Body & wellness
Fat Dissolving Injections
Precision contouring for stubborn areas.
Injectable solution targeting localised fat deposits to improve body contour. Typically used on the chin, jowls, and small body areas under a staged treatment plan.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Category
- Body & wellness
- Appointment duration
- 30 – 45 min
- Anaesthesia
- Discussed during consultation
- Downtime
- 3 – 7 days swelling
- Results onset
- Discussed during consultation
- Longevity
- Discussed during consultation
- Sessions
- Discussed during consultation
- Follow-up
- Review between sessions; course plan guided by individual response
About this treatment
Overview
Fat dissolving injections use a solution — typically deoxycholic acid or a phosphatidylcholine-based formulation — to target and break down localised fat cells in specific areas of the face or body. Common areas of treatment include under the chin (submental fat), jowls, and small areas of body fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
This is not a weight-loss treatment and is not suitable for the treatment of generalised excess weight. It is a precision contouring approach designed for individuals who are otherwise within a healthy weight range but have specific localised areas of concern.
A staged treatment plan is typical, with multiple sessions required and time between sessions to allow the body to process the treated fat. Assessment at each stage guides the progression of the plan.
Concerns this treatment may address
Individual suitability for addressing any specific concern is determined at consultation.
What it may offer
Potential benefits
The following describes potential benefits. Individual results vary and no outcome can be guaranteed.
May reduce the appearance of localised fat deposits in targeted areas
Can improve facial contour, particularly under the chin and along the jawline
Results are considered long-term for individual fat cells treated, as the cells are permanently disrupted
Non-surgical approach to targeted contouring
Staged treatment plan allows gradual, controlled progression
Who may be suitable
Adults in generally good health with localised, pinchable fat in a specific area they wish to address
Those who are within a healthy or stable weight range — this is not a weight-loss treatment
Individuals who understand the treatment requires a staged course and significant post-treatment swelling
People who have had a full consultation confirming the area and approach are appropriate
Suitability is confirmed at consultation — this list is for general guidance only.
Who may not be suitable
The following are general contraindications. A full medical history review at consultation determines individual suitability.
Those seeking a treatment for generalised excess weight or body fat reduction
Individuals with active skin infection at the proposed treatment site
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
People with certain medical conditions affecting the area — assessed at consultation
Those with excess skin laxity in the treatment area where the result may not be aesthetically beneficial — discussed at consultation
People with unrealistic expectations about the degree of contouring achievable
Consultation and assessment
Assessment of the treatment area, fat distribution, and skin quality
Discussion of the staged treatment plan and what each session involves
Review of medical history, medications, and any prior treatments to the area
Honest discussion of realistic outcomes and what cannot be achieved with this treatment
Photography for clinical records and progress assessment
Written informed consent before treatment
The procedure
How it works
The treatment area is cleansed and marked to guide accurate injection placement
A topical anaesthetic or local anaesthetic may be used to reduce discomfort, depending on the area
The fat dissolving solution is injected into the subcutaneous fat layer using multiple small injections distributed across the treatment area
The solution disrupts the cell membranes of fat cells in the targeted area
The body's natural processes gradually clear the disrupted fat cells over the weeks following treatment
Significant swelling and firmness follow each session — this is part of the normal treatment process
Preparation
Avoid blood-thinning supplements and medications where safe and advised
Do not attend with active skin infection or inflammation at the treatment site
Ensure you can accommodate the expected post-treatment swelling in your schedule — plan treatment around important events
Inform the practitioner of all current medications and medical conditions
Arrive with clean skin on the day of treatment
During treatment
Appointments typically take between 30 and 45 minutes
Multiple small injections are placed across the treatment area, which may be uncomfortable
A stinging, burning, or cramping sensation is commonly reported during and shortly after injection
Significant swelling begins to develop during or shortly after the procedure
You can return home after treatment but should anticipate visible swelling in the days that follow
Aftercare
Following aftercare instructions carefully supports your recovery and helps protect your results. Contact the clinic if you have any concerns.
Significant swelling is expected and normal for several days to weeks — plan accordingly
Apply cold compresses gently to help manage swelling and discomfort
Avoid touching or massaging the treatment area unless specifically advised by the practitioner
Avoid vigorous exercise and excessive heat for several days following treatment
Take prescribed or recommended pain relief as directed if required
Attend all follow-up and review appointments as scheduled — the next session will only proceed once the area has recovered sufficiently
Recovery timeline
Timelines are approximate. Individual recovery varies.
- Days 1–3
Significant swelling, redness, and firmness in the treatment area. This is expected and is a normal part of the process, not a sign of complication.
- Days 4–7
Swelling begins to reduce but is still present. Numbness, tenderness, and firmness may persist.
- Weeks 2–4
Swelling continues to resolve. Early improvements in contour may begin to become visible as the swelling settles.
- Weeks 4–8
The treated area should be largely settled and the response to the session can be assessed before planning the next.
- After a course
Final contouring results are assessed once the full planned course is complete and sufficient time has passed for the tissue to settle.
What to expect
Results vary between individuals. No specific outcome can be guaranteed. The following is general guidance only — your practitioner will discuss what is realistic for your individual situation.
Results depend on the area treated, the volume of fat present, and the number of sessions completed
Most people require multiple sessions to achieve their goals — single-session results are limited
Individual response to the treatment varies significantly
This treatment is for localised contouring only — it is not suitable for general fat or weight reduction
No specific outcome can be guaranteed — results are discussed honestly at each review
Safety information
Risks and side effects
Common
- Significant swelling, redness, and bruising — expected and part of the normal process
- Tenderness, warmth, and numbness in the treatment area
- Firmness and hardness of the treated tissue that resolves over several weeks
- Itching in the treatment area
Less common
- Prolonged swelling beyond the typical period
- Uneven reduction requiring assessment and potential additional treatment
- Skin surface irregularity during healing
Rare
- Nerve injury affecting sensation or movement in the treatment area — seek advice promptly if this occurs
- Skin necrosis if the product is injected superficially — risk reduced by appropriate technique
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
If you experience severe pain, swelling, skin colour changes, vision changes, or any symptoms that concern you after treatment, contact the clinic immediately or seek emergency medical care. If you experience difficulty swallowing after chin treatment, or any sudden change in sensation or movement, seek medical attention promptly.
This is not an exhaustive list. All risks are discussed fully at your consultation before any treatment proceeds. This treatment is never described as risk-free.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Begin your journey
Begin with a consultation designed around you.
Every treatment begins with an unhurried clinical conversation. No pressure, no obligation — just an honest, individualised assessment.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments carry risks that are discussed in full at a clinical consultation. Individual results vary and no specific outcome is guaranteed. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is required to confirm suitability before any treatment proceeds.