What is Fat Dissolving Injection?
Fat dissolving injection is a cosmetic medical treatment that directly injects medication into areas of concern to reduce fat cells themselves. It is used for localized fat (e.g., double chin, jawline, cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, thighs) that is difficult to lose through exercise or dieting.
Unlike surgeries such as liposuction, it does not involve a scalpel and has a short downtime, allowing you to return to daily life immediately after the injection.
Gradual change, not immediate effect
Fat dissolving injections work by having the injected fat cells expelled from the body over several weeks to several months. Instead of a dramatic change in one session, many people experience gradual changes over multiple treatments.
Mechanism of Action of Fat Dissolving Injections
The main ingredients in the injection solution include deoxycholic acid and phosphatidylcholine, which act on fat cells through the following mechanisms:
- Decomposition of fat cell membranes and destruction of fat cells
- Breakdown of destroyed fat through the body's metabolic pathways
- Excretion from the body via lymph and bloodstream
- Metabolized in the liver and excreted as urine and feces
Main Fat Dissolving Injections Handled at Our Clinic
| Product Name | Features | Main Indicated Areas |
|---|---|---|
| BNLS Neo (BNLS Ultimate) | Mainly plant-derived ingredients, less swelling, short downtime | Face, neck, jawline |
| Kabelline | Improved version of BNLS, fat reduction + skin tightening effect | Face, double chin, cheeks |
| Deoxycholic acid preparations (Kybella, etc.) | FDA approved, powerful fat dissolution, prone to swelling | Submental area, body |
| FatX | For large fat deposits in the torso and limbs | Abdomen, thighs, upper arms |
※ The type and brand of medication may change depending on the period. Please consult us during your examination.
Areas Suitable for Treatment
Around the face
- Double chin / submental fat
- Cheek / jawline sagging
- Temples / below temples
- Around the nose / nasal alae
Body
- Upper arms (flabby arms)
- Abdomen / love handles
- Back / bra line
- Thighs / inner thighs
- Calves
- Around the knees
Treatment Flow
- Consultation: Discussion of areas, desired outcomes, and estimated number of sessions
- Area Marking: Confirmation of injection points
- Anesthesia (optional): Application of anesthetic cream or ice cooling
- Injection: Injection of medication at multiple points (10-20 minutes per area)
- Aftercare: Cooling, compression, explanation of precautions
Estimated treatment time
- Chin/Cheeks: 15-30 minutes
- Abdomen/Thighs: 30-60 minutes
- Multiple body areas: Approximately 1 hour
Effectiveness and Estimated Number of Treatments
| Area | Recommended Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Chin/Jawline | 3-5 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Cheeks/Facial Slimming | 2-4 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Abdomen/Thighs (body) | 5-8 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Upper arms/Back | 4-6 sessions | Every 2-4 weeks |
Individual results may vary.
The effectiveness varies depending on the amount of fat, metabolic capacity, and lifestyle. Many people feel a change within 2 to 4 weeks after treatment, with the final results appearing 1 to 2 months after the last treatment. Diet and exercise are also important for maintaining the results.
Downtime and Side Effects
Possible symptoms after treatment
| Symptom | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling at injection site | Common | 2-7 days |
| Redness/Warmth | Common | 1-3 days |
| Bruising | Occasional | 1-2 weeks |
| Mild pain/Tenderness on touch | Common | 3-7 days |
| Induration (lumpiness) | Occasional | Several weeks |
| Itching | Rare | 1-2 days |
Rare side effects
- Allergic reaction (important to confirm history/ingredients)
- Skin depressions/unevenness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Infection at injection site (very rare)
- Asymmetry
Consult us if you experience these symptoms
If you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, widespread swelling, fever, pus, or skin discoloration, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Who Cannot Receive Treatment / Who Needs Caution
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe liver or kidney dysfunction
- Infection or skin disease at the injection site
- History of allergy to medication ingredients
- Keloid constitution
Caution required (consultation needed)
- Soy allergy (for preparations containing phosphatidylcholine)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Currently taking anticoagulants
- Pacemaker implantation
- Currently using immunosuppressants
Pre/Post Treatment Precautions
Before treatment
- Manage your physical condition on the day (postpone if fever or poor health)
- Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise from the day before
- Consult in advance if taking anticoagulants
- Remove makeup from the treatment area
- Ensure adequate hydration and have eaten beforehand
After treatment
- Avoid strong massage of the treated area for the day to several days
- Only shower on the day of treatment (until the next day)
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol on the day of treatment
- Drink plenty of water (promotes metabolism)
- Mild swelling and redness will subside in a few days
- Contact us if you have any concerns
Comparison of Fat Dissolving Injections with Other Body Contouring Treatments
| Treatment | Features | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Dissolving Injection | Injection only, for localized fat reduction, multiple sessions required | Mild swelling for several days |
| CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis) | Destroys fat cells by cooling, non-invasive | Mild redness, altered sensation |
| Radiofrequency (e.g., BonBonBea) | Reduces fat and tightens skin with heat | Almost none |
| Liposuction (Surgery) | Removes large amounts of fat at once, highly effective | 1-2 weeks, with pain |
| Medical Weight Loss (e.g., GLP-1) | General weight loss, oral/injectable, appetite suppression | None |
Features of Fat Dissolving Injections at Our Clinic
- Injections to multiple areas are possible according to your wishes.
- Emphasis on counseling, with detailed explanation of estimated number of treatments and costs.
- Post-treatment follow-up support.
- Treatment performed after confirming health status (liver/kidney function, etc.) at our internal medicine clinic.
- Thorough confirmation of allergies and medical history.
We do not recommend unnecessary procedures.
It is important to plan fat dissolving injections based on the suitable areas, number of sessions, and your physical condition. Let's work together to create the optimal treatment plan according to your wishes and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does it hurt?
A. There is a slight sting when the needle is inserted, but we use an ultra-fine needle and apply topical anesthetic if necessary, so many people feel it was "less painful than expected." During the procedure, the pain is usually just a mild pressure or warmth.
Q2. How many sessions until I see results?
A. This depends on the area and fat thickness, but typically 1-3 sessions for a double chin and 3-5 sessions for the body. Some people notice changes after just one session, but the effects accumulate over multiple treatments.
Q3. Will I rebound?
A. Fat cells destroyed by fat dissolving injections do not regenerate. Therefore, it is unlikely to rebound if you maintain a normal lifestyle. However, if remaining fat cells enlarge due to overeating, it is possible for the effect to diminish.
Q4. Are there any precautions on the day of the procedure?
A. Makeup, face washing, and showering are all allowed from the same day. On the day of the procedure only, please refrain from strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, saunas, and prolonged bathing. You can resume your normal routine from the next day.
Q5. Will my face swell and be noticeable?
A. With BNLS-type medications, swelling is relatively mild, usually to the extent that it can be hidden with a mask, and subsides for most people within 1-3 days. We recommend having the procedure at least one week before any important events.
Q6. Which is better, fat dissolving injection or liposuction?
A. Fat dissolving injections are suitable for those who want to "slightly slim down just this one area" or "start easily." Liposuction is for those who want to "significantly reduce fat in a wide area all at once." It's also possible to try fat dissolving injections first and then consider liposuction if you desire a greater change.
