids) stored in the fat cells are broken down
- The broken-down components are eliminated from the body through urine and perspiration
- Fat cells shrink and decrease in number
- Overall fat volume is reduced as a result
Fat cells are cells that store neutral fats produced within the body. When fat-dissolving injections break down the cell membrane and the stored neutral fats are metabolized, the fat cells shrink and decrease in number.
As the fat cells in the body shrink and decrease, the thickness of the fat layer also reduces, resulting in a visible change in appearance—this is the mechanism behind fat-dissolving injections.
In addition, some of the broken-down neutral fats are metabolized in the liver. Fat-dissolving injections also have a metabolism-supporting effect, helping these fats to be eliminated from the body through perspiration and urine.
What Are the Benefits of Fat-Dissolving Injections? Three Potential Effects
The main benefits of fat-dissolving injections are the following three:
- Slimming and defining facial contours for a more sculpted look
- Targeted fat reduction in areas such as the thighs, abdomen, and upper arms
- Reduced cellulite and fat, helping to support a body less prone to rebounding
Because fat-dissolving injections allow for targeted fat reduction, they can address fat in specific areas of concern, such as the face or thighs.
Below, we explain each of these benefits in more detail.
① Slimming and defining facial contours for a more sculpted look
By administering fat-dissolving injections to areas with excess fat such as a double chin or full cheeks, it is possible to define and slim the facial contour.
The treatment can also be applied to drooping eyelids or a broader nose, helping to reduce unwanted fat across the face.
In particular, fat-dissolving injections may be one option for those who find that facial fat remains even with exercise and dietary changes.
② Targeted fat reduction in areas such as the thighs, abdomen, and upper arms
Fat-dissolving injections can also support targeted fat reduction in areas such as the thighs, abdomen, and upper arms.
With conventional dieting, it is difficult to lose fat only in specific areas. For example, attempts to reduce fat in the thighs or abdomen often result in a reduction in bust size as well.
With fat-dissolving injections, it is possible to slim only the areas where fat reduction is desired, while maintaining bust size.
③ Reduced cellulite and fat, helping to support a body less prone to rebounding
Supporting a body that is less prone to weight regain is another potential benefit of fat-dissolving injections.
Weight gain occurs when fat cells grow larger—not necessarily when the number of fat cells increases.
Exercise and dieting can reduce the size of fat cells, but they cannot reduce the number of fat cells. When you stop exercising or dieting, fat cells can grow larger again, potentially leading to weight regain.
Fat-dissolving injections, however, contain ingredients that break down and dissolve fat cells, making it possible to reduce the actual number of fat cells. This may help lower the risk of weight regain and support a body that tends to gain weight less easily.
In addition, fat-dissolving injections may be effective not only for regular fat, but also for reducing cellulite—a type of altered fat cell.
What Are the Drawbacks? Not Suitable for Visceral Fat or Large Treatment Areas
Fat-dissolving injections are not suitable for removing visceral fat or treating large areas of the body.
Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat accumulates around the internal organs deep within the abdomen. Because injecting into these areas carries a risk of damaging the organs, fat-dissolving injections are not appropriate for visceral fat removal.
Visceral fat is generally addressed through diet and exercise.
While fat-dissolving injections can be used to treat larger areas, the amount of solution that can be administered in a single session is limited in consideration of the burden on the body.
Treating a wide area therefore requires multiple sessions, which means more time and cost.
What Are the Side Effects? Swelling at the Injection Site Is Possible
With fat-dissolving injections, there is a risk of symptoms such as swelling, pain, or bruising at the injection site following the procedure.
Side effects vary among individuals, but symptoms generally subside within a few days to about one week. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise, bathing in hot water, and alcohol consumption after the procedure.
If you are concerned about side effects, we recommend scheduling your treatment the day before a day off or during a holiday period.
While side effects are generally mild and unlikely to significantly interfere with daily activities, allowing some time to pass will help reduce the visibility of symptoms such as swelling.
