Until recently, liposuction was the only way to treat the double chin (known as the submental fat). However, an injection now dissolves fat cells, which are then processed and eliminated by the body naturally.
Benefits of fat dissolving injections
Fat dissolving injections provide a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like liposuction. Surgical interventions often involve anaesthesia, incisions, and a lengthier downtime, whereas injections are relatively quick, and patients can resume their daily activities shortly after the treatment.
Another benefit of fat dissolving injections is their capacity for spot reduction. Some body areas, such as the chin, hips and abdomen, may resist diet and exercise. Fat dissolving injections can specifically target these stubborn pockets of fat, making them an effective option for those who struggle to eliminate fat from specific areas despite leading a healthy lifestyle.
The treatment also produces a gradual, more subtle and natural transition as the body slowly metabolises the liquefied fat cells. This can benefit those who want to avoid the sudden and drastic changes that can sometimes occur with surgical procedures.
For individuals seeking quick results, fat-dissolving injections offer a fast treatment option. While multiple sessions may be required, patients often notice improvements after just a few treatments.
What makes a suitable candidate
Fat dissolving injections are a cosmetic procedure that requires individuals to be in good overall health. Before undergoing the treatment, candidates will typically experience a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they do not have any medical conditions that could interfere with the procedure or the healing process. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases, or infections, may not be suitable candidates for fat dissolving injections.
Fat dissolving injections are not intended for significant weight loss but for targeted fat reduction in specific areas. Candidates should have a stable BMI within a healthy range, as these injections are most effective when used to address localised fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise.
Individuals must have realistic expectations about the outcomes of fat dissolving injections. The procedure can produce noticeable improvements in localised fat reduction, but it may not be as compelling or dramatic as surgical options like liposuction.
Candidates should understand that multiple sessions might be necessary and be willing to follow a treatment plan put together during a consultation.
Skin elasticity is another aspect that can influence candidacy for fat-dissolving injections. After treatment, injections are most effective when the skin can naturally contract and adapt to reduced fat volume. Patients with good skin elasticity are likelier to achieve smoother results, while those with significant skin laxity might be better suited for alternative procedures like skin tightening treatments or surgery.
Non-smokers or those willing to quit are generally preferred candidates for cosmetic procedures, including fat dissolving injections. Smoking can hinder the body’s natural healing process and increase the risk of complications. Candidates may be advised to quit smoking for a certain period before and after the treatment to prevent potential complications.
A suitable candidate for fat dissolving injections should also clearly understand the procedure and its potential risks. They should be willing to follow preparation and aftercare instructions and communicate any concerns clearly.
To determine whether or not a candidate is suitable for the procedure, a consultation will allow the individual to ask any questions and make an informed decision about whether fat dissolving injections are the right treatment choice.
Your consultation with Dr Scott Allison in Brisbane
A consultation for fat-dissolving injections with Dr Scott Allison will allow you to understand better what is involved with the procedure, decide if the treatment is right for you and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Dr Allison will begin the consultation by asking questions about your medical history. This includes any pre-existing medical conditions, previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications. Understanding your health status is essential to determining your eligibility for the treatment and identifying potential risks.
You’ll be able to discuss your specific aesthetic goals and areas you would like to target, so that the areas can be assessed. Dr Allison will emphasise the importance of having realistic expectations about the outcomes of fat dissolving injections. He will explain the potential improvements that can be achieved and any limitations of the procedure. This ensures that you will clearly understand what to expect after the treatment.
He will then explain the fat dissolving injection procedure, including how the injections break down fat cells and the typical number of sessions required. He will also discuss the expected duration of each session and the time needed for recovery after each treatment.
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with fat dissolving injections. Dr Allison will thoroughly discuss these, including temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or discomfort at the injection site. Understanding these risks allows you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the treatment.
Depending on your specific needs and goals, Dr Allison may discuss alternative treatment options that could be more suitable or complementary to fat dissolving injections. This may include surgical procedures like liposuction or non-invasive treatments for skin tightening, depending on your individual circumstances.
You will be provided with instructions on preparing for the treatment, including avoiding certain medications or supplements that could increase specific side effects. He will also give detailed aftercare guidelines to help minimise potential complications.
After discussing your goals and the steps of the treatment in detail, you will then be able to receive a personalised treatment plan designed to work towards your goals.
Another important part of your consultation will then be to determine the costs according to your personalised treatment plan. Costs can vary from patient to patient since an individually tailored approach will need to be taken for the treatment.
