What Are Fat-Dissolving Injections?

No matter how healthy your diet or how rigorous your exercise routine, it seems that certain pockets of stubborn body fat just won’t budge. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend every waking hour in the gym to sculpt your physique. For many people, fat-dissolving injections are the perfect solution. But what are fat-dissolving injections, and who can benefit from them? Find out in this comprehensive guide. 

What are fat-dissolving injections?

Non-surgical and minimally invasive, fat-melting lipolytic injections (also called lipo shots or liquid lipo) are the ultimate solution for targeted fat reduction. 

How do they work?

PCDC injections contain a blend of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and deoxycholic acid (DC), which work together to break down the walls of fat cells and eliminate the waste through your lymphatic system. This process is called lipolysis, and it’s how your body converts fat into fuel. You’ll also find other types of lipo injections, such as Kybella, that facilitate fat removal using different chemical formulations. 

Who can get fat-dissolving injections?

The ideal candidate for fat-dissolving injections is close to their ideal weight, has adequate skin elasticity, and is generally healthy. Remember, this isn't a weight-loss treatment and won’t be effective for folks who experience extreme weight fluctuations. Instead, it’s a body-contouring procedure designed to help you snatch your stomach, tone your thighs, and sculpt your jawline. 

Are fat-dissolving injections safe?

While invasive procedures like liposuction come with serious safety risks, painful side effects, and a lengthy healing process, fat injections are a totally different story. In fact, they’re incredibly safe when performed by a qualified physician. Be sure to tell your provider about your complete medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate. 

What’s the procedure for fat-dissolving injections?

So, how should you prepare for fat-dissolving injections, and what does the recovery timeline look like? Here’s a guide to the process from start to finish: 

What happens before treatment?

A consultation is the first step to shaping your dream physique. You’ll meet with your provider to discuss your medical history and treatment goals. They will assess the treatment area to ensure your skin has proper elasticity, and may take “before” photos to track your progress.

Your provider might instruct you to avoid alcohol and certain medications as your appointment approaches to prevent bruising and other adverse effects. 

What to expect during treatment

During these targeted fat-loss treatments, the area will be cleansed and, in some cases, numbed. Your provider will then use a fine needle to inject the PCDC solution directly into the fat pockets you want to eliminate. Most sessions take 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

You might feel a mild stinging or burning sensation, but it’s usually tolerable. Redness, tenderness, and localized swelling at the injection site are common after treatment. 

What results can you expect?

You should begin seeing visible improvements within three to four weeks, with the effects continuing to improve over time. Keep in mind that most people achieve optimal results after three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. However, your provider will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Where can fat-dissolving injections be administered?

The beauty of fat-dissolving injections is the ability to target stubborn pockets of facial and body fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise. Here are a few of the most popular treatment areas: 

Chin and jawline

You can’t exactly target a double chin or poorly defined jawline in the gym, but you can use lipo shots to sculpt your facial features and transform your appearance. Of course, this is also an area where skin elasticity is incredibly important. Larger fat pockets may leave behind loose skin that ages your face.

However, your provider will be able to assess your risk during your consultation. These areas are generally treated with a number of small injections precisely placed in a grid pattern to ensure even results. 

Torso and back

From love handles and belly fat to the dreaded bra bulge, abdominal fat can be hard to address with lifestyle choices alone. Since lipo injections are safer and less invasive than surgical alternatives, these areas are among the most requested sites for fat-dissolving shots.

Injections will be spaced evenly across the treatment area, and you may have longer appointment times as the treatment area is larger. 

Legs and butt

Saddle bags, under-butt fat deposits, and chafing inner thighs may all improve with strategically placed PCDC injections. Although the results will be more subtle than those offered by surgical treatments, they can still have a transformative effect on your physique. Again, you can expect slightly longer sessions for these zones, as there’s more fat to target. 

Experience the difference with fat-dissolving injections at Balanced Health & Wellness

Now that you know all about fat-dissolving injections, what are you waiting for? The team at Balanced Health & Wellness can help you chisel your jawline, tone your arms, and snatch your waist for the body composition you’ve always wanted. Book a consultation today to get started!