If you have received treatment at our clinic and are concerned about persistent swelling or bruising, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Differences Between Liposuction and Fat-Dissolving Injections
In addition to fat-dissolving injections, liposuction is another treatment option for fat removal.
The respective benefits and drawbacks of liposuction and fat-dissolving injections are as follows:
| Liposuction | Fat-Dissolving Injections | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | ・Significant results may be expected in a single session ・Body contour can be sculpted |
・Targeted fat reduction is possible ・Relatively mild downtime |
| Drawbacks | ・Post-procedural symptoms such as pain and swelling can be noticeable ・Downtime is relatively long, around one month |
・Large amounts of solution may place a burden on the organs ・Difficult to achieve dramatic body contouring changes ・Allergic reactions may occur ・Multiple visits are required |
| Suitable for | ・Those wanting to remove fat over a large area ・Those wanting results in a shorter timeframe ・Those wanting a significant change in a single session |
・Those wanting targeted fat reduction ・Those wanting to reduce fat gradually ・Those wanting minimal visible downtime ・Those wanting to return to daily activities soon after treatment |
Liposuction is characterized by its ability to remove a larger volume of fat in a single session and is well suited for those wanting to address fat over a broad area.
Fat-dissolving injections, on the other hand, allow for targeted fat removal and are characterized by relatively mild side effects and downtime.
If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, please feel free to consult with our clinic. Through a personalized consultation, we will suggest the most suitable treatment approach for each individual patient.
Pricing for Fat-Dissolving Injections
Pricing for fat-dissolving injections at our clinic varies depending on the amount of solution administered. Please refer to the diet and body-contouring price list for full pricing details.
The amount of solution required varies depending on the treatment area and volume of fat. If you have any questions about pricing or the details of the procedure, please feel free to contact us.
Treatment Process for Fat-Dissolving Injections
The treatment process for fat-dissolving injections is as follows:
- Consultation
Before the procedure, we will first listen to your concerns and goals. Please feel free to share which areas you would like to target, your ideal body shape, and any concerns or questions you may have. - Marking
Prior to the injections, the skin in the treatment area will be cleansed (including makeup removal). The areas where the fat-dissolving solution is to be applied and the injection points will then be marked. - Treatment
Fat-dissolving injections are administered to the marked areas. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. An anesthetic cream is applied before the injections to help minimize discomfort.
The procedure is generally completed in about 10 minutes, with minimal discomfort. A cooling period is also provided, during which we check for any pain, swelling, or numbness before concluding the session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fat-Dissolving Injections
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about fat-dissolving injections.
Q. Is the procedure painful?
While sensitivity varies among individuals, a very fine needle is used to administer the solution, so most patients experience minimal discomfort.
If you are sensitive to pain or have any concerns, please let us know during your consultation. We will provide a detailed explanation and work with you to find the most comfortable approach.
Q. How many sessions are needed, and over what period of time?
The number of sessions and treatment duration vary depending on the area and extent of treatment.
A larger treatment area requires a greater volume of solution, which in turn means more sessions and a longer treatment period.
As a general guideline, intervals of approximately two weeks are recommended between sessions in the same area. With approximately three sessions as a standard course, the total treatment period is typically around one and a half to two months.
However, the number of sessions and duration may vary depending on the area and extent of treatment, so please discuss the specifics with us during your consultation.
Considering Fat-Dissolving Injections? Visit IC Clinic
Fat-dissolving injections are a body-contouring treatment that allows for targeted fat reduction. By reducing the number of fat cells, the treatment may not only help slim specific areas, but also support a body that tends to gain weight less easily.
Each session takes approximately 10 minutes and no incisions are required, meaning side effects and discomfort are generally milder compared to liposuction.
If you are considering fat-dissolving injections, please contact IC Clinic. We conduct a thorough consultation before treatment and proceed at a pace that takes into account each patient’s concerns and wishes.
