Fat Dissolving Injection Contraindications and Aftercare
Fat dissolving injections can be used to reduce small, those stubborn localised pockets of fat, like Bra-line fat, those small pockets beneath the buttocks, often called “banana rolls” and fullness under the chin. They are intended for body contouring rather than general weight loss but they are not suitable for everyone.
This guide explains the main reasons treatment may be declined or postponed, what you can expect after treatment and the aftercare that is normally required. This page supports, but does not replace, an individual consultation at The Beautique in West Runton, near Cromer and Sheringham.
What Is the Medical Name for Fat Dissolving Injections?
There is no single medical name that applies to every fat dissolving injection. The procedure may be described as injection lipolysis, intralipotherapy or injectable fat reduction. These terms describe the treatment method rather than one particular medicine, ingredient or brand.
Some established formulations, including Aqualyx, use compounds from the deoxycholate family. These solutions act on fat-cell membranes, allowing the treated cells to be gradually processed by the body. Other products use different formulations, so it would be inaccurate to describe every fat dissolving injection as deoxycholic acid.
During your consultation, Chloe will explain the product being considered, its ingredients, why it may be appropriate for your treatment area and the aftercare relevant to that formulation. If you have allergies or would like to know the exact product name before deciding, please ask.
You should never proceed with an injectable treatment unless you understand what will be used and have had an opportunity to discuss its potential benefits, limitations, side effects and risks.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding or Fertility Treatment
Fat dissolving injections are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because adequate safety evidence is not available.
Please tell Chloe if you are pregnant, or there is a possibility you may be pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or undergoing any form of fertility treatment, it is recommended treatment is postponed.
Allergies or Previous Severe Reactions
You should not receive a product containing an ingredient to which you are allergic. A history of anaphylaxis or another serious allergic reaction requires particular care and may make an elective injectable treatment unsuitable.
Please provide details of known allergies, including previous reactions to medicines, local anaesthetics, supplements or injectable products
Fat Dissolving Injection Contraindications and Aftercare
Infection, Inflammation or Damaged Skin
Treatment should be postponed if the intended area has an active infection, open wound, inflamed acne, cold sore, eczema or dermatitis flare, or another active skin problem.
Injecting through infected, inflamed or damaged skin could increase the risk of infection, irritation and delayed healing.
Medicines and Supplements
Please tell Chloe about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements you take. This is particularly important if you use anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
Some medicines and supplements can affect bruising, bleeding, infection risk or healing.
Do not stop aspirin, anticoagulants or any prescribed medicine for a cosmetic treatment unless the clinician who prescribed it has specifically advised you to do so.
What Should You Expect After Treatment?
Swelling is a common response because fat dissolving treatment produces local inflammation. Redness, tenderness, bruising, itching, warmth, tingling, temporary numbness and firmness or small lumps may also occur.
The extent and duration of these effects depend on the product, quantity used, treatment area and your individual response. Swelling beneath the chin can be quite visible for several days, so it is sensible to consider work, photographs and social occasions when arranging your appointment.
The appearance immediately following treatment should not be regarded as the final result. The area needs time to settle and results develop gradually. More than one treatment may be recommended, but this will depend upon your starting point and desired outcome.
No injectable treatment can guarantee a particular reduction. Remaining fat cells can also enlarge if your body weight changes significantly.
Fat Dissolving Injection Aftercare
You will receive aftercare instructions for the exact product used. These instructions should take priority because recommendations can vary between formulations and treatment areas.
Unless advised otherwise:
- Keep the injection sites clean.
- Avoid unnecessary touching for the first several hours.
- Wash the area gently rather than scrubbing it.
- Avoid applying make-up to chin or jaw injection sites until the following day.
- Do not apply active skincare products over open injection points.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the initial recovery period.
- Temporarily avoid alcohol, swimming, saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds.
- Protect the area from strong heat and extreme cold.
- Do not aggressively massage the area unless instructed.
- Only use a compression garment when specifically recommended.
The precise period for avoiding these activities will be confirmed after your treatment. This is commonly at least 24 to 48 hours and may be longer if swelling, tenderness or redness remains.
Drink normally to remain well hydrated and continue eating a balanced diet. If you require pain relief, ask Chloe or a pharmacist what is suitable for you.
Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine specifically to manage treatment symptoms without appropriate advice, and never alter prescribed medication. Arnica is sometimes suggested for bruising, but evidence supporting its benefit is limited and it may not be suitable for everyone.
Fat Dissolving Injections Frequently Asked Questions
What is the medical name for fat dissolving injections?
The procedure may be called injection lipolysis, intralipotherapy or injectable fat reduction. There is no single medical name or active ingredient covering every product. Some formulations use compounds from the deoxycholate family, while others contain different ingredients. The exact product and formulation will be confirmed during your consultation.
Who should not have fat dissolving injections?
Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding, where there is a known allergy to a product ingredient, or when the treatment area has an active infection, inflammation or damaged skin.
Autoimmune conditions, immune suppression, poorly controlled diabetes, bleeding or clotting disorders, significant liver or kidney disease, certain medicines and a history of severe allergic reactions require careful individual assessment. Treatment may be declined or postponed where it is not considered suitable.
Can I have fat dissolving injections beneath my chin?
Chin fat dissolving injections may be suitable for someone with a small, localised pocket of fat and realistic expectations. However, fullness beneath the chin can have several causes, so an in-person assessment is required before deciding whether injectable fat reduction is appropriate.
What should I avoid after fat dissolving injections?
Always follow the product-specific instructions provided by your practitioner. You will usually be advised to keep the area clean and temporarily avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, swimming, saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds, strong heat and extreme cold.
Do not aggressively massage the area, use a compression garment or alter prescribed medication unless you have been specifically advised to do so.
When Should You Contact the Clinic?
Contact The Beautique promptly if:
- Pain, heat, redness or swelling is increasing rather than settling
- You develop pus, blistering or unusual skin discolouration
- The skin begins to break down
- You develop a persistent hard or painful lump
- You have a fever or feel generally unwell
- You are worried that recovery is not progressing normally
Following treatment beneath the chin, seek prompt medical advice if you experience new facial weakness, an uneven smile or difficulty swallowing.
Call 999 immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, faintness or other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
For an urgent concern that is not life-threatening, contact NHS 111 online or call 111. Please also inform The Beautique so that your treatment record and symptoms can be reviewed.
Arrange a Consultation Near Cromer and Sheringham
The safest first step is a face-to-face consultation. Chloe will assess the area, review your medical history and medicines, identify the exact product being considered and explain whether fat dissolving injections are likely to meet your goals.
If injections are not appropriate, an alternative such as ultrasonic fat cavitation may be considered. However, every alternative treatment has its own suitability criteria and cannot be assumed to be suitable simply because injections are not recommended.
The Beautique is a private aesthetics and beauty studio in West Runton, located approximately midway between Cromer and Sheringham and serving clients throughout North Norfolk.
View our fat dissolving treatment information and treatment prices, or contact The Beautique to arrange a consultation.
Important Information
This page provides general educational information and does not constitute medical advice. Contraindications and aftercare vary according to the product used and the individual.
An in-person consultation, full medical-history review and informed consent are required before treatment. Results and recovery vary, and treatment may be declined or postponed where it is not considered suitable.
Watch this Fat Dissolving Injection Youtube video for more information