Fat Dissolving Injections
For small, stubborn pockets of fat that will not shift
Injection lipolysis, also called intralipotherapy, places a solution directly into a defined pocket of fat so that the fat cells there break down and are cleared by the body. It is a contouring treatment, not a weight loss treatment, and it works best for someone already close to the weight they want to be.
- Chin
- Upper arms
- Bra bulge
- Hips
- Upper abdomen
- Lower abdomen
- Outer thigh
- Inner thigh
- Knees
- Ankles
From £75
Chin, 45 minutes. Consultation, full medical history and written consent before any treatment.
- Carried out at our own Southampton clinic
- Consultation and medical history every time
- Written consent and written aftercare
- Before and after photographs through your course
- Treatment plan costed up front
- We decline treatments that are not right for you
Results vary from person to person and depend on the individual, the area treated and how closely aftercare is followed.
What happens to the fat
A fine needle places the solution into the fat layer beneath the skin, across several points in the area being treated.
The membrane is destabilised
The solution breaks down the membrane of the fat cells in the treated area, so the cells become unstable and break open.
The body clears it
The fatty acids released are cleared by macrophages, part of the immune system, and processed by the liver over the following weeks.
The change is gradual
Nothing happens overnight. Most people notice a difference after two or three sessions, with the fuller result several weeks after the last one.
Because the treated fat cells are broken down rather than shrunk, results are long lasting so long as your weight stays broadly stable. If you gain weight afterwards, the fat cells that remain can still enlarge.
Fat dissolving prices, Southampton
Prices are per session. Most areas need a course rather than a single treatment, so we cost your whole plan at consultation rather than leaving you to work it out.
| Treatment | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fat dissolve injections and cavitation, chin | 45 mins | £75 |
| Fat dissolve injections and cavitation, arms | 1 hr 15 mins | £145 |
| Fat dissolve injections and cavitation, using Aqualyx | 1 hr 15 mins | £165 |
| Fat dissolve injections, upper and lower abdomen, using Aqualyx | 1 hr 15 mins | £175 |
We often combine fat dissolving with ultrasound cavitation in the same appointment, which is why several of the sessions above are booked as a combined treatment.
What your appointment involves
Consultation
We talk through what is bothering you and what you are hoping for, take a full medical history and examine the area. If what you are seeing is loose skin rather than fat, injections will not help it, and we will tell you so.
Photographs
With your permission we photograph the area before we start and at points through the course. Fat reduction is gradual, and photographs taken in the same position and light are far more reliable than memory.
Consent
You are given the aftercare to read and asked to sign a consent form. Ask about anything you are unsure of. Nothing is injected until you are happy to go ahead.
The injections
The area is cleaned, marked and injected at several points. Most people describe a stinging or burning sensation that settles within a few minutes. Anaesthetic is not needed for most areas.
What to expect, and how to look after the area
The first few days
Redness, swelling, tenderness and an aching sensation are normal, along with numbness where a local anaesthetic has been used. These settle noticeably over the first few days. Most people find the area is sensitive for one to three days and carry on with their normal activities.
Swelling and bruising
Bruising is common, particularly on the abdomen and arms, and swelling can occasionally last up to two weeks. If you have an event coming up, book well in advance rather than in the week before.
Your aftercare
- Drink plenty of fluids, at least two litres a day
- Simple over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol if the area is tender
- A cold compress helps with swelling and inflammation
- No make-up, creams or oils over the injection sites for 24 hours
- No sunbeds, swimming, UV light or saunas until the redness and swelling have settled
- Avoid extremes of temperature for the first week
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine, which are dehydrating
- Eat well and stay active, which helps the body clear the treated fat
- Come to your follow-up appointments, even if everything seems to be healing well
Contact us if symptoms carry on longer than described above, or if anything concerns you. Seek medical attention if you have signs of infection: skin that is hot, red and shiny, any pus, a fever or feeling generally unwell. Seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Who we can and cannot treat
Fat dissolving may suit you if you are close to your ideal weight, keep a reasonably healthy lifestyle and have isolated areas of stubborn fat. It is not suitable if you are carrying significant excess weight, and other body contouring treatments may be a better starting point. If you have recently lost a lot of weight, what is bothering you may be loose skin, which responds to tightening rather than to injections.
Not suitable if you
- Have diabetes
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have an active skin problem in the area to be treated
- Take blood thinning medication such as warfarin
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a known allergy to any of the ingredients
This is not a complete list. A full medical history is taken at consultation, and there are circumstances in which we will decline to treat or ask you to speak to your GP first.
How it sits alongside our other body treatments
Versus fat freezing
Cryolipolysis chills a larger pocket of fat drawn into an applicator, so it suits broader areas such as the abdomen or flanks. Injections can be placed precisely, so they suit smaller, defined areas such as under the chin.
Versus ultrasound cavitation
Cavitation is non-invasive and comfortable and covers a wider area. We often use the two together in one appointment rather than choosing between them.
Versus EMS muscle sculpting
EMS works on muscle, not fat. If your concern is tone and definition rather than a pocket of fat, EMS is the better treatment.
Versus radiofrequency
Radiofrequency addresses skin laxity rather than fat volume. If an area looks soft because the skin has lost firmness, tightening will do more.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a weight loss treatment?
No. It is a contouring treatment for isolated pockets of fat, and it is not intended to reduce your overall weight.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a stinging or burning sensation while the solution goes in, which passes within a few minutes, then tenderness for a day or two.
How many sessions?
Around five for most areas, roughly a week apart. Smaller areas such as the chin often need fewer. You are given a plan at consultation.
When will I see a result?
Gradually. Many people notice a change after two or three sessions, with the fuller result several weeks after the final treatment.
How long does it last?
Long lasting, provided your weight stays broadly stable. The treated fat cells are gone, but those that remain can still enlarge.
Can I go back to work?
Yes. You can resume normal daily activities straight afterwards. The area will feel sore for a day or two.
Do I need anaesthetic?
Not for most areas.
Can more than one area be treated?
That is decided at consultation and depends on the areas and the total volume involved.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. Every injectable treatment here requires a consultation, a full medical history and written consent.
Book your consultation
Fat dissolving injections are carried out at our Southampton clinic. 26 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XL.
02381 946394
info@skintasticaesthetics.com
Nothing on this page is a substitute for a consultation or for medical advice.
