If you’re a touch self-conscious about your side profile and feel compelled to take cosmetic action, double chin injections might just be the fix you’re looking for. Hailed as a non-surgical chin lift, the treatment – called Lipodissolve – targets and eliminates stubborn submental fat cells, melting away your double chin to reveal a shapely, contoured jawline.
FYI, I’m speaking from experience. In search of a sharper chin, I paid Dr Mervyn Patterson a visit – medical director of Woodford Medical, with more than 20 years’ experience in aesthetic medicine – to test the treatment out first-hand. Read on to find out how Lipodissolve works, what to expect from a session, and how long it takes to see results – and keep scrolling for those all-important before-and-after photos.
What is Lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve involves a series of injections that melt away localised fat deposits, such as those around your jawline. The fluid is composed primarily of phosphatidylcholine, a chemical contained in eggs and soybeans and found naturally in the body in all cells.
‘It contains an enzyme that breaks up the cell wall around the fat cells,’ Dr Patterson says. When injected into your fat layer, ‘it releases the fat, and the body can’t ignore that,’ he says. ‘Your lymphatic system gradually reabsorbs the fat and excretes it through your gut.’
Theoretically you can have Lipodissolve injections anywhere on your body, but ‘it’s well-suited to small pockets of fat,’ says Dr Patterson. The jawline is a particularly good area to do it on, he adds, because as well as eliminating fat, the treatment makes the surrounding skin shrink, too.
‘That’s because the skin is attached to the fat,’ he explains. ‘So, as you shrink the fat, the skin has to go with it. This makes lipodissolve injections, in my view, the best non surgical option for reducing areas of fat.’
What to expect from a Lipodissolve session
The Lipodissolve process begins with an in-depth consultation to determine whether the procedure is right for you. While suitable for most adults, it’s not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions like auto-immune diseases, thyroid problems, HIV and cancer, so you ought to be totally frank about your medical history.
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Once you’re in the chair, your practitioner will cleanse your jawline with a disinfectant before administering around 15 to 20 injections. I chose to apply a thin layer of numbing cream around 30 minutes before the treatment, but it’s down to personal preference – the procedure is swift and relatively painless. The treated area will start to swell rapidly, so it’s well worth arranging a lift home from the clinic.
The severe swelling – which I’ll get into shortly – occurs for two reasons: ‘It’s partly the liquid that’s being injected, which obviously expands the tissue straight away,’ says Dr Patterson, ‘but there’s also an inflammatory response to the enzyme. Any tissue, when it’s traumatised or injured, will swell a little bit. So, it’s due to inflammation.’
Does Lipodissolve hurt?
The Lipodissolve treatment process is a little uncomfortable, sure, but it’s not painful. When I arrived at the clinic before the first round of injections I was tense – the prospect of taking multiple injections to the face felt a little overwhelming – but Dr Patterson and his warm, friendly team put me at ease throughout the treatment.
Along with the intermittent pinch of the needle, you’ll soon start to feel a dull, achey, burning feeling spread across the treated area. Before long, your jawline and chin will feel tender to touch, and some bruising may start to develop. Over-the-counter painkillers will ease any discomfort.
Lipodissolve recovery process
There’s no getting around it: the swelling is going to be intense. ‘Swelling is the biggest problem with the treatment,’ says Dr Patterson. ‘One’s got to be really quite honest with people that it’s going to be bad on the day and the next day, but it gradually starts to disappear and go down over the next seven days or so.
If you’re having Lipodissolve, clear your diary for the following week. ‘This isn’t a lunchtime treatment where you can pop in, have it done and go back to work, because it’s going to be noticeable,’ he continues. ‘It’s not as obvious if you only inject beneath the chin, but when along the jawline and jowl area, it really does make the face expand.’
You’re also likely to experience bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and the onset of hard lumps in the treatment area, which can last anywhere up to 10 days. For that reason, it’s best to avoid vigorous exercise until the swelling and any other side effects improve. You needn’t massage the area, or treat it in any way – just let the enzyme work its magic.
This isn’t a lunchtime treatment where you can pop in, have it done and go back to work, because it’s going to be noticeable.
‘You don’t need to touch the area,’ says Dr Patterson. ‘Because it’s a lipid, it simply glides around all your fat cells and coats them with this enzyme that just wants to attack them. But it doesn’t attack anything else – like skin – it’s just fat that it likes to nibble at.’
Most people can expect to see the full effects of the treatment within three weeks. While you’re likely to enjoy noticeable improvements after your first appointment, the results tend to be particularly striking after the second set of injections. Generally Lipodissolve patients require several treatments, staged four to six weeks apart, for optimum results.
Lipodissolve: before and after photos
Woodford Medical
The ‘before’ photograph, left, was taken moments before the first round of Lipodissolve treatments. The ‘after’ photograph, right, was taken approximately six weeks after the second round of injections.
Is Lipodissolve permanent?
