The demand for fat-dissolving injections has grown quickly since it was released back in June 2015. This fat-melting injectable was developed by Allergan Pharmaceutical and approved by the FDA. It is a synthetic form of acid to aid in the absorption of fat similar to the molecule naturally produced in the body. For the 68% of Americans with double chin issues, the fat dissolving injections are noninvasive and provide them an alternative to surgical treatments.
How it works:
The double chin treatment works by injecting the fat dissolving product into the tissue below the chin (submental fat). Once injected, it causes lysis that melts away fat cells and naturally metabolizes it before the by-product is excreted. However, if injected correctly, the healthy cells around the submental fat will be affected as well as the nerves and muscles.
On average, patients can have up to 50 small injections or may need 4 vials of the fat dissolving substance and up to 6 treatments to complete it. This can take about 20 minutes per session and scheduled no less than 1 month apart. With each session, the acid starts to break down the submental fat. According to an FDA study, the result of the reduction and contour of the chin area The results are lost-lasting, and the fats destroyed will not return.
Below are several treatments from noninvasive to the traditional surgery to treat the double chin. All are safe and highly effective from the freezing method (CoolMini), fat dissolving injections, and liposuction.
Fat Dissolving Injections versus CoolMini in the treatment of double chins
| FAT DISSOLVING | COOLMINI |
| Effective in small areas | Effective in small – medium areas |
| Needles | No needles |
| Substance injected | No substance injected |
| Slight discomfort | Slight discomfort |
| Risk of bruising & swelling | No risk of bruising & swelling |
| Tenderness | Tenderness |
| Numbness lasting 4-8 weeks post treatment | Numbness lasting 4-8 weeks post treatment |
| 4% of patients reported marginal mandibular injury | No marginal mandibular injury reported |
| Repeat treatments required | Repeat treatments required |
| Lasting results | Lasting results |
| Skin tightening | Skin tightening |
| Cost – $$$$ | Cost – $$ |
Fat Dissolving Injections versus Liposuction in the treatment of double chins
| FAT DISSOLVING | LIPOSUCTION |
| Effective in small areas | Effective in small – large areas |
| Needles | Incision |
| No sedation | Use of conscious sedation |
| No fat removal | Fat removed via suction |
| Slight discomfort | Slight discomfort for 2-5 days |
| Risk of bruising & swelling | Risk of bruising & swelling |
| Tenderness | Tenderness |
| No compression garment | Compression garment required |
| Numbness lasting 4-8 weeks post treatment | Numbness lasting 4-8 weeks post treatment |
| 4% of patients reported marginal mandibular injury | 1% risk of marginal mandibular nerve injury |
| Repeat treatments required | No repeat treatments required |
| Downtime minimal | Downtime 2-3 days |
| Lasting results | Lasting results |
| Skin tightening | Significant skin tightening |
| Cost – $$$$ | Cost – $$$ |
Currently, Fat Dissolving Injections are to be used for the submental area just below the chin as approved by the FDA. It is yet to be studied whether it will be safe and effective to use in other problems such as love handles, under-eye fat pockets, fat above the knees, and even large areas like buttocks.