Intralipotherapy - Fat Dissolving Injections

Intralipotherapy (Fat Dissolving Injections)

Which areas can be Treated?

The most commonly treated areas are the hips, thighs, the area underneath the buttocks, the stomach and the fat pad underneath the chin, but it can be used wherever stubborn fat is a problem, including the upper arms.

More than one treatment is often required to obtain the desired results and this will be discussed with Charlotte at your consultation.

How does the treatment work?

Intralipotherapy involves the injection of a fat dissolving substance (Sodium Deoxycholate) into localised fat deposits, Sodium Deoxycholate is an ionic detergent that is especially useful for disrupting and dissociating protein interactions. The solution is injected into the treatment area using needle or cannula and causes destruction of the fat cells which then undergo degradation and are removed from the body by the lymphatic system.

Sodium Deoxycholate works gradually with-in the tissue and the process of removal takes time, results can sometimes be seen soon after initial treatment but it normally takes several weeks to over a month for optimum results to fully visible.

Treatment regime:
The time taken for a treatment session will depend upon the size of the area and indication being treated.

Treatment can take between 10-20 minutes per treatment and you will typically require 2 – 8 treatments, 4 weeks apart. Some people may see significant results after 1 or 2 sessions.

Treatment for fat pockets underneath the neck and chin, for example, may require 1 – 3 treatments, while treatment for fat pockets on the hips and thighs may require 8 treatments.

Are Intralipotherapy fat dissolving injections safe?

Sodium deoxycholate solutions have been used worldwide for many years and there is lots of evidence that prove its safety, however fat dissolving injections can potentially cause harm to the skin or surrounding tissue including muscle, nerves and blood vessels. It is therefore essential that treatment is performed by a suitably qualified and trained medical professional.

Safety is paramount and by adhering to the correct dosage, treatment depth, intervals between treatments and the post treatment after care any risk is minimised.

A local anaesthetic is added to the fat dissolving solution to help reduce any discomfort, however as with any medical aesthetic treatment there is likely to be minor pain during the procedure and some tenderness for a few days afterwards. Most people describe this as minimal discomfort and it does not tend to interfere with normal day to day activities. Painkillers can be taken following the treatment if required.