Lipolysis – Fat Removal

What is lipolysis and how does it work? 

Lipolysis is a medical procedure that melts and removes unwanted body fat by injecting a powerful lipolytic substance (most commonly deoxycholate, a bile acid derivative), which is highly effective in breaking down fat tissue. This solution breaks down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system. Simply put, lipolysis is a natural fat-dissolving process — essentially a metabolic pathway that occurs within fat cells. Its high effectiveness comes from the compounds it contains, which are naturally present in the human body and involved in metabolism. These compounds break down lipids in fat cells, increase the permeability of fat cell membranes, release fat and stimulate the emulsification and enzymatic breakdown of the released fat.

As an aesthetic procedure, lipolysis is remarkably effective for breaking down stubborn fat deposits in the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, upper arms and is also an extremely efficient solution for reducing a double chin. However, it's important to note that lipolysis cannot "melt away" large amounts of fat. This is why we say that lipolysis is a body contouring technique, not a weight-loss procedure.

How is the lipolysis treatment performed?

The lipolytic agent is injected directly into the fatty tissue of the treated area using a very fine needle. The procedure is performed after the application of a local anesthetic and is painless. However, after the injection there may be a mild burning sensation and slight redness, which quickly disappears.

To achieve the ideal effect, the area is treated 3–4 times depending on the amount and quality of fat tissue.

The effects of lipolysis

Lipolysis is not a treatment for losing weight, it is a method of body contouring. The lipolytic substance works on the skin by firming it, making visible stretch marks nearly unnoticeable.

In individuals who maintain their body weight the effect is long-lasting. Most non-invasive body contouring procedures rely on inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis).

The treatment can target small amounts of fat in specific body areas such as:

• abdomen
• thighs
• buttocks
• under the chin (double chin)

Several sessions are typically needed before visible results are achieved.

The most effective method for double chin reduction 

Lipolysis is a non-surgical injectable treatment used to reduce the appearance of submental fat under the chin commonly known as a double chin. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys fat cells, resulting in a visible reduction of the double chin. Once destroyed, these fat cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so no further treatment is expected once the desired aesthetic result is achieved. Results are visible after two to four sessions.