Yes, yes – we all have a bit of belly fat. And some on the thighs. And maybe a little bit under the chin. And other places… probably (if you’re like me that is). And some of it is OK – it doesn’t hurt anybody and in fact, it is even healthy. Especially for women. Did you know that you should have a least 17% body fat for healthy menstruation (1) and at least 20% for healthy pregnancy (2)? So as women, we have a great biological reason to store fat and it is good.
Except… when we are overweight to the degree that it affects our health
OR
When those squishy layers of fat land in the places where it has no business being… Like under the chin, at the back, and on the belly which starts to pop out NOT because of pregnancy. And especially when all of that starts affecting your confidence and how you feel about yourself in that dress or pair of jeans.
For men this number is way lower, the body fat ratio requirement is at least 8% (up to 20%) (3). Therefore men are no exception to this and probably men have unwanted/unneeded fat in the places that also affect their confidence and overall look.
Luckily we live in the modern ages and…we have a solution to that. The fat-dissolving injectables.
In short, nowadays fat-dissolving injectables, are a popular cosmetic treatment designed to help reduce stubborn fat deposits in specific areas of the body.
In this blog, I will answer the questions that you probably have in mind if you’re thinking about undergoing this procedure. You will find out how they work and what to expect if you choose to do this treatment.
What Are Fat-Dissolving Injectables?
Fat-dissolving injectables are a non-surgical method to target and break down fat cells in specific areas, such as under the chin, around the jawline, or other localized fat pockets. Unlike traditional weight loss methods, these injectables focus on contouring and refining specific areas rather than overall weight reduction. So it is more about appearance than about weight loss.
When and Why Did They Become So Popular?
The popularity of fat-dissolving injectables has risen in recent years, especially as people seek non-invasive ways to improve their appearance. They became widely known due to their effectiveness, minimal downtime, and the growing desire for quick* and noticeable results without the need for surgery. With advancements in aesthetic treatments, more people are turning to these injectables for a subtle yet effective solution to stubborn fat.
*Quick in here is a relative term. It will take several weeks post initial treatment to see results. Also, depending on how much fat you have in the areas being treated, it may take several treatments.
What Is the Main Ingredient?
The primary ingredient in many fat-dissolving injectables is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Deoxycholic acid works by disrupting the cell membranes of fat cells, leading to their destruction and subsequent removal by the body’s natural metabolic processes. Importantly, deoxycholic acid used in these injectables is synthetically produced and contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it a suitable option for individuals with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns regarding animal products.
My Favorite Brands: As someone who values ethical and effective treatments, I only use non-animal derived products from my favorite brands:
- Aqualyx: Aqualyx is a well-known brand in the UK and Europe that uses deoxycholic acid to target localized fat deposits. It’s a fantastic option for contouring areas with stubborn fat, such as under the chin and around the jawline, and is free from animal-derived ingredients.
- Lipolab: Another excellent brand is Lipolab. Like Aqualyx, Lipolab’s fat-dissolving injections contain deoxycholic acid and no animal-derived ingredients. It’s particularly effective in treating localized fat deposits and helps contour and refine areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.
- Infini: Infini is also on my list of preferred brands. This brand utilizes deoxycholic acid for fat-dissolving treatments and shares the same commitment to being free from animal-derived ingredients. Infini effectively targets and reduces fat in specific areas, enhancing body contours.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure typically begins with a consultation, during which I will assess your suitability and discuss your goals. During the treatment, the area you wish to treat is marked with a pen and divided into sections I will be injecting the fat-dissolving solution. Then, I will make a series of small injections to the targeted area. The entire process of injection usually takes about 20-30 minutes. While you might experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort immediately after the injections, these side effects typically subside within a few days.
How Does It Work?
Fat-dissolving injectables work by breaking down the cell membranes of fat cells. When injected into the targeted area, the deoxycholic acid disrupts the fat cell walls, causing them to burst and release their contents. The body then naturally metabolizes and eliminates these fat that have been broken down over the following weeks, resulting in a slimmer and more contoured appearance.
Are You a Good Candidate for Fat-Dissolving?
You are a good candidate for this treatment if you:
- Have small, localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
- Are near your ideal body weight (typically no more than 10kg within the goal).
- Have realistic expectations about the results.
- Are in good overall health.
This is NOT for You if…
Fat-dissolving injectables might not be suitable for everyone. You should avoid this treatment if you:
- Have significant amounts of excess weight (BMI 30 and over).
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Have certain medical conditions (autoimmune disorders, diabetes, blood disorders, severe liver disease) or allergies to the ingredients (Deoxycholic Acid or history of anaphylaxis).
- Have loose skin or poor skin elasticity in the target area.
Realistic Expectations
It’s essential to have realistic expectations when considering fat-dissolving injectables. While the treatment can help contour specific areas and reduce fat pockets, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. This is also important for keeping good results of the treatment.
Results will be different from person to person, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, a person who takes this procedure as a kick start for keeping fit and healthy will have long-lasting results and might not need another treatment. And someone who continues with unhealthy habits might have those pockets of fat re-appear. So ultimately it is all down to you.
Overall, fat-dissolving injectables offer a promising solution for you if you are looking to tackle stubborn fat in specific areas without undergoing surgery. By understanding how the treatment works and setting realistic expectations, you can make an informed decision about whether this popular cosmetic procedure is right for you.
In any case you must remember that you are valuable and lovable person with the fat pockets or not. However if you want to get rid of them and need futher information or advice feel free to consul with me or another qualified aesthetician to ensure safe and effective results tailored to your unique needs. If you are based in Brighton or Hove, Modern Goddess Zone might just be the place for you to do this. 😉
References:
(1)
Source: Frisch, R. E. (1987). “Body Fat, Menarche, Fitness and Fertility.” Human Reproduction, 2(6), 521-533. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a136616
Source: Malina, R. M. (1996). “Body composition and physical performance.” In “Nutrition and physical activity in aging, obesity, and weight control.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(1), 913-921.
(2)
Source: Luke, B. (1994). “Nutritional influences on fetal growth.” Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 37(3), 538-549. doi:10.1097/00003081-199409000-00005
Source: Butte, N. F. (2000). “Dietary intakes of women during pregnancy and lactation.” Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series: Pediatric Program, 45, 123-154.
(3)
Source: American Council on Exercise. (2019). “Body Fat Percentage Norms for Men and Women.”
Source: Wang, Z., Heshka, S., Wang, J., Gallagher, D., Boozer, C. N., Kotler, D. P., & Heymsfield, S. B. (2000). “Metabolically active portion of fat-free mass: A cellular body composition level modeling analysis.” American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 279(5), E1000-E1006.
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