In 2023, U.S. plastic surgeons performed over 745,000 noninvasive fat reduction procedures, marking a 9% increase from the previous year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. This growth highlights a shift in patient preferences toward non-surgical body contouring options that tackle stubborn fat with minimal downtime. Through innovation in aesthetic medicine, we now have treatments like cryolipolysis, laser lipolysis, and injectable adipolysis.
One of the most popular injectable options is Aqualyx, a fat-dissolving treatment that’s making waves in the aesthetics industry. Using deoxycholic acid, Aqualyx targets fat cells in specific areas, breaking down their membranes and leading to gradual contour improvements without the need for surgery.
In this article, we’ll dive into how Aqualyx works, explore its injection protocols, discuss the most common treatment areas, review its safety profile, and share best-practice guidelines for achieving the best results with this fat-dissolving injectable.
Key Takeaways
- Aqualyx fat dissolving injections use deoxycholic acid to target localized fat deposits. It effectively breaks down fat cells and allows the body to eliminate them, leading to gradual body contour improvement naturally.
- The treatment is minimally invasive and offers several benefits over surgical procedures/ These include minimal downtime, lower risk of complications, and treatment sessions typically lasting 15-30 minutes.
- Aqualyx is ideal for stubborn fat pockets that do not respond to diet and exercise. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and chin, though it can be used off-label for other places like the jawline.
- The number of sessions needed depends on the area being treated, with most patients requiring 2 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Patients can expect noticeable improvements within 6 to 10 weeks after the first session.
- The treatment’s safety and effectiveness depend on the proper injection technique, which can involve the use of fine needles or blunt cannulas to ensure even distribution of the product.
- Ideal candidates for Aqualyx are adults with stable weight, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations. It’s important to consult a trained professional to ensure safe and effective results.
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Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections: Mechanism of Action (Deoxycholic Acid & Phosphatidylcholine)
Non-surgical fat dissolving injections have transformed aesthetic medicine, offering patients an effective way to reduce fat without surgery. Procedures like Aqualyx appeal to those who want to reshape specific areas of the body with minimal downtime.
The main advantages of these treatments include:
- Short recovery periods with minimal discomfort
- Reduced risk of post-procedure complications
- Sessions typically lasting under an hour
- Versatility in treating both skin and body areas
Among these options, Aqualyx stands out for its unique mechanism of action that selectively targets fatty tissue while preserving surrounding structures.
One of the standout treatments in this category is Aqualyx, a fat-dissolving injection developed by Marllor Biomedical to target localized fat deposits. Aqualyx works through a targeted chemical process that disrupts fat cell membranes, leading to the gradual breakdown of fat and the subsequent natural removal by the body.
Deoxycholic Acid (Disrupts Fat Cells)
The primary agent in Aqualyx fat dissolving injections is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring bile acid that aids in fat metabolism. It disrupts fat cell membranes through a detergent-like effect, causing the cells to break apart.
Once disrupted, the fat cell contents, including triglycerides, are released and gradually metabolized by the body. Immune cells then clear the residual cell fragments, leading to a controlled reduction in fatty tissue over time. This mechanism ensures effective treatment with minimal risk to the surrounding skin and muscle.
Phosphatidylcholine (Enhances Lipid Emulsification)
Earlier fat dissolving injections used phosphatidylcholine (PPC) to enhance lipid emulsification. Although Aqualyx no longer relies on PPC, this component played a vital role in improving fat breakdown in older formulations.
Modern Aqualyx formulations use a slow-release gel matrix combined with buffering agents and galactose polymers. This advancement ensures a steady and controlled fat emulsification process, reducing local irritation while optimizing safety and clinical outcomes for patients seeking fat reduction.
Injection Technique & Distribution (Needle, Cannula, Fan Method) for Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Treatment
Proper injection technique is crucial for the effectiveness of Aqualyx fat dissolving injections. The success of the treatment greatly depends on how accurately the injections are administered into the subcutaneous fat. Moreover, aesthetic professionals must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe and effective results for each patient.
- Needle Injection Technique: A fine 25-27 gauge needle is typically used to create precise microboluses within the fat layer. The needle is inserted at a 45° angle, reaching a depth of about 3-5 mm into the mid-subcutaneous fat plane. 0.1–0.2 mL of solution is injected per point, with each site spaced about 1 cm apart to ensure even distribution of the solution.
