TARGETED FAT LOSS INJECTIONS
WHAT ARE DEOXYCHOLIC ACID INJECTIONS?
Deoxycholic acid can be used as an injectable fat-loss treatment. It is a naturally occurring secondary bile acid that helps emulsify dietary fats in the intestine.
It is licensed for use in the UK for localised or spot removal of fat from areas such as the chin, knees, hips, thighs or under the buttocks and is generally regarded as safe. It is not a weight loss solution and is suitable for smaller, stubborn pockets of fat, not large area fat reduction.
What are the benefits of the treatment?
A course of deoxycholic acid injections can be effective at removing small pockets of stubborn fat. This treatment is not an alternative for liposuction for large areas of fat removal and is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The results will last if a stable weight is maintained. One thing to consider, if you have very lax skin, is that removing fat may leave you with excess skin which may require skin tightening afterwards. Some practitioners may combine this treatment with skin tightening treatments such as HIFU or Endolift.
How do the injections work?
Deoxycholic acid injections are a non-surgical way of body-shaping. This gel-based solution is injected into areas of unwanted fat. The solution works by disrupting the surface of the fat cells, causing them to weaken and become permeable. An ultrasound treatment is then used to push the fats out of the cells. The fat is then absorbed by the body and excreted. It is a permanent result assuming the person having the treatment doesn’t gain weight after the treatment.
What does the treatment involve?
Dr Rory will inject the area with a local anaesthetic or mix it with the solution to reduce any discomfort. Each treatment will take 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
Treatment Areas for Fat Dissolving Injections
Deoxycholic acid is suitable for treating: double chin, jowls, upper arms, armpits, waist, hips, knees, chest, inner tights, buttocks as well as folds on the back.
How many treatments will I need?
Some people may see an improvement after 1 to 2 sessions but up to 8 may be required depending on the amount of fat in the area. The chin, where there is less fat, for example, may require one treatment while hips or thighs may require repeated treatments.
Treatments will usually be spaced 4 weeks apart.
What is the downtime after the injections?
There may be redness, bruising and swelling that could last up to 48 to 72 hours. You can take over-the-counter painkillers but are advised not to take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen as they will work against the treatment.
It is regarded as a safe treatment.
Who cannot have the treatment?
Deoxycholic acid is generally regarded as safe for most people but it is not recommended for clinically overweight people or people who are under 18 or over 60 years of age.
It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with lipodystrophy.
This treatment should only be done by a doctor or nurse who has been trained in how to administer these injections.
How much does the treatment cost?
Dependent on the area: from £300 per treatment