It’s difficult to say whether Lipodissolve is permanent. On the one hand, once the fat cells are gone, they’re gone. However, any residual fat cells still have the capacity to expand. ‘It’s certainly very long-lasting,’ says Dr Patterson. ‘When you disrupt the cells in that area, they don’t seem to want to store fat for a very long period of time. I wouldn’t like to promise that it’s permanent, but it’s a matter of years, not months.’ If you gain weight, ‘it would tend not to accumulate in that area for some time,’ he says.
Is Lipodissolve safe?
Much like any other aesthetic procedure, Lipodissolve is safe when administered by an experienced, licensed medical professional, so it pays to do research. Be sure to choose a reputable practice – Woodford Medical clinics can be found in Essex, Cambridge, London, Leamington Spa and Belfast – and check the credentials of the practitioner.
‘I’ve been doing this treatment for 15 years,’ says Dr Patterson. ‘It’s commonplace in places like Germany, there’s almost a fat-dissolving clinic on every street corner. So, some countries are way ahead of us in terms of numbers of patients treated. I see very few reports of any problems. The main one is the risk of swelling and bruising in the first few days.’
Are double chin injections worth it?
If, like me, you’ve spent years feeling painfully self-conscious about your jawline – in a way that no body-positive Instagram post seems able to pacify – Lipodissolve could be the confidence boost you’re looking for. For me, the process was physically and emotionally transformative. Life-changing, even.
After endlessly engaging in fruitless attempts to diet and exercise this stubborn subcutaneous fat away – all doomed, unbeknownst to me – I have finally found peace. Sure, the swelling will take a few weeks out of your social life, but it’s a small trade-off. My sole regret, genuinely? Not getting Lipodissolve sooner.
Last updated: 28-06-2021
FAQs
How long does it take for chin fat dissolving injections to work? ›
While you won't see the results immediately, you can typically begin to see results after around 8 weeks. This is because the body needs time to drain and remove the fat cells from the body, and in general this can take around 8 weeks.
When do you see results from Lipodissolve? ›How long does it take to see the results of Lipodissolve? The visible results can be seen as early as 1-2 weeks, but final results are noticed at 6-8 weeks after the final treatment session.
Does fat dissolving injections work on double chin? ›AQUALYX injections break down fat in a controlled way, so your body can safely remove it through its lymphatic system. This simple and effective procedure shrinks double chins as well as improving the definition of the jawline.
How many fat dissolving injections do I need for chin? ›It usually requires at least two or three sessions 6-8 weeks apart. Swelling can occur for 2-6 weeks. The result can be seen in 6-8 weeks and it is permanent.
Where does the fat go after fat dissolving injections? ›The fat cells will then be naturally released and drained away by your lymphatic system, which is why we always recommend drinking plenty of water after your treatment and avoiding alcohol too. Your comfort is always a priority, and you won't feel too much discomfort when receiving fat-dissolving injections.
How many Lipodissolve treatments are needed? ›Lipodissolve results will become visible after multiple initial injections. Typically four to 10 injections spaced six to eight weeks apart are used for best results.
Does Lipodissolve actually work? ›Does Lipodissolve work? The short answer is no! There are a number of non-surgical procedures that are currently being offered to reduce fat but not have been clinically shown to be as effective as liposuction.
How long will I be swollen after Lipodissolve? ›Inflammation will be present up to 4 weeks after treatment, which will limit any visible result. The inflammatory response continues and you may not see the final result for up to one year.
What is the best procedure for removing double chin? ›Liposuction: This procedure removes fat from beneath the skin and sculpts the chin and neck contour. “We make a small incision under the skin, insert a tube and suck out the fat,” says Ishii. Liposuction typically requires only local anesthetic to numb the general area.
Does fat dissolving injections leave saggy skin? ›When injected into subcutaneous fat, this molecule destroys fat cells. The fat is melted away and there is no sagging skin left behind.
What is the best injection for double chin? ›
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid injection) is the only FSA-approved injectable treatment for adults that destroys fat cells under the chin to improve your profile-whether you have a moderate amount of chin fullness or a bit more.
Should I massage after fat dissolving injections? ›We recommend that you massage the treatment area daily to help the body's excretory systems eliminate the dissolved fat cells. While the treated area is swollen, we advise against strenuous activity and extreme temperatures, such as saunas or steam rooms.
Are fat dissolving injections worth it? ›Fat dissolving injections can help you to achieve a slimmer, more contoured body shape, with long-lasting results of between two and four years. The results are even longer if you maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise.
Is chin fat dissolving painful? ›In the body there will be some pain for the duration of the procedure and we will do our best to numb the areas. Aqualyx also contains local anesthetic which helps manage pain during treatment. In the Body there will be pain after the procedure and you may want to go home and rest.
How many sessions of fat dissolving injections do you need? ›Results begin to become apparent after two to three sessions – and these sessions should be at least four weeks apart. But depending on the size and severity of the area, you may require up to six sessions.
How long does swelling last after fat dissolving injections in chin? ›The fat dissolving enzyme is then injected into the required area. Noticeable swelling will occur immediately after treatment and last 2-4 days following the procedure, this is a positive indicator of the treatments progression.
