Injection Lipolysis

 

INTRODUCTION

Injection lipolysis chemically reduces the number of fat cells around the injection site. The chemical, called deoxycholic acid, results in fat cell disruption and death. Currently, it is FDA-approved for treatment of the area underneath the chin to eliminate what is known as a “double chin.”

INDICATIONS

Nonsurgical candidates and patients interested in a nonsurgical approach to reducing the fat beneath the chin may be interested in injection lipolysis. Patients with loose skin or poor tone may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

If you are any of the following, you must not be treated with Lipolysis:

  • Pregnant women and breast-feeding moms
  • Diabetics 
  • Patients with cardiovascular diseases
  • Patients with certain allergies 
  • Patients who currently have or used to have malignant disorders
  • Patients with blood disorders
  • Patients with kidney diseases.

 

SESSIONS NEEDED

The number of sessions needed differs from one person to the next due to individual responses to the medication and the type of fat being treated. Soft stubborn fat is easier to treat than fibrous fat. During the pre-admission consultation you will be informed as to how many sessions you will need to achieve your desired result. Results can be expected after 2-3 treatments.

ANESTHESIA

This procedure can be done under local anesthesia, which is injected into the treatment area beneath the chin.

THE PROCEDURE

After the local anesthesia has been injected, a precise amount of medication is injected in a grid pattern that has been pre-marked on the skin beneath the chin. The medication is injected as a single treatment. A Lipolysis treatment session takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete

RISKS

Complications are uncommon and include nerve injury that can result in an uneven smile. In rare instances, patients have also reported difficulty swallowing after the procedure.

RECOVERY

  • Slight burning sensation during the injection is expected. An anesthetic cream can be applied to ease the discomfort.
  • You can return to your normal daily activities depending on the amount of soreness you experience and the type of work you do
  • Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
  • Massage the area every night for 2 weeks

 

RESULTS

Most patients have at least two treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, which is the typical duration of swelling. Patients can have up to six treatments to the area under the chin. Your plastic surgeon can develop a plan that best suits your individual anatomy. During the period of swelling the area can look fuller than it did before treatment, but as the fat cells are disrupted and the inflammation subsides, most patients see results by 6 to 8 weeks after a treatment. Unless a patient were to gain weight, the results should be long-lasting. Lipolysis results are permanent if you keep a healthy diet and get regular exercise.

 SIDE EFFECTS

Lipolysis procedure is mild compared to most cosmetic treatments and so far there have been no reports of severe adverse complications. However patients usually experience:

  • Soreness, bruising, and mild swelling for about a week
  • Small lumps that are painless, invisible and transient