First things first, what are Fat Dissolving Injections and when did they become so popular?

Fat Dissolving Injections are a type of non-surgical treatment that does exactly what the name suggests: it dissolves the fat cells.

Popular types of Fat Dissolving Injections are Aqualyx, Lipo Lax, Deso and Lemon Bottle Fat Injections. However, two types we’re going to focus on in this blog are Aqualyx and Lemon Bottle Fat Injections.

The biggest difference in these products is the active ingredient that acts as the dissolvent. Aqualyx, for example, is primary formed of Deoxycholic Acid, an FDA-approved ingredient to emulsify fat. Deoxycholic Acid naturally occurs in the body, it’s a bile acid and by-product created during metabolic, intestinal activity.

Lemon Bottle Injections, on the other hand, are formed of Riboflavin which is a form of Vitamin B2. So, while Lemon Bottle Injections and Aqualyx both contain a naturally derived fat dissolving agent, the biggest difference between them is that Lemon Bottle Injections have not received FDA approval.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is an important measure to hold your aesthetic treatments to as this accreditation means that medical products are effective and safe to public health.

Fat Dissolving Injections were first invented in 2002, and Aqualyx arrived in the UK in 2013 – so there were a lot of product testing and clinical trials before it was brought into our aesthetic scene. They first became popular in 2019 and since then, they have steadily grown in appeal due our culture being more concerned with self-improvement and optimisation.

Why are Fat Dissolving Injections so popular?

As a Non-Surgical Treatment, the appeal is rooted in their minimal invasiveness, effectiveness and affordability compared to Surgical Procedures, like Liposuction. It has become a popular ‘double chin’ treatment – a relatively quick fix to targeting the stubborn pockets of fat that can accumulate on both the face and body and seem not to budge through exercise or healthy eating alone.

But they really hit a popularity peak last year on TikTok – with Lemon Bottle Injections going viral – which has stirred a lot of opinion and thought-provoking pieces on their validity as a treatment.

This brings us onto our next question: are Fat Dissolving Injections safe?

With all treatments that trend online, it’s important to always do your research. Tried and tested Fat Dissolving Treatments, like Aqualyx, have a high reputability by our 111 Harley St. Plastic Surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS as these are the choice he prefers over Lemon Bottle.

His reason? In a recent article with Grazia, Dr Yannis says his “personal assessment and initial research finds no scientific papers to support the efficacy and safety of the product” For him, “at present, the current research is too flimsy for me to feel safe and confident to offer this treatment” in our clinic.

Another reason to be cautious of certain Fat Dissolving Injections, like Lemon Bottle, are the “false sense of security” non-surgical treatments can give people, says Dr Yannis, the ‘how bad can they be? mentality that minimally invasive injections can ensue. One thing to be cautious of are the “possible side effects” such as “necrosis which is a form of cell injury that can lead to the death of [healthy] tissue – especially if you do not go to a qualified prescriber.”

So, our top tip? Always visit a qualified practitioner and always do your research – sometimes new isn’t always best and treatment longevity, how long a treatment has been around, is the greatest indicator of safety. For us, we’ll always be team Aqualyx.

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MORE QUESTIONS TO KNOW

How many Fat Dissolving Injections do you need?

Often this depends on the size of the area you’re looking to treat. However, a general guide is that we require 3-8 sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart to ensure the fat cells have been broken down and have moved through your body’s lymphatic system.

Where can Fat Dissolving Injections be used?

Popular treatment areas are the thighs, knees, below the buttocks, hips, stomach, chin and back.

Who can’t have Fat Dissolving Injections?

Pregnant and those who are breastfeeding are not suitable for this treatment and for people under the age of 18. Aside from these two contradictions, Aqualyx is safe to use on people of varying ages and skin quality.

Do Fat Dissolving Injections hurt?

This is a question we get asked a lot and the answer is that there is some stinging that can be experienced during and after the treatment. This is because it activates a process called lipolysis. Lipolysis is the metabolic activity that causes the liquidation of fatty acids so some discomfort may be experienced.

When can you see results?

You can often see improvements after the first treatment but generally the full effects will be seen a few weeks afterwards – once any swelling has gone down.

Some factors that can affect the final result will be how much pre-existing fat you have, your age, lifestyle, the stability of cell membranes, and whether you gain weight after treatment.