What injection lipolysis is and how it works
Injection lipolysis is a treatment in which a product that breaks down fat cells is injected into a targeted fat deposit with a fine needle. The released fat is then gradually eliminated from the body naturally, through the metabolism. The name comes from the word lysis, meaning breakdown, and lipo, referring to fat.
The treatment targets localised, limited fat deposits that are hard to reduce even with regular exercise and a proper diet — the so-called stubborn areas. Most often these are the double chin and fat pads on the stomach, hips, back or inner thighs, where fat remains despite overall weight loss.
Unlike surgical liposuction, injection lipolysis requires no incision, general anaesthesia or long recovery, so it is classed as a non-invasive treatment. On the other hand, its reach is limited: it acts on smaller areas and requires patience, because the result builds gradually, through several treatments.
It is very important to understand that lipolysis is not a method for losing body weight or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It serves to contour individual, clearly limited areas in people who are close to their desired weight, not to address obesity. The doctor assesses whether you are a good candidate.
Who lipolysis is for
Injection lipolysis is intended for people who are close to their desired body weight but have limited, stubborn fat deposits that do not reduce even with diet and exercise. The best candidates are people in good general health, with a stable weight and realistic expectations.
The most common areas and reasons for lipolysis are:
- a double chin and excess fat beneath the jaw
- fat pads on the stomach that resist exercise
- deposits on the hips and so-called saddlebags on the outer thighs
- fat pads on the back and in the bra area in women
- smaller deposits on the inner thighs and above the knees
- contouring individual areas in people of stable body weight
What the lipolysis treatment involves, step by step
The treatment begins with an examination and assessment. The doctor assesses the type and size of the fat deposit, your general health and realistic expectations, and only then decides whether you are a good candidate and how many treatments are likely to be needed. This conversation is key, because lipolysis is not suitable for every situation.
The skin is cleansed and disinfected, and a numbing cream is applied if needed. Then the product is injected with a fine needle into a series of points within the targeted fat deposit. During the treatment and immediately afterwards a sensation of tingling, warmth, redness and swelling is common, which is a sign that the product is working.
The treatment itself usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area. Because the fat is broken down and eliminated gradually, lipolysis is done as a series of treatments, at intervals of a few weeks. The number of treatments depends on the area and the individual's response.
After the treatment, swelling, tenderness and localised bruising of the treated area are common and may last several days, sometimes longer than with other aesthetic treatments. There is no incision or stitches, so most patients return to their daily activities, following a few rules and aware that swelling is an expected part of the process.
Results and how long the lipolysis effect lasts
The result of lipolysis builds slowly. Because the body needs time to break down and eliminate the released fat, the first changes are usually seen only a few weeks after the treatment, with the fuller effect once the whole series is complete. That is why lipolysis calls for patience and a realistic approach.
When the fat cells in the treated area are reduced, the result can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable body weight and a healthy lifestyle. If, however, you gain significant weight, the remaining fat cells can enlarge again and the effect is lost. Lipolysis therefore does not remove the need for a proper diet and physical activity.
It is realistic to expect a reduction in size and a better-shaped treated area, but not a dramatic change in figure or a loss of body weight. For larger deposits or obesity, lipolysis is not the right method, and the doctor may then suggest a different approach. The aim of the treatment is fine contouring, not weight loss.
Aftercare following lipolysis treatment
After lipolysis, swelling, redness, tenderness to the touch and localised bruising of the treated area are common and may last several days. This is an expected part of the fat-breakdown process. A few rules help the recovery pass calmly and help the body eliminate the released fat more easily.
Recommendations for the days after treatment:
- drink enough water to support the elimination of the broken-down fat
- avoid intense physical exertion for the first few days, on the doctor's advice
- for the first 24 to 48 hours avoid the sauna, hot baths and excessive heat on the treated area
- wear comfortable clothing that does not press on the treated area
- cut down on alcohol and salty food, as they encourage water retention and swelling
- contact the doctor if severe pain, spreading redness or a raised temperature occurs
Risks and contraindications
When the treatment is performed by a doctor, with correct assessment and technique, injection lipolysis is safe, but the local reactions are more pronounced than with some other aesthetic treatments. Swelling, redness, tenderness, localised bruising and a feeling of firmness in the treated area are common and subside over a few days to a few weeks.
Less often there may be more pronounced swelling, nodules under the skin or, very rarely, a local infection and irregularities, which are reduced by correct technique and by following the instructions. That is why the choice of a trained doctor, who assesses whether you are a good candidate and how much product is safe, is especially important.
Lipolysis is not recommended, or is postponed, in cases of: pregnancy and breastfeeding, marked obesity (where it is not the right method), clotting disorders and the use of blood-thinning medication, an active infection or inflammation at the treated area, serious liver, kidney and heart disease, and certain chronic and autoimmune conditions. A conversation with the doctor about your health and therapy is essential before the treatment.
Why have lipolysis at Medical Time
At Medical Time injection lipolysis is performed by a doctor, who assesses before the treatment whether you are a good candidate and gives an honest, realistic assessment of the expected result. We do not promise weight loss or dramatic change — the aim is an honest approach and contouring of individual areas in people who are suited to it.
We work in sterile, controlled conditions and support you through the whole series of treatments. If we judge that lipolysis is not the right method for you, we also suggest a different approach.
- treatment performed by a doctor, with an assessment of whether you are a good candidate
- honest, realistic expectations, without promises of weight loss
- sterile, controlled conditions and high standards of safety
- an individual plan and support through the whole series of treatments
- a focus on contouring individual areas, not on weight loss
- a suggested alternative approach if lipolysis is not the right method for you
Cost — lipolysis
The cost of injection lipolysis depends on the size and number of treated areas, on the amount of product and on the number of treatments in the series, since the result builds gradually and most often requires several treatments. Whether you are a good candidate, the treatment plan and the final price are agreed with the doctor at the consultation.
- Lipolysis — double chin
- Lipolysis — stomach
- Lipolysis — hips / thighs
- Lipolysis — course of treatments
For the current price and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about lipolysis
No. Injection lipolysis serves to contour individual, limited fat deposits in people close to their desired weight, not for losing body weight or treating obesity.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure with an incision and recovery, while injection lipolysis is non-invasive, without an incision, but acts on smaller areas and requires several treatments.
Lipolysis is done as a series of treatments, at intervals of a few weeks. The exact number depends on the area and the body's response, and is assessed by the doctor.
The first changes are usually noticed only a few weeks after the treatment, with the fuller effect once the whole series is complete, because the body needs time to eliminate the broken-down fat.
During and after the treatment, tingling, swelling, redness and bruising are common and may last several days. There is no incision, but the swelling is more pronounced than with some other treatments.
It can be long-lasting with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. With significant weight gain the effect can be lost, because lipolysis does not replace a proper diet and activity.
The treatment should be performed by a doctor, who first assesses whether you are a good candidate. That is the most important requirement for safety and for a realistic result.