The Fat Dissolving Procedure
About The Procedure
The fat dissolving procedure is performed by numbing the area of skin under the chin with local anaesthetic. A grid is marked up to ensure that equal amounts of product are injected uniformly to produce a symmetrical outcome. The points are then injected with a fat dissolving product (that is actually found naturally in our bodies).
What Can I Expect?
Destruction of fat cells occurs immediately, however, over the following 12 weeks, they are slowly cleared from the area by the body’s lymphatic system. Each time this procedure is performed, there is a loss of about 25% of the fat cells in the area. Typically, two to four treatments are required to get the desired result. This is often combined with jawline filler to create a more defined jaw.
Costs of fat dissolving injections with Dr Scott Allison in Brisbane
The costs of fat dissolving injections are based on the details of your personalised treatment plan. Your plan will depend on your unique needs and goals and will be put together during a consultation.
As a guide, the personal factors that can influence costs include:
Your specific treatment area/s
The size and number of areas targeted for fat dissolving injections significantly impact the cost. More extensive treatment areas or multiple areas being treated will generally require more injections and, consequently, increase the total cost of the procedure.
The amount of fat to be treated:
Excess fat in the targeted areas can affect the number of treatment sessions required. Patients with a larger fat volume may need more injections, leading to higher treatment costs.
Number of treatment sessions
Some individuals may achieve satisfactory results with just a few sessions, while others might require additional treatments. This will be discussed in detail and outlined in your treatment plan.
Your response to the treatment
The response to fat dissolving injections can vary among individuals. Some individuals may require fewer sessions to achieve due to their body’s response to the treatment, while others may need more sessions.
To get your personalised quote, please book your consultation
Recovery and aftercare guide
Recovery and aftercare for fat dissolving injections are generally considered relatively minimal compared to surgical procedures. However, following instructions is key to ensuring proper healing and preventing complications.
Straight after the fat dissolving injections, you may experience mild swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites. These side effects are expected and should subside within a few days. Applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, as per Dr Allison’s advice, can help alleviate any discomfort during the initial recovery period.
It is essential to avoid massaging or applying excessive pressure to the treated areas for a few days after the procedure. The fat-dissolving solution needs time to work on the targeted fat cells, and manipulating the room can disrupt the treatment’s effectiveness.
While recovery time can vary among individuals, most patients can resume their normal daily activities shortly after the treatment. However, avoiding strenuous exercise and activities that may cause excessive sweating or friction on the injection sites for a few days is advisable.
You should maintain good hygiene and keep the treated areas clean to minimise the risk of infection. Dr Allison may provide specific instructions on caring for the injection sites, such as using a gentle cleanser and avoiding harsh skincare products.
He may recommend wearing compression garments in the treated areas to support the healing process and aid in contouring. These garments can help reduce swelling and improve the treatment’s overall effectiveness.
Over the following weeks, you should notice gradual improvements in the treated areas as the body metabolises the dissolved fat cells. However, it is essential to understand that the results may not be immediately apparent, and it may take several weeks to see the full effects of the treatment.
You may be advised to attend scheduled follow-up appointments to assess the progress of the treatment and determine if additional treatments are necessary.
It’s generally recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to sustain the benefits of fat dissolving injections over the long term.
While the treated fat cells are permanently removed, the remaining fat cells can still expand with weight gain, potentially affecting the treatment’s results.
Risks and complications
Like any cosmetic procedure, fat dissolving injections carry inherent risks and potential complications.
After the fat dissolving injections, patients may experience pain, tenderness, and swelling at the injection sites. These side effects are typically mild and temporary but can cause some discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Bruising and swelling are also common side effects of the injections. While they usually resolve independently within a few days to a week, they can be more pronounced in some individuals and may take longer to subside.
Infection is another risk, although it is rare, at the injection sites. Maintaining good hygiene and following aftercare instructions can help minimise this risk.
In some cases, patients may experience uneven or lumpy skin texture in the treated areas, which is a less common complication but may occur if the fat-dissolving solution is not evenly distributed during the injections. Asymmetrical results can also occur.
While uncommon, some individuals may be allergic to the fat-dissolving solution. Patients must disclose any known allergies before the procedure.
There is a potential risk of nerve damage during the injections, leading to temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness or altered sensation in the treated areas.
Over-treatment or injecting too much fat-dissolving solution in a single session can lead to excessive fat removal, causing contour irregularities. In sporadic cases, the fat-dissolving solution can cause skin necrosis.
This complication can lead to scarring and requires immediate medical attention.
Some patients may experience delayed healing at the injection sites, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or poor wound healing ability.
The best way to avoid these complications occurring is to choose a qualified doctor to perform the treatment, follow preparation and aftercare instructions and disclose any factors that may interfere with your suitability for the treatment.