Aqualyx can treat small, stubborn pockets of fat on the face and body. The most common areas are the double chin, stomach, love handles, thighs, upper arms, knees and bra line. It works best on fat that hasn’t shifted with diet and exercise, rather than as a way to lose weight.
Most of us have one area that just won’t budge. You eat well, you stay active, and that little bulge under your chin or around your waist is still there. That’s where fat dissolving injections come in. Below we cover which areas Aqualyx can treat, how it works, what results to expect and whether it’s right for you.
What is Aqualyx?
Aqualyx is an injectable solution designed to break down fat cells. It’s based on deoxycholic acid, a substance your body already makes to help digest fat. The solution is injected into the area using a very fine needle or a thin, flexible tube called a cannula.
Once it’s in, it breaks the walls of the fat cells in that spot. Your body then clears the released fat away naturally over the next few weeks, through the lymphatic system.
Because those fat cells are destroyed rather than shrunk, results can be long lasting. The fat cells left around them can still grow if you gain weight, though, so keeping a steady weight matters.
Which areas can Aqualyx treat?
Aqualyx is suited to small, defined areas of fat. These are the ones we treat most often at our Finchley clinic.
Double chin
Fat under the chin is one of the most common reasons people come to us. It can make the face look heavier and soften the jawline, even in people who are slim. Treating this area can give a more defined profile.
Stomach
Lower belly fat is often the last to go. Aqualyx can help flatten a small pouch that sits below the belly button or around the upper stomach.
Love handles
Fat on the sides of the waist can spoil the line of your clothes. Treating the flanks can give a smoother, more shaped waist.
Thighs
Both inner thighs and outer thighs (sometimes called saddlebags) respond well. Inner thigh treatment can help reduce rubbing when you walk.
Upper arms
The back of the upper arm is a common problem area for many people. Aqualyx can reduce the fat here for a slimmer look in sleeveless tops.
Knees
A small pad of fat just above or on the inside of the knee can make legs look less defined. It’s a small area, so it usually needs fewer sessions.
Bra line and back
Fat that bulges around a bra strap or on the upper back is hard to shift with exercise alone. It can be treated too.
Other areas
Your doctor may also suggest treating the fold under the buttocks or small areas around the hips. If you have a spot in mind that isn’t listed here, it’s worth asking at your consultation.
Who is Aqualyx right for?
Aqualyx works best for people who are close to a healthy weight and have one or two stubborn areas. It isn’t a weight loss treatment and it won’t replace a healthy lifestyle.
It’s usually not suitable if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Want to lose a large amount of weight
- Have loose or sagging skin in the area, as fat reduction won’t tighten skin
- Have certain medical conditions or take certain medicines
Your doctor will go through your health history before treatment to make sure it’s safe for you.
How many sessions will you need?
Most people need between 2 and 4 sessions, spaced around 4 weeks apart. Smaller areas like the knees or chin may need fewer. Larger areas like the stomach may need more.
Each session usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area.
When will you see results?
Results build up gradually as your body clears the fat. Many people start to see a difference a few weeks after their first session. The final result usually shows around 6 to 8 weeks after the last one.
Everyone responds a little differently, so your doctor will check your progress at each visit.
What does treatment feel like?
Most people feel a warm, tingling or stinging sensation during the injections. This passes quickly. Afterwards, it’s normal to have some swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising in the area. For the chin, swelling can be quite noticeable for a few days, so it’s worth planning around any big events.
These effects usually settle within a week or so.
Aftercare tips
To get the most from your treatment:
- Drink plenty of water to help your body clear the fat
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours
- Gently massage the area if your doctor advises it
- Wear a compression garment for body areas if recommended
- Keep your weight steady between and after sessions
We’ll give you clear aftercare advice for your treated area and we’re here if you have any questions.
Aqualyx vs liposuction
Liposuction is surgery. It removes fat through small cuts, usually under anaesthetic, and needs more recovery time. Aqualyx is non-surgical, with no cuts and little downtime. It’s better suited to smaller areas, while liposuction may suit larger volumes of fat.
Book a free consultation
Not sure if Aqualyx will work for your problem area? At Finchley Cosmetic Salon in North London, we offer a free, no-obligation 1-1 consultation. One of our qualified doctors will look at the area, talk you through what to expect and give you an honest view on whether it’s the right choice.
FAQs
Is Aqualyx permanent?
The treated fat cells are destroyed, so results can be long lasting. The fat cells that remain can still grow if you put on weight.
How many Aqualyx sessions do I need?
Most people need 2 to 4 sessions, about 4 weeks apart, depending on the area.
Does Aqualyx hurt?
Most people feel mild stinging or warmth during treatment. Swelling and tenderness afterwards are normal and usually settle within a week.
Can Aqualyx treat a double chin?
Yes. The area under the chin is one of the most commonly treated areas.
Is Aqualyx a weight loss treatment?
No. It’s designed for small, stubborn areas of fat in people who are already close to a healthy weight.
