There is nothing more frustrating after you have lost weight and have exercised persistently than to be left with localized fat deposits that just will not budge. There are just certain areas that are resistant to traditional weight loss methods, and to eliminate these stubborn pockets of fat, there are fat-dissolving injections.
Fat-dissolving injections in the abdomen will help eliminate the little pouch that likes to settle on many people just under the navel. If you are not familiar with this cosmetic treatment, keep reading to learn more about the way they work, which areas of the body can be treated, and how much you can expect to pay.
What Are Fat Dissolving Injections?
A specific kind of injection called a “fat-dissolving injection” can destroy and eliminate fat cells in specific locations. The body produces a chemical called deoxycholic acid, which is secreted by the liver to break down and metabolize fat. Also called “lipolytic injections,” these fat-dissolving injections are a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid that mimics the natural form made by our bodies.
How Do Fat Dissolving Injections Work?
Deoxycholic acid breaks down the fat cells and converts them to liquid, and then this liquified fat waste is eliminated through the natural function of the body’s lymphatic system. It is possible to target and eliminate fat cells by injecting this acid at a higher concentration into specific areas.
During a treatment, the target location is identified and the fat-dissolving injection (chin, for example) is administered. Usually, a series of injections are placed in strategic locations around the treatment area. The deoxycholic acids go to work, and gradually the fat cells are destroyed and flushed out of the body.
Patients normally have three to four treatments spaced out at specific intervals depending on which area of the body is being treated. Even though the results are not immediately evident, the fat-dissolving injections are working behind the scenes. Most patients will notice a reduction of fat in the targeted area in about eight weeks. Treatments are continued until the patient is satisfied with the results.
What Areas Can Fat Dissolving Injections Treat?
Many people mistakenly believe that the face, neck, and chin are the only places on the body where fat-dissolving injections can be used. In truth, they can be used virtually anywhere that stubborn fat deposits exist.
Fat-dissolving injections under the chin can eliminate the annoying excess fat that creates a “double chin” and help define the contours of the jawline. It is amazing how treating this area can make an individual appear younger and trimmer.
In addition to the underside of the chin, these injections can also target fat located on the arms, thighs, back (bra roll), and love handles and are even effective in helping to lessen the visible appearance of cellulite.
The potential treatment areas and expected results can be explained by your cosmetic surgeon, depending on the product they use. These treatments are not intended to be used as a weight loss strategy; they are intended to refine the areas of the body that are resistant to weight loss and exercise.
How Long Before I See Results From Fat-dissolving Injections?
Until the desired outcome is reached, you will have treatments every three to four weeks when using fat-dissolving injections. The number of sessions that will be required to obtain your desired outcome will be explained by your qualified professional during your consultation.
You won’t see improvements right away, and typically they can take as long as 8 weeks to manifest. This is because the body is going through the natural, methodical process of breaking down fat cells and eliminating them from the body.
The number of sessions you will require often depends on the results you want to achieve as well as other variables, like the lifestyle adjustments you make to support the treatment.
Are There Risks Or Side Effects Associated With Fat Dissolving Injections?
The side effects of fat-dissolving treatments can vary depending on the product used, the area treated, the patient’s overall health, and the expertise of the medical professional performing the treatment.
Reactions at the injection site are the most common side effects, and in clinical trials, 95% of the participants experienced injection site reactions, including pain, swelling, and numbness. Swelling can be substantial for most patients and can last up to two weeks.
Other possible injection site reactions may include the following:
- Redness;
- Skin hardening;
- Warmth;
- Itching;
- Tingling;
- Tight feeling;
- Hardness at the injection location;
- Nausea;
- Headache.
Other side effects that can occur but are rare are facial muscle issues and trouble swallowing.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Fat Dissolving Injections?
Most adults in good health are eligible for fat-dissolving injections. Some factors that may render an individual ineligible include:
- Prior surgeries or procedures in the areas intended for treatment;
- Medical conditions pertaining to the treatment areas;
- An allergy to deoxycholic acids;
- an open wound or current infection in the treatment area;
- Women who are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant.
What Can I Expect From My Fat Dissolving Injections?
You can expect a minimum of three sessions and a maximum of around six, depending on the areas being treated and your treatment objectives.
You can expect a considerable reduction in fat in all areas treated with fat-dissolving injections within 8 weeks to 3 months of treatment. The areas treated will appear leaner and more contoured, but keep in mind that this treatment does not tighten loose skin. If you have existing loose skin in the treatment areas, removing fat will make the loose skin situation appear worse. The good news is that there are many non-surgical treatments available that can address loose skin and offer optimal results.
Fat cells that are destroyed by fat-dissolving injections cannot regrow, making the results of this treatment permanent. A word of caution: any untreated or remaining fat cells will grow larger if you gain weight. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting an adequate amount of physical exercise will help you maintain the results of your treatment indefinitely.
How Much Do Fat Dissolving Injections Cost?
The cost of fat-dissolving injections varies from patient to patient because each treatment plan is different. Other factors that can influence the price of Kybella and other fat-busting injections are your geographical location and the expertise of the professional providing the treatment.
The typical cost of each fat-dissolving treatment can range from $1,000 to $2,400. The overall expense will be influenced by the number of treatments you’ll require. Check with your cosmetic surgeon for any specials they may be offering.
Where Can I Get Fat-Dissolving Injections Near Me?
If you are looking for fat-dissolving injections in Atlanta, GA, you are in luck! Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics offers Kybella® fat dissolving treatments in their Buckhead location and the surrounding areas of Atlanta.
Kybella was approved by the FDA in 2015 for the elimination of submental fat deposits that cause the formation of a double chin. It is often used for body contouring and to remove unwanted fat from other areas of the body. In Europe and the United States, fat removal of the stomach, upper arm, love handles, knees, and other areas have been successfully performed.
Fat-dissolving injections can help you obtain a more defined, trim body and the slimmer face and neck area you desire. When diet and exercise do not work to eliminate stubborn fat deposits, Kybella is a safe and effective way to get rid of them forever.
To learn more about fat-dissolving injections and if they would be a good treatment to address your aesthetic concerns, contact Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics. Our team of experts can help determine the best procedures to help you reach your desired goals.
During a consultation, a personalized plan of care that outlines the costs, timeline, and expected results can be discussed. Contact us today to begin your fat-dissolving transformation.