Lipolysis Injection
Lift & Tighten
Lipolysis injections use a solution (typically phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholic acid or deoxycholic acid alone) to permanently destroy fat cell membranes in localized fat deposits. Once destroyed, these fat cells cannot regenerate — making results permanent as long as weight remains stable. Kybella (FDA-approved deoxycholic acid) is the gold standard for submental (double chin) fat. PCDC formulations address a broader range of body areas including abdomen, inner thighs, bra line, and flanks.
BEFORE
AFTER
How it works
The active compound (deoxycholic acid or PCDC) is injected directly into the subcutaneous fat layer of the target area using a series of small injections across a grid pattern. Deoxycholic acid disrupts fat cell membranes, causing the cells to lyse and release their contents. The body's lymphatic and immune systems clear the cellular debris over 4–8 weeks, progressively reducing the volume of fat in the treated area. Dead fat cells are permanently eliminated — they cannot regenerate.
Who is it for?
Submental fullness (double chin) resistant to diet and exercise; localized fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, bra line, or upper arms; patients wanting non-surgical fat reduction in specific areas; those who are not candidates for or do not want surgical liposuction; patients at or near their ideal body weight with specific areas of stubborn fat.
Who is it not for?
Pregnancy or breastfeeding; active infection in treatment area; bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy; patients with significant skin laxity in the treatment area (fat reduction may worsen laxity — skin tightening treatment recommended); unrealistic expectations about total body fat reduction (lipolysis treats localized deposits, not overall weight loss).
Session Time
20–30 min per area
Down Time
3–5 days swelling, redness, and tenderness (expected — indicates the treatment is working)
Results?
4–8 weeks (as body clears destroyed fat cells)
Peak Results
Month 2–3 post-treatment
How long does it last?
Permanent (fat cells do not regenerate); weight gain can affect surrounding untreated areas
How many sessions?
2–4 sessions per area spaced 4–6 weeks apart
Build Your Protocol
Your skin has more than one concern. Your protocol should too.
Is the fat removal permanent?
Yes — deoxycholic acid permanently destroys fat cell membranes. Those specific cells cannot regenerate. However, remaining fat cells in the area can still expand with weight gain. Most patients maintain their results with stable weight. This is why lipolysis works best for patients near their ideal weight with specific stubborn deposits.
How much swelling should I expect?
Significant swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treatment area is normal and expected for 3–7 days — especially for the double chin area. The swelling actually indicates the treatment is working. We recommend scheduling treatments at least 1–2 weeks before any important events.
Can lipolysis be combined with skin tightening?
Yes — and we often recommend it. Reducing fat volume in an area with mild laxity may make the skin appear looser. Combining lipolysis with OligioX RF or Ultherapy before or after treatment addresses both the fat and the skin simultaneously for a more complete result.