Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections

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Aqualyx is based on a formulation containing deoxycholic acid. This is a secondary bile acid which the body naturally produces to liquefy the fat in the gut.  

Aqualyx injections liquefy the fat cells, destroying them permanently and releasing lipids which are then expelled by the body through the lymphatic drainage system.  

This is not a weight loss treatment or an alternative to diet and exercise; but Aqualyx® injections are very helpful in refining body shape by tackling those areas that are stubborn.  

The human body is designed to store fat in certain areas as an ‘emergency ration’. Fat cells in the deep subcutaneous tissue are difficult to diminish. Aqualyx® literally reduces the amount of fat cells in those areas most resistant to toning.

Make sure you’ve allowed for enough downtime after the procedure. If you’re having the neck treated, you may wish to bring a scarf with you. Be aware that, for the best results, more than one treatment is necessary.  

It’s important that any treatment is performed after a consultation, to make sure it’s right for you. If you’re having the neck treated, then a picture will be taken of you in 3D to visualise your neck from all angles. If you are having a body area treated, then a photo will be taken of the specific part for your medical records. Your skin is then cleaned, and the product is mixed with local anaesthesia. We then inject the area with a fine needle to introduce the product. Some massage is then applied, and you’re done. For the best results, you’ll need between two and eight treatments, depending on the size of the area treated. Most common is two to three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. Due to the formation of new collagen as a result of the inflammation of this treatment, skin tightening procedures are not necessary afterwards.

Immediately after treatment you may appear red and swollen with some bruising on the treated area. Aqualyx works by causing an inflammatory reaction in the fat cells which can result in swelling for 3-5 days. Therefore, if you intend to have a facial treatment, e.g. double chin where the swelling may be obvious, you may wish to organise time away from work or social engagements.  

You will be able to reduce the swelling by using a cool pack wrapped in a clean cloth for a maximum of 20 minutes each day.  You cannot use anti-inflammatory tablets for 48 hours after treatment as this will work against the treatment. The treated area may feel tender and firm for up to 8 weeks post treatment.

 During recovery we recommend that you avoid: 

• Swimming pools, spas and saunas for 3 days.
• Physical exercise for 10 days.
• Any other aesthetic treatments for 2 weeks.

Aqualyx was developed by Professor Pasquale Motolese, Vice President of the Italian Society of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine who presented it at the Aesthetic Medical International Congress in Milan in 2004.  

Aqualyx has been given CE approval for use in the UK which means it meets the health and safety standards required by the European Union. Since 2009 Aqualyx has been used in over 2 million treatments in over 49 countries. It has a strong safety record supported by sound medical science

Aqualyx is not suitable if you:

• Have diabetes.
• Have liver or kidney disease.
• Have active skin problems in the area to be treated.
• Are taking blood thinning medicine e.g warfarin.

The number of Aqualyx treatments required varies depending on the size of the fatty deposit. Typically 1-3 treatments for small areas, such as the jowls and under the chin, and 2-8 treatments for larger areas such as the thighs. Treatments are spaced at 6 weekly intervals. Your result will show 6 weeks after your final treatment which is when you will have a complimentary review with your practitioner.  

Whilst the body can regenerate fat cells – the process is very slow. So once fat cells are removed from a localised area your results are as good as permanent. However, if you do not continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle then your body will put on weight in other areas of your body where fat cells remain.

 PROCEDURE TIME

Between 35- 65 mins  

DOWNTIME

Typically min 2/3 days due to swelling 

DURATION OF RESULTS

Maintenance courses may be required

No, AQUALYX is classified as a medical device.

When injected into fatty tissue, it disrupts the membrane of fat cells, leading to cell breakdown. There’s also an inflammatory response and some tissue contraction.

Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid, and is used in the body for emulsification of fats before absorption into the intestine. It is also used as an emulsifier in the food industry.

Yes, it contains no compounds from humans or animals.  

Yes, many men have fat-dissolving injections to improve their neck contour and jawline, or to deal with small pockets of abdominal fat for example.

There are few ways to solve the problem of small pockets of fat. The presence of fat is regarded as a sign of ageing in the lower face. Even with weight loss and exercise, some people cannot achieve the jawline they desire due to hereditary reasons, and with age, this fat compartment becomes fuller. Plain liposuction in the area will remove the fat, but does not give significant tightening to the tissues, and there can be a concern of seeing the platysma muscle bands through the skin following treatment. Fat dissolving injections are an easy, non-invasive way to decrease this fat, while tightening the skin. This treatment does not change facial movement in any way.y

 There are unfortunately no topical creams which are capable of giving the same level of fat loss or skin contraction. 

 The area of fat underneath the chin (otherwise known as the submental fat) is the most common area to treat, as it’s a troubling area with few other options for treatment. Other common areas would be the bra fat or small pockets of fat anywhere on the body: abdomen, below the buttocks, inner and outer thighs, hips, and upper arms. It can even be used on lipomas. 

 This treatment is not intended for weight loss. It is for people with localised pockets of fat which are not responsive to diet or exercise. It is intended to improve and alter the contour of the body. It is important that the area treated has a good blood supply, and it’s not suitable for those who have large overhangs of tissue. Ideally, areas treated would be no larger than the palm of the hand. 

 If you’re prone to bruising, you may wish to use arnica. Swelling is going to occur, so please be prepared for this. 

 Not especially, because the fluid is mixed with local anaesthesia, so the area is numbed. Most people report afterwards that the area looks sore; however, the vast majority of people do not report any pain. 

The treatment begins to work immediately. However, there is a lot of swelling for the first week or so (it looks very swollen like a bullfrog for about a week or so). Some people report that their swelling does not completely disappear for four to six weeks post treatment. This is all part of the process, and is to be anticipated. There is no way to speed up this process, and in fact this inflammation helps to give the best results, by causing tissue contraction.

You’d probably not want to return to work after this treatment, due to the swelling. Many patients have this procedure performed just before the weekend, so they have a couple of days’ downtime before returning to work. You might not feel like exercising for a week after the procedure if the neck has been treated, although in the case of other areas you may feel fine after a few days.

This treatment is not approved for use during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.

 It is better to wait until any swelling is completely gone between your AQUALYX appointments. This usually takes around 6 weeks to completely go. 

Fat reduction is permanent, for the fat cells are destroyed; they don’t come back. Of course, if more weight is gained, then the fatty appearance will return, but in proportion with the new shape gained.

 Complications with this treatment are very rare but can include bruising, pain and itching, as well as inflammatory issues which may become permanent.