Fat lipolysis injections at Face Doctors Clinic consist of a diluted cocktail containing phosphatidylcholine, deoxycholate, vitamin B (B2, B3, B6), vitamin C and caffeine. We also offer deoxycholate injections without the additional ingredients.

Both phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate are naturally made by the human body. Phosphatidylcholine is found in human cell membranes while deoxycholate is a bile acid that is made by the human liver. Phosphatidylcholine works in fat lipolysis by selectively causing mature fat cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death). On the other hand, deoxycholate works by acting as a biological detergent and emulsifies fat. Additives such as vitamin B compounds, caffeine and vitamin C are thought to increase the effect of the treatment.

Combination treatment of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate is thought to be more effective than deoxycholate alone.

Patients aged 18 years or older are suitable. The fatty areas that be treated are fat under the chin, lower belly fat, love handle fat, back roll fat and the gluteal banana (excess fat beneath the buttocks).

Fat dissolving injections are useful for improving contours rather than weight loss. Small pockets of fat are especially useful.

While the area is iced and topical anaesthetic (anaethetic cream) is applied to numb the skin before treatment, injections can cause the area to feel slightly burning. This usually resolves within a few hours. Continued icing and rest is advised on the day of treatment.
Swelling is normal in the area after injection and means that the treatment is working.

Satisfactory results are typically achieved by a series of 3 injections, spaced 8 weeks apart.

They are not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

As with any cosmetic treatment, fat lipolysis carries risks which a patient must understand. The most common side effects experience redness, itchiness, swelling and pain in the treatment area. This may last up to 2 weeks. Furthermore, there may be an increased sensitivity to touch that can last up to 3 weeks.
Rare side effects and complications include infections (can occur with any injectable treatment), increased stool frequency or mild diarrhoea, low-blood pressure causing light-headedness or loss of consciousness, intermenstrual menorrhea (blood between periods), fibromas (benign tumours of fibrous and connective tissue that form long-lasting nodules unless removed), skin necrosis (skin death due to increased pressure in the treated area and compromised circulation), persistent local inflammation or oedema, injury to ligaments, injury to nerves, injury to blood vessels and assymetric results. Furthermore, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) rarely occurs in predisposed individuals but disappears after 3 months.