Fat Dissolving Injections

Aqualyx is a non-surgical, injectable treatment option for the selective reduction of small, localised areas of fat, developed by an Italian Professor of aesthetic medicine; it is therefore also sometimes called Motolese’s Solution. Aqualyx is based on a modified form of deoxycholic acid, a detergent that has been used in medicine for many years. Deoxycholic acid is also present in our own body and helps with the emulsification of fats so they can be absorbed in our intestines.

The modified deoxycholic acid or weakened sodium deoxycholate in Aqualyx is combined with a solution of slow-releases sugars that reduce the biological half-life of the small, but highly effective quantity of detergent to minimise side effects from the treatment and ensure that it only interacts with and destroys fat cells.

Aqualyx is targeted at stubborn fat cells or adipocytes causing the emulsification of their cell membrane, effectively dissolving the fat, making the cell break down and release the lipids or liquid fatty acids that have accumulated within. The cellular debris from the adipocytes and all the lipids are slowly and safely disposed of by the body via the metabolism, the immune and lymphatic systems.

At Blemish Clinic we combine Aqualyx injections with acoustic wave therapy, also known as shockwave which uses high frequency sound energy to help the product spread within the tissue more evenly and improves the disruption of the fat cell membrane.

Aqualyx is ideal for treating accumulations of fatty tissue in both men and women that are resistant to diet and exercise in the following areas:

• Double chins or submental fat
• Buffalo hump at the back of the neck
• Stomach or abdominal fat
• Hips
• Underneath the buttocks
• Love handles and bra bulges on the back
• Saddle bags or fat in the outer thighs
• Fat accumulations around the knees and calves
• Pseudo-gynaecomastia (man boobs) or fatty tissue in the male chest
• Fatty accumulations, lumps or lipomas
• It is not a weight loss treatment.

Treatment sessions with Aqualyx are performed by injecting the product using a blunt cannula and usually take approximately 30 minutes. Treatment also includes the use of acoustic shock wave therapy.

We recommend at least 2 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart for optimal results. Depending on the size and location of the area being treated, you may need up to 8 treatment sessions.

If you are suffering from small pockets of localised fat in any of the areas mentioned – stomach, back, hips, thighs, knees, or chin – and no amount of diet or exercise is making a difference then you could be a great candidate for Aqualyx treatment.

You should have an otherwise healthy body weight and be physically active; treatment is suitable for both men and women, aged 18-60.

There are some medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diseases affecting your organs, particularly the liver, and those who are immunosuppressed that would contraindicate you for treatment. Therefore, we undertake a thorough consultation with you at the Blemish Clinic and take a full medical history, discussing any medicines that you are taking.

If you have any active skin infections in the area to be treated, such as a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection or are feeling unwell at the time of treatment then we will be unable to go ahead until those are resolved.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding you will not be suitable for Aqualyx treatment and will be asked to wait.

We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible during treatment, hence Aqualyx is administered in conjunction with a local anaesthetic called lidocaine to help to numb the area and take away any pain and discomfort.

You will usually experience some discomfort from swelling as the product gets to work in the first 1-4 days, downtime is minimal, but if a larger area has been treated, you may choose to rest and can take over-the-counter pain medication if required.

After treatment with Aqualyx you will experience redness, swelling and tenderness in the area injected with the solution. There is also a chance of light bruising from the injections themselves.

Aqualyx works by causing an inflammatory reaction in the fat cells, but all side effects are expected to resolve within a few days to a week.

Results from Aqualyx are not immediate, in fact the swelling you experience to begin with will obscure the progress being made initially and will make the fatty area appear larger, but do not let that worry you. Swelling usually settles within the week. The process of fat dissolving can take approximately 4 weeks, and you will start to notice improvements as things settle down. We bring you back for a review and second treatment after 4 weeks to check how everything is going and to give another dose of the product to achieve an optimal result.

Further progress in terms of a reduction in the circumference of the fat deposit and the flattening and increased firmness to the area can take 4-8 weeks after completion of your treatment programme. In some cases, you may need additional treatments, but this and the expectations from Aqualyx treatment will be discussed during your consultation.

The destruction of fat cells using Aqualyx is permanent, and fat will not reaccumulate in the same area. Although, permanency cannot be guaranteed and is based on maintaining a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise to avoid overall weight gain in the body which will cause new pockets of fat to form.

We believe in being transparent with our prices and want you to be fully aware and comfortable with the cost of your treatment. A full list of our prices can be found here. We will always agree a final price with you though before treatment commences.