Does your cheek appear to blend into your neck without a jawline to define it? Do you hate the double chin or the pouch of fat under your neck?

Do you dislike the way you look from the side or always take a selfie from above your head whilst you are looking up to get a good angle?

If any of these are true then you might be a good candidate for a simple treatment that eliminates fat and defines the jawline.

Variably called “injection lipolysis” “fat dissolving injections”, results are long term or permanent.

FAT DISSOLVING INJECTIONS

Fat dissolving injections use natural chemicals, present in your body, to remove unwanted fat. There are currently two versions available in Australia, one produced by a pharmaceutical company, and one compounded by specialised compounding pharmacies. Both products can be effective. They work best on the jawline and under the chin. On the right patient they can dramatically improve the appearance of the jawline and the overall balance of the face.

HOW ARE FAT DISSOLVING INJECTIONS PERFORMED?

Treatment requires a number of small injections. There may be some minor discomfort, but we mix in local anaesthetic to minimise this.

Immediately afterwards there is swelling, which is variable but often quite noticeable, lasting approximately from 4-14 days, and some redness.

The effects occur gradually and take 2 months or more to fully materialise.

The treatment is often repeated every 2 months until the desired results are achieved. Usually 2-4 treatments are required with some only needing 1 and some needing more than 4. 

WHO CAN BE TREATED WITH FAT DISSOLVING INJECTIONS?

Adult men and women of any age

HOW MUCH DO FAT DISSOLVING TREATMENTS COST?

Costs vary depending on the size of the area treated. I find the compounded product works extremely well (probably better than the commercial product) and costs $440-$660 per treatment for an average person. 

The commercial product is much more expensive at around $1,200-$1,500 a treatment

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF FAT DISSOLVING INJECTIONS?

Swelling is universal after treatment. There may be redness or bruising; aching, numbness or tingling sensations are common and generally short lived.

There have been reports of temporary nerve inflammation causing weakness of the smile muscles, but I have never seen this with many treatments over many years.

For these reasons treatment should be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an experienced doctor. Too aggressive treatment may potentially cause a loss of too much of the fat.

WILL I BE LEFT WITH LOOSE SKIN AFTER FAT DISSOLVING INJECTIONS?

Generally no. These treatments have a skin tightening effect, and reducing the excess fat tends to force the skin to sit in a more curved position, causing further tightening.

CAN OTHER AREAS BE TREATED?

Yes, but results are generally best in the jawline and under the chin.

Article by Dr Christopher Leat – Medical Director Envisage Skin Clinic

Founder and Director, Dr Christopher Leat has 33 years’ experience in Medicine and is a member of The Royal College of Physicians of London.

Dr Leat has devoted the last 18 years to Cosmetic Medicine and is recognized throughout Australia as one of the founders of, and one of the most experienced doctors in the field of Cosmetic Medicine.

To book an appointment with Dr Leat call 07 5539 4000

You might find our previous post New Treatment for Chin Fat Removal of interest also.