How many treatments of fat dissolving injections do I need? ›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 of 2 – 3 injections, while treatment for fat pockets on the hips and thighs may require 8 treatments.
How long does chin fat dissolver last? ›The solution will dissolve the fat cells, which then undergo degradation and absorption by the body over a length of 4 - 6 weeks.
What to expect from fat dissolving injections? ›A number of injections are administered to ensure the area of fat to be removed is fully covered. You will experience swelling /discolouration of the skin and tenderness, on most occasions you will have some bruising. The area will feel tender for 7- 10 days and appear swollen for this time.
How much water do you need to drink after fat dissolving injections? ›Please be sure to drink at least 2 litres of water in the days before your treatment, as well as for two weeks afterwards. This is quite a lot, admittedly. However, it will help your lymphatic drainage system to clear the fat from the broken-down cells. Afterwards – there may be some redness.
How long does it take for Aqualyx to work on chin? ›
Typically, 1-3 treatments for small areas, such as under the chin, and 2-6 treatments for larger areas such as the thighs. Treatments are spaced at 6-8 weekly intervals. Your results will show in approximately 6 weeks after your final treatment.
How many Aqualyx injections do I need for chin? ›2-4 treatment sessions may be needed, depending on the degree of fatty tissue present. There should be 3-4 weeks between treatments. If there is weight gain, then the neighbouring fat cells that weren't destroyed, may increase in size and create a full under chin area again.
Should I massage my chin after Aqualyx? ›By massaging the treatment area following administration, the product is dispersed and evenly distributed. In addition, as the Aqualyx dissolves the fat, manual massage will aid the lymphatic system to remove the waste products.
How long does it take to see the results of Aqualyx? ›HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN SEE RESULTS OF MY AQUALYX TREATMENT? You will start to notice an improvement anywhere between 3 and 6 weeks, and could notice ongoing improvements up to 6 months.
How long does swelling last after fat dissolving injections in chin? ›The fat dissolving enzyme is then injected into the required area. Noticeable swelling will occur immediately after treatment and last 2-4 days following the procedure, this is a positive indicator of the treatments progression.
Are fat dissolving injections worth it? ›Fat dissolving injections can help you to achieve a slimmer, more contoured body shape, with long-lasting results of between two and four years. The results are even longer if you maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise.
How long does chin fat dissolver last? ›Safety studies have been done on the long-term results, and “in general, between 75 and 90 percent of patients are still maintaining their response at up to five years.” Gallagher also noted that most patients really turn a corner after the second treatment, seeing a noticeable reduction in fat.
What is the best injection for double chin? ›KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid injection) is the only FSA-approved injectable treatment for adults that destroys fat cells under the chin to improve your profile-whether you have a moderate amount of chin fullness or a bit more.
Is it normal to have lumps after fat dissolving injections? ›This depends on the type of lump. It is always better to be safe than sorry and we are happy for you to communicate your worries to us. Lumpiness is extremely common after filler injections and is most likely swelling. Haematomas where a blood vessel has burst is less likely but can lead to more pronounced swelling.
What are the best fat dissolving injections? ›There are different types of Fat Dissolving Injections, and two of the most popular brands are Aqualyx and Kybella. A solution of deoxycholic acid is used in both Aqualyx (modified compound) and Kybella (synthetic form).
Can you shower after fat dissolving injections? ›
Do not wash the area or take a hot shower for 8 hours after the treatment. Do not expose the treated area to intense heat e.g. sunbed, swimming, sauna, sunbathing or extreme coldness. A sauna before treatment can help to mobilise the fat. If it's unavoidable to go into the sun, wear SPF 50 at all times.
When should I massage after fat dissolving injections? ›Any drastic swelling will subside in around 2 to 3 hours. We recommend that you massage the treatment area daily to help the body's excretory systems eliminate the dissolved fat cells. While the treated area is swollen, we advise against strenuous activity and extreme temperatures, such as saunas or steam rooms.
Can I exercise after fat dissolving injections? ›We would suggest avoiding exercise on the day of treatment. After this you can resume gentle exercise as and when you feel ready. You may not feel ready for strenuous exercise for the first week, as you may feel a little tender.
What can go wrong with Aqualyx? ›Some of the potential side effects of Aqualyx may include skin irritation, redness, swelling and tenderness in the treated areas. These side effects are expected to disappear around three to six days after your treatment.
How much water should you drink with Aqualyx? ›The procedure may sting a little (but not much) but it's very safe – and it works. Please be sure to drink at least 2 litres of water in the days before your treatment, as well as for two weeks afterwards.
Is one treatment of Aqualyx enough? ›Aqualyx can be used in the face and body to great effect. For small areas such as the jowls and chin, just one sessions can dramatically reduce fat deposits and return a more youthful and defined facial contour. For larger areas like tummies, bingo wings and bums you may need up to 5 sessions to see dramatic results.