Fat-Dissolving Injection

1. Belkyra/Kybella

• Ingredient: Deoxycholic Acid
• Action: Destroys the fat-cell membrane, directly dissolving fat cells
• Approval: Approved by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare for "improving moderate to severe double chin in adults"
• Applicable areas: Double chin

2. Lipodissolve (PC+DC)

• Ingredient: Phosphatidylcholine (PC) combined with deoxycholic acid (DC) in a compound formula
• Action: PC chylomicronizes the fat, which is then carried away by macrophages; DC is responsible for destroying the cell membrane
• Approval: Commonly used for localized fat reduction in Taiwan's aesthetic field, but originally used to treat liver-related diseases (off-label)
• Applicable areas: Face, double chin, arms, abdomen, inner thighs, etc.

3. L-Carnitine

• Ingredient: L-Carnitine
• Action: Helps fatty acids enter the mitochondria to produce energy and participate in metabolism; does not directly destroy cells
• Approval: Commonly used for systemic metabolic improvement; IV infusion can improve visceral fat and fatty liver
• Applicable areas: Face, whole body, visceral fat (via IV drip)

• Low invasiveness: Non-surgical, no incision required, short recovery period
• Fine sculpting: Precise contouring targeted at specific areas
• Gradual improvement: Results usually appear gradually over several weeks to a month, and multiple sessions may be needed
• Not permanent: Results can be maintained, but require a healthy lifestyle to sustain

Belkyra fat-dissolving injection

It mainly uses "deoxycholate," which is originally a component of human bile, capable of destroying the fat-cell membrane and emulsifying lipids to dissolve fat. After injection, the fat cells are destroyed and liquefied, metabolized by macrophages, transported to the liver via the lymphatic system, and finally converted into carbon dioxide and water to be excreted from the body, achieving "localized fat reduction and contour refinement."

This treatment is particularly suitable for small areas of fat accumulation such as the double chin, the sides of the nasolabial folds, and accessory breast tissue under the arms. During the process it also stimulates fibroblasts, promoting collagen proliferation, preventing skin sagging, and reshaping a three-dimensional contour.

Lipodissolve (Essentiale)

It mainly uses "phosphatidylcholine" and "deoxycholate," whose main action destroys the fat-cell membrane, and it is often combined with metabolism-boosting carnitine (L-carnitine), administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. When injected into the subcutaneous fat layer, it can increase the sensitivity of cell-membrane receptors to insulin and accelerate the mutual collision of fat, causing "rupture of the cell membrane." After the fat is metabolically broken down and dies off, the body is further accelerated in directly metabolizing and excreting the fat residue, achieving the "fat-reduction effect of eliminating the number of fat cells." Therefore the Lipodissolve fat-dissolving injection is particularly suitable for localized fat and superficial fat.

In the past its main medical use was treating acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver; besides protecting the liver, it also has the function of improving visceral fat. Later it began to be applied in medical aesthetic treatments.

In addition to improving localized fat of the double chin and jowls, it is also suitable for treating superficial body fat and small-area, localized obesity, while also lifting and tightening the skin.

Q1 Dosage and frequency of fat-dissolving injections

Because everyone's physical condition differs, it is recommended to state your treatment expectations during the consultation. The doctor will assess the injection dosage and frequency based on fat accumulation; a single injection is at most 10 ml.

Q2 How often should fat-dissolving injections be done? What interval is needed?

Taking fat-dissolving injections as an example, each injection should be at least 1 month apart; the number of treatment sessions is limited to no more than 6 to ensure treatment safety.

Q3 Post-treatment recovery period and care precautions for fat-dissolving injections

Within 24 hours after treatment you should drink plenty of water, about 1500–2000 cc; within one week after treatment you should take sun-protection measures and avoid sun exposure to prevent pigmentation. Within one month after treatment you should also try to avoid taking aspirin or other oral anticoagulants (Warfarin).

Right after receiving a fat-dissolving injection, the skin in some areas may show slight redness, swelling, heat, bruising, and tenderness, which are normal post-treatment phenomena; after cold compresses they usually subside within a few hours.

1. Within 24 hours after treatment, do not wash the injection site or apply makeup, to avoid local contamination
2. For 3–5 days after treatment, you may apply cold compresses to the injection site to help reduce swelling and ease post-treatment discomfort
3. Within 7 days after treatment, avoid hot springs, saunas, and vigorous exercise
4. For 3 days after treatment, take in a small appropriate amount of water; from 7 days to one month after treatment, increase water intake to help the body metabolize fat fragments
5. Avoid alcohol, staying up late, or eating overly salty, overly spicy irritating foods

Some patients may experience itching, local pressure-like pain, or accompanying inflammatory reactions such as redness, swelling, edema, and erythema after injection; on average 20–30% of patients may experience this for 2 weeks, and some patients for up to 4 weeks.

The post-treatment side effects and treatment results of the fat-dissolving injection vary by individual constitution and aftercare. If after treatment you experience abnormal symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, an asymmetric smile, or facial muscle weakness, you should return for a follow-up immediately, and a professional doctor will personally assess your actual condition.