- Cannula Injection Technique: For larger treatment areas, a 21-gauge needle is first used to create an entry point, followed by the introduction of a 22-25 gauge blunt cannula. The cannula is advanced in straight tunnels beneath the fat to ensure even distribution of Aqualyx. The practitioner delivers 0.2-0.3 mL per fan stroke across the treatment area. The fan method allows for more controlled application, ensuring that Aqualyx spreads evenly across the targeted area.
In both methods, it is essential to map out a grid or fan pattern to ensure that the treatment area is covered evenly and that the fat breakdown is uniform.
Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections: Treatment Areas & Candidacy Considerations
Healthcare professionals primarily use Aqualyx to treat localized fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. However, before treatment, medical professionals must evaluate each patient’s characteristics, such as weight stability, BMI, skin elasticity, and overall health, before moving forward with treatment. Proper patient selection is key to ensuring safety and optimal treatment results.
Appropriate Treatment Areas
- Abdomen and Flanks
- Thighs and Hips
- Upper Arms
- Back Rolls
- Knees
These areas are often the most effective zones for Aqualyx treatment, as stubborn fat deposits in these regions may not respond to traditional weight loss methods. However, Aqualyx before and after images often highlight impressive results in off-label areas like the chin and jawline, where targeted fat reduction can make a significant difference. To ensure the safety and suitability of treatment for these areas, practitioners should conduct a detailed consultation.
Ideal Candidates
- Adults aged 18 and above who are in good health
- Individuals with stable weight and near-ideal BMI
- Those with good skin elasticity for uniform tightening post-treatment
- Patients with realistic expectations about gradual contour changes
- Those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and do not have any skin infections, autoimmune disorders, or lipodystrophy
Expected Results & Timelines With Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections:
Aqualyx fat dissolving injections deliver a gradual reduction in fatty deposits, leading to a more refined body contour over time. Most patients require 2 to 8 treatment sessions for each target area. Sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, allowing the fat cell breakdown and lymphatic drainage to progress naturally between visits.
This stepwise approach ensures optimal treatment while preserving the health of the skin and tissues. However, results vary depending on the amount of fat treated, patient metabolism, and adherence to post-procedure care.
Here’s a typical timeline of expected results:
- Days 1-3: Patients often notice mild swelling or tenderness as the dissolving injections begin breaking down fat cells. These effects usually peak within the first few days before subsiding.
- Weeks 1-2: Early signs of contour improvement may become visible as the body starts eliminating the disrupted fat cells.
- Weeks 3-6: A more noticeable fat volume reduction appears as the lymphatic system continues clearing cellular debris.
- Weeks 6-8: Most patients achieve final silhouette refinement and see the full outcome of their treatment plan.
Additionally, before and after images from centers like Surgicare Aesthetics and Zenith Cosmetics visually demonstrate the transformation of body contours, offering patients realistic expectations regarding results and timelines.
For smaller areas like the chin, noticeable results can often be seen after just 2 sessions, while larger regions like the abdomen may require up to 8 sessions for significant fat reduction.
Conclusion
Aqualyx fat dissolving injections offer a non-surgical solution for reducing localized fat pockets and improving body contouring. By using a combination of deoxycholic acid and slow-release polymers, Aqualyx effectively breaks down fat cells, allowing the body to naturally remove them over time. With minimal downtime and fewer risks compared to surgical options, Aqualyx has become a popular choice for those seeking body and face contouring.
For the best results, it’s essential that aesthetic professionals follow proper injection techniques and carefully select the right candidates. With stable weight, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations, patients can achieve their desired shape without the need for invasive surgery.
FAQs
1. What are Aqualyx fat dissolving injections used for?
Aqualyx targets stubborn fat pockets that do not respond to diet and exercise. Clinicians use it for body contouring in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and chin.
2. How do Aqualyx injections work?
Aqualyx uses deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells. This allows the body to naturally remove the disrupted fat, leading to gradual and permanent contour improvements.
3. Who is a good candidate for Aqualyx treatment?
Ideal candidates are individuals with stable weight, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations. They should not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any conditions like lipodystrophy or autoimmune disorders.
References
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2023 ASPS PROCEDURAL STATISTICS RELEASE. ASPS; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
Nall R. About Aqualyx Fat-Dissolving Injections. Healthline. Published December 12, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/aqualyx
