Injection lipolysis is a non-surgical injectable treatment that may be used in suitable patients to reduce small areas of localized fat and improve regional body or facial contour.

 

It is not a weight-loss treatment. The primary aim is to improve contour in small, well-defined areas of fat that remain noticeable despite diet and exercise, regardless of the patient’s overall body weight.

 

Before treatment, the amount of fat, skin quality, anatomy of the area and the patient’s expectations are assessed to determine whether injection lipolysis is appropriate.

Submental Lipolysis

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Localized fat beneath the chin can occur even in people of normal weight and may be influenced by genetics, age and facial anatomy.

In suitable patients, submental lipolysis may be used to reduce fat beneath the chin and help improve the definition of the chin-to-neck transition and jawline contour.

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Who may be suitable?

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• Patients with localized fat beneath the chin

• People of normal weight who are concerned about a double-chin appearance

• Those seeking greater definition between the chin and neck

• Suitable patients who prefer a non-surgical approach

 

It is important to remember that the appearance of a double chin is not always caused by fat alone.

 

A recessed chin, skin laxity, neck anatomy or other structural features may also contribute to the appearance.

 

For this reason, in some patients, focused ultrasound, chin contouring or other treatments may be considered instead of or in combination with injection lipolysis.

 

Injection Lipolysis for Localized Fat

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Injection lipolysis may be considered in suitable patients with small, localized areas of fat where the aim is to improve regional contour.

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Which areas may be treated?

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Depending on the product being used and the patient’s anatomical suitability, treatment may be considered for areas such as:

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• Under the chin / submental area

• Localized fat deposits in the abdomen

• Waist and flank area

• Hip area

• Localized fat around the buttocks

• Inner and outer thighs

• Suitable localized fat deposits around the knees

• Other small and well-defined areas of localized fat

 

However, not every injection lipolysis product is suitable or approved for use in every area of the body.

 

The ingredients of the product, the intended treatment area and the patient’s individual medical characteristics should therefore be assessed by the physician before treatment.

 

How does injection lipolysis work?

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The substances used in injection lipolysis are intended to affect the structure of fat cells and reduce the amount of fat tissue within the targeted area over time.

 

The process is not completed immediately after the injections. Because the body requires time to process the biological changes that occur following treatment, results develop gradually.

 

Injection lipolysis should therefore not be considered an “instant slimming” treatment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Injection Lipolysis

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Does injection lipolysis help with weight loss?

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No. Injection lipolysis is not a slimming or weight-loss treatment. Rather than reducing overall body weight, it is intended to target localized fat in a specific area. For patients with significant excess body weight, general weight management may be a more appropriate priority before considering localized contouring treatments.

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How many sessions are needed?

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There is no standard number of sessions that applies to everyone. Depending on the treatment area, amount of fat, product used and the patient’s response to treatment, more than one session may be required.

The number of sessions and interval between treatments are determined individually following clinical assessment.

 

When will I see results?

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Results develop gradually. Because the body needs time to process the changes occurring within the targeted fat tissue, several weeks or longer may be required before the final outcome can be assessed.

 

Will there be significant swelling after submental lipolysis?

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Swelling and oedema are expected reactions, particularly after injection lipolysis beneath the chin. Redness, tenderness, firmness, bruising, numbness or temporary discomfort may also occur in the treated area.

The degree of swelling varies according to the product used, the amount injected and the patient’s individual response.

 

Is the treatment painful?

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Stinging, burning or tenderness may be experienced during the injections.

Some sensitivity or a feeling of tightness may also persist for a period after treatment. Methods used to improve comfort are selected according to the individual patient’s needs.

 

Can I return to my normal routine after treatment?

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Most people can return to their usual daily activities relatively quickly.

However, particularly after treatment of the submental area, visible swelling can sometimes be significant, so the degree of social downtime may vary from person to person.

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Can fat return after injection lipolysis?

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Even if the amount of fat tissue in the treated area is reduced, subsequent weight gain may cause the remaining fat cells in the treated area and elsewhere in the body to increase in size. For this reason, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity and stable body weight is important for preserving the result.

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Does injection lipolysis tighten the skin?

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The primary purpose of injection lipolysis is to reduce localized fat. It is not primarily a skin-tightening treatment. In patients with poor skin elasticity, reducing the underlying fat may sometimes make existing laxity more noticeable. For this reason, clinical assessment should consider not only the amount of fat but also the quality and firmness of the skin. In suitable patients, focused ultrasound or other skin-tightening treatments may be incorporated into the treatment plan.

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What are the side effects of injection lipolysis?

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The most common temporary effects in the treated area may include:

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• Swelling and oedema

• Redness

• Tenderness

• Bruising

• Firmness

• Numbness or altered sensation

 

Less common but more significant complications may also occur depending on the product used and the treatment area. Particularly in submental treatments, careful assessment of the underlying anatomy and appropriate injection technique are important.

 

Who should not have injection lipolysis?

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Treatment may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in patients with active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, or in those with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the product being used. Certain systemic medical conditions, medications and individual health factors should also be reviewed before treatment.

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Personalised Body Contouring Plan

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When assessing localized contour concerns, the important question is not simply whether excess fat is present.

 

In areas such as the chin, abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks and thighs, the amount and distribution of fat, skin quality, skin firmness and regional anatomy should all be evaluated together.

 

For some patients, injection lipolysis alone may be appropriate. For others, combining treatment with skin-tightening or other contour-supporting procedures may provide a more suitable approach.

 

The aim is not weight loss, but to target the appropriate area in the appropriate patient and support a more balanced, natural-looking contour.