Fat removal injections – Aqualyx

Many of us have stubborn areas of subcutaneous fat that, no matter how much we diet and exercise, just will not budge. Invasive procedures such as liposuction may not always be needed, and we can look to non-surgical alternatives.

Aqualyx is an injectable solution (deoxycholic acid) that is found in bile salts in the human body, and is responsible for digestion of fat. Once injected the Aqualyx molecule attaches itself to the membranes of fat cells in the area of injection, and starts to dissolve this membrane. This causes the fat cells to break open and the fatty acids within the cell are then eliminated by macrophages (part of the body’s immune system). Ultimately they are eliminated from the body through the liver.

Fat removal injections must be performed by a medical professional and one may think that it would be inaccessible unless you were living in a large city, such as London.

However, this treatment is available at Illuminate Skin Clinic and performed by Dr Sophie Shotter. Our clinic is located in the heart of Kent, 30 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells, 10 minutes from Maidstone and only 6 minutes by car from West Malling. Rail links are extremely accessible from all areas around the South East, making it very convenient to receive state of the art, safe and effective treatments without travelling for hours.

The following areas of the body can be treated with fat removal injections (Aqualyx) :

• Double chin and jowls
• Underarms and armpits
• Bra roll
• Flanks and waist
• Abdomen (six packs can be defined using this treatment)
• Saddle bags
• Inner thighs
• Knees
• Buffalo hump
• Uneven bumps of fat following Vaser or liposuction treatment
• Lipomas

Fat removal injections take between 15 and 45 minutes and this will be undertaken following a consultation with Dr Sophie to discuss your full medical history and the areas you would like treated. It is advisable to wear some compression garments such as Spanx, as you will feel more supported after treatment. If you have your chin treated, wearing an old pair of tights around your face whilst sleeping is recommended. The Aqualyx solution is mixed with Lidocaine, an injectable anaesthetic and most patients comment that the procedure is a little uncomfortable but not painful. If you have concerns about discomfort you can take some Paracetamol prior to the treatment. It would also be useful for you to have some Paracetamol to hand as the anaesthetic wears off, as you may feel quite tender.

You should not have Aqualyx treatment if you are pregnant or lactating, if you have lipodystrophy, pathological conditions or if you are under 18 years or over 60 years old.