Fat-dissolving injections are performed at Mona Aoyama Clinic in Minami Aoyama.
From 14,800 yen (tax included) / Open all year round, 5 minutes walk from Aoyama-itchome Station. Same-day appointments are available.
What are fat-dissolving injections?
Fat-dissolving injections are a cosmetic medical treatment in which a drug is directly injected into the desired area to reduce fat cells. They are used for localized fat (double chin, jawline, cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, etc.) that is difficult to reduce with exercise or diet.
Compared to surgery like liposuction, it doesn't involve a scalpel and has a shorter downtime, allowing for a return to daily life after the injection.
Changes are gradual, not immediate.
Fat-dissolving injections work by allowing the injected fat cells to be expelled from the body over several weeks to several months. Many people experience gradual changes over multiple treatments rather than a dramatic change in a single session.
Mechanism of action of fat-dissolving injections
The main active ingredients in the injection include deoxycholic acid and phosphatidylcholine, which act on fat cells as follows:
- Breaks down fat cell membranes and destroys fat cells.
- Destroyed fat is broken down through the body's metabolic pathways.
- Carried out of the body through lymph and blood flow.
- Metabolized by the liver and excreted as urine and feces.
Since the fat cells themselves are reduced, the treated area is said to be less likely to rebound.
Main preparations used for fat-dissolving injections
| Product Name | Features | Main Indications |
|---|---|---|
| BNLS Neo (BNLS Ultimate) | Mainly plant-derived ingredients, less swelling, minimal downtime | Face, neck, jawline |
| Cabelline | Improved version of BNLS. Expected to reduce fat and tighten skin. | Face, double chin, cheeks |
| Deoxycholic acid preparations (Kybella, etc.) | FDA-approved in the US (unapproved in Japan). Strong fat-dissolving effect, but more likely to cause swelling. | Submental, body |
| FatX | Used for large areas of fat in the trunk and limbs. | Abdomen, thighs, upper arms |
*The type and brand of medication may change depending on the timing. We will inform you of the products available at our clinic during your consultation. None of these preparations are approved in Japan (please refer to the precautions below for details).
Areas suitable for treatment
Around the face
- Double chin and fat under the chin
- Sagging cheeks and jawline
- Temples and under the temples
- Around the nose and nasal wings
Body
- Upper arms (bingo wings)
- Abdomen and flanks
- Back and bra line
- Thighs and inner thighs
- Calves
- Around the knees
Pinpoint the areas of concern.
Expected effects and number of treatments
| Area | Recommended Number of Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Under chin/jawline | 3-5 sessions | Approx. every 4 weeks |
| Cheeks/facial slimming | 2-4 sessions | Approx. every 4 weeks |
| Abdomen, thighs, and other body parts | 5-8 sessions | Approx. every 4 weeks |
| Upper arms/back | 4-6 sessions | Approx. every 4 weeks |
Individual results may vary.
The effectiveness may differ depending on the amount of fat, metabolic capacity, and lifestyle. Many people experience changes approximately 4 weeks after the procedure, with the full effect visible 1-2 months after the final session. Maintaining results also requires a balanced diet and exercise.
Pricing
From 14,800 yen (tax included). Prices vary depending on the area, amount used, and number of sessions. Please check the product page or consult with us during your examination. As this is a free medical treatment, health insurance does not apply.
Treatment flow
| STEP | Content |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirmation of treatment area | We confirm your desired area and scope |
| 2. Anesthesia (if desired) | If anesthesia is desired, anesthetic cream is applied before the procedure |
| 3. Marking (if necessary) | We confirm and mark the injection points according to the treatment area |
| 4. Injection | The drug is injected into multiple areas according to the treatment site |
| 5. After treatment | The procedure concludes after confirming the condition of the treated area |
Estimated treatment time
- Under chin/cheeks: 10-20 minutes
- Abdomen/thighs: 15-30 minutes
- Multiple full body areas: Approximately 30 minutes
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/pain when pressed | Common | 3-7 days |
| Induration (lump sensation) | Occasional | Several weeks |
| Itching | Rare | 1-2 days |
Rare side effects
- Allergic reaction (prior history and ingredient confirmation are important)
- Skin depressions/unevenness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Injection site infection (very rare)
- Asymmetry
Please consult us if you experience any of these symptoms.
