More people than ever are turning to non-surgical treatments to reshape and refine their facial contours. In 2023 alone, there were over 34.9 million aesthetic procedures performed worldwide, with 19.1 million being non-invasive. Among these, facial fat reduction—especially along the chin and jawline—has seen a significant rise in demand.
Unlike traditional liposuction, which involves surgery, anaesthesia, and downtime, injectable treatments like Aqualyx offer a minimally invasive way to reduce stubborn facial fat. Aqualyx contains deoxycholic acid, which breaks down fat cells in targeted areas like the lower face, helping to sculpt a slimmer, more defined profile—no surgery required.
In this article, we’ll explore how Aqualyx works for the face, from its mechanism of action and injection techniques to recommended dosing, safety data, and best practices for achieving natural-looking, confidence-boosting results.
Key Takeaways
- Aqualyx is used off-label in facial areas such as the double chin and jowls to reduce small, localized fat deposits without surgery.
- The treatment relies on a 1.2% deoxycholic acid solution in a galactose-based gel to disrupt fat cells and promote gradual clearance via the lymphatic system.
- Practitioners must tailor each procedure through proper injection mapping, correct dosage, and careful depth and spacing to avoid complications.
- Most patients require 2–4 treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart for visible contouring improvements in the submental region.
- Aftercare is essential, including cold compresses, hydration, and avoiding heat and pressure at the injection site.
- Though some studies report mild skin tightening, Aqualyx does not treat skin laxity and should be combined with other therapies if needed.
- Practitioners and patients must note that facial use is not CE-marked and is considered off-label in many regions, despite its widespread use.
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Aqualyx Face: Common Facial Fat Areas Treated
Aqualyx helps refine facial contours by targeting small, diet-resistant fat pockets through direct microinjections. With the right Aqualyx dosage and skilled administration, patients can achieve visible fat reduction using this deoxycholic acid-based gel. However, results depend on careful patient evaluation — including skin quality, treatment area, and volume — to design a plan that balances facial harmony and natural outcomes.
According to Marllor Biomedical, Aqualyx holds a CE mark in Europe for body contouring. While practitioners most commonly use it for areas like the upper arms, abdomen, flanks, and thighs, they can also apply Aqualyx off-label to the facial region.
In practice, practitioners frequently use Aqualyx fat dissolving injection to treat:
- Submental fat (Double Chin)
- Jowl and Prejowl Sulcus
Before-and-after photos often highlight smoother jawlines and improved lower face definition following treatment — though results vary by patient.
Aqualyx Face: Mechanism and Precision Injection
Each vial of Aqualyx fat dissolving injectable contains a 1.2% solution of deoxycholic acid suspended in a galactose-based polymer matrix. While the exact concentration in mg/mL isn’t publicly listed, the formulation is designed to stabilize the active agent and moderate its release. This modified bile salt — not sodium deoxycholate per se — is used to disrupt adipocyte membranes, initiating fat breakdown.
Once injected into the adipose layer, the solution emulsifies fat cell membranes, releasing triglycerides and cell debris. These are then processed by monocytes and macrophages and carried via the lymphatic system for clearance.
During Aqualyx training, practitioners learn key injection techniques for safe and effective use in the face area:
- Use fine-gauge needles or blunt cannulas to deliver 0.1–0.5 mL microboluses
- Space injections 1 cm apart in a fan-shaped pattern
- Target a depth of 5–9 mm into the subcutaneous fat
- Consider ultrasound guidance to improve precision in sensitive areas
Patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness after treatment. Although available studies have not shown significant changes in liver enzymes or lipid levels, these findings are based on small sample sizes and should be interpreted with caution.
The galactose polymers in Aqualyx are thought to reduce systemic absorption, but there isn’t enough independent pharmacokinetic data. The liver processes the treated fat as part of natural metabolic clearance.
Aqualyx Face: Treatment Protocol and Aftercare
As with any medical treatment, only trained and licensed professionals should administer Aqualyx. Practitioners must adhere to strict protocols to ensure safety and deliver consistent results.
A typical Aqualyx face treatment plan includes:
- Patient Screening: Review health history, skin quality, and fat distribution to determine candidacy.
- Microgel Preparation: Prepare one 8 mL vial per session according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Injection Mapping & Administration: Mark a 1 cm grid over the target area. Use fine needles to inject 0.2 mL microboluses at a depth of 3–9 mm.
- Session Scheduling: Facial areas such as the chin often require 2 to 4 sessions, spaced four weeks apart to allow for lymphatic drainage and tissue recovery.
Aftercare Advice
To support a smooth recovery form Aqualyx injections, practitioners should advise the following:
- Do not touch the area for at least six hours
- Use cold compresses (15 minutes every hour) during the first 24–48 hours
- Stay hydrated by drinking 2–3 liters of water daily
- Avoid heat, makeup, and blood-thinners for 48 hours
- Schedule a follow-up to assess swelling and any firmness or nodules
Aqualyx Face: Results, Skin Quality, and Limitations
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, deoxycholic acid demonstrated meaningful fat face reduction when used for submental areas, with mild and tolerable side effects reported across randomized clinical trials.
Many before-and-after photos show improvement in facial profile — particularly in the double chin and jowl area — following a full course of Aqualyx.
Some studies using ultrasound follow-ups have observed stable dermal thickness and slight increases in collagen density post-treatment. However, these effects are not universal and are not guaranteed.
Most patients begin to notice a difference by weeks 6 to 8, as the fat gradually breaks down and lymphatic clearance continues. Still, Aqualyx has specific limitations practitioners should explain:
- Indicated only for small, localized fat pockets: Not suitable for broader weight loss or obesity
- Requires multiple sessions: Spaced four weeks apart
- Does not treat skin laxity: Patients with sagging skin may need additional skin-tightening treatments
- Label use: Facial treatments (including chin) are CE-marked in the EU, yet off-label in the UK, and other regions
Conclusion
Aqualyx provides a compelling option for non-surgical facial fat reduction, offering a way to contour areas like the double chin and jawline without incisions or general anesthesia. Its galactose-based deoxycholic acid solution targets unwanted fat while allowing for a relatively quick recovery and minimal downtime.
For optimal results, experienced professionals who understand the nuances of Aqualyx dosage, facial anatomy, and aftercare should perform these treatments. With the right plan and realistic expectations, patients may enjoy a more defined, balanced facial profile without the need for surgery.
FAQs
1. What is Aqualyx and how does it work for facial fat reduction?
Aqualyx is an injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid to target small fat deposits in the face, such as the double chin and jowls. It works by disrupting fat cell membranes and dissolving the fat, which the body then clears away naturally.
2. How many sessions do patients need for Aqualyx treatments, and its recommended spacing?
Patients typically require 2 to 4 sessions to achieve desired results. Practitioners should space these sessions about 4 weeks apart to allow the body to process and clear the dissolved fat.
3. What should patients expect after an Aqualyx treatment?
After treatment, patients may experience mild side effects like redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. These symptoms are usually temporary. It’s important to follow aftercare advice, such as avoiding heat and staying hydrated, to support recovery.
References
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Global Survey 2023: Full Report and Press Releases. Isaps.org. Published 2024. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.isaps.org/discover/about-isaps/global-statistics/global-survey-2023-full-report-and-press-releases/
Inocêncio GSG, Meneses-Santos D, Costa MDMA, et al. Efficacy, safety, and potential industry bias in using deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction ‒ A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2023;78:100220. Published 2023 Oct 6. doi:10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100220