If you experience unusual symptoms such as severe pain, widespread swelling, fever, pus, or skin discoloration, please do not hesitate to contact us. If induration persists for a long time, or if depressions or unevenness appear on the skin, please consult us without delay.
Who cannot receive treatment / Who needs caution
Who cannot receive treatment
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those with severe liver or kidney dysfunction
- Those with infection or skin disease at the injection site
- Those with a history of allergy to the drug components
- Those with keloidal constitution
Those requiring careful consideration (consultation required)
- Those with a soy allergy (phosphatidylcholine is a soy-derived ingredient. Please be sure to inform us.)
- Those with abnormal thyroid function
- Those taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Those with a pacemaker
- Those using immunosuppressants
Precautions before and after treatment
Before Treatment
- Manage your physical condition (postpone if you have a fever or feel unwell).
- Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise from the day before.
- If you are taking anticoagulants, please consult us in advance.
- Please remove makeup from the treatment area before coming to the clinic.
- Please ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten before your visit.
After treatment
- Avoid strong massage of the treated area for 1 to several days.
- Take showers only for a day or two (on the day of treatment to the next day).
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol on the day of treatment.
- Stay well-hydrated (this 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 injections | Injection only. Suitable for spot reduction, requires multiple sessions. | Mild swelling, a few days. |
| CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) | Fat cells destroyed by cooling, non-invasive. | Mild redness/altered sensation. |
| Radiofrequency (BonBonBee, etc.) | Fat reduction + skin tightening with heat. | Almost none. |
| Liposuction (surgery) | Removes large amounts of fat at once, highly effective. | 1-2 weeks, pain. |
| Medical diet (GLP-1, etc.) | Overall weight loss. Oral/injectable to suppress appetite. | None. |
Fat-dissolving injections "trim specific areas," while medical diets "reduce overall weight." If you want to lose weight overall, GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro or Rybelsus/Ozempic are options. It's also possible to combine treatments, reducing overall weight first and then using injections for remaining areas of concern.
Features of our fat-dissolving injections
- Treats specific areas of concern such as the upper arms, abdomen, and thighs.
- Can be started with a single session, and you can choose the number of sessions according to your preference.
- Multiple areas can be treated as desired.
- Before the procedure, the injection area is confirmed.
- We do not recommend unnecessary procedures.
We do not recommend unnecessary procedures.
It is important to plan fat-dissolving injections taking into account the appropriate areas, number of sessions, and your physical condition. Let's work together to create the optimal treatment plan based on your preferences and budget.
Precautions regarding unapproved pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Unapproved pharmaceutical: The fat-dissolving injection preparations used at our clinic are not approved pharmaceuticals in Japan.
- Method of acquisition: The physician imports the products after completing personal import procedures (obtaining a Yakkan Shomei [Drug Certificate] from the local Kosei Bureau).
- Availability of approved pharmaceuticals in Japan: There are no domestically approved pharmaceuticals with the same purpose and ingredients.
- Information on safety, etc., in other countries: Preparations containing deoxycholic acid as the main ingredient are approved by the US FDA for submental fat. Reported adverse events include swelling, bruising, pain, and induration at the injection site, and rarely, nerve damage causing asymmetry of the corner of the mouth or skin ulcers.
- Health damage relief system: Health damage caused by the use of unapproved pharmaceuticals is not covered by the Pharmaceutical Side Effect Relief System.
- Cost and effectiveness: As this is a free medical service, health insurance is not applicable, and the full cost is borne by the patient. The degree of effectiveness varies from person to person.
Start with a consultation.
