What if I was to tell you that there is an injection that will dissolve fat!

Tired of elongating your neck in a selfie? Then this fat busting injection is for you.

fat busting injection 

A new fat busting injection is marketed in Australia is now available at Artiste Plastic Surgery. A naturally occurring liver enzyme, the fat busting injection is synthetically manufactured and has just been launched and approved in Australia for use in the submental region of the neck (“double chin”).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The injection which is a form of acid made by the Liver, when injected into fat damages the fat cell and the fat subsequently dissolves and is excreted by the body. The product stays in the body for up to 3 days where swelling is normal and expected. Over the next few weeks the body works to absorb and excrete the remnant fat cells and the resulting area has less fat.

WHERE IS IT INJECTED? 

The fat dissolving injection is approved for use in the sub-mental region. The area is defined in the front part of the neck above the thyroid cartilage and just under the chin. The lateral extent is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The fat is present above the platysma muscle and can be grasped by thumb and forefinger The fat is directly injected in this area at 1 cm intervals.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

A minimum of 2 treatment sessions with a range of 2-6 sessions spaced at least 6 weeks apart has been investigated and supported by scientific data. Not all of the fat will be dissolved in one sitting so multiple treatments are required for an optimal result. Therefore when you decide on treatment you are investing in at least two sessions unlike dermal fillers and toxins which are one session treatments. The spacing apart is required to enable the body enough time to eliminate the fat remnants once it is dissolved with the injection. Subsequent treatment sessions often involve less product.

IS IT PAINFUL?

A small gauge needle is used for injection into the submental area to minimise pain. However, at least 20 injection points are made so the use of ice or topical LA takes the edge off the injection.

Post injection it is advised to use ice for a few hours and regular paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory’s.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? 

Side effects include pain, redness and swelling in the immediate post injection period. Other complications include itchiness, induration and formation of nodules which are indicative of breakdown products of fat.

Rare side effect of temporary or even permanent lower facial nerve injury has been reported. As a world-trained Plastic Surgeon with extensive knowledge of Facial Nerve anatomy, Dr Zoumaras can minimise the nerve injury risk.

After injection the area will burn for up to an hour. It is normal to have redness and swelling is normal for up to a week, and is expected for the first 2-3 days. The treatment for this swelling is ice and simple oral analgesics such as paracetamol are recommended for pain relief. No garments are required to be worn and it is advised to take 1-2 days off work for swelling to subside. You will be asked to take a ‘selfie’ at Day 1 and return after 4-6 weeks for the second treatment session.

IS IT SAFE TO USE?  

The fat busting injection has been studied for 9 years and has an excellent safety profile. The main serious risk is the nerve, but knowledge of anatomy and meticulous markings ensures the risk is almost eliminated.

CAN THE FAT COME BACK?

The answer is no. Once the fat cell is dissolved it cannot return. If you do put on weight though, the remaining fat cells may grow.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK? 

You will begin to see results after 4-6 weeks and after the second treatment session. As the fat disappears, the skin tightens and the neck contour will improve.

IS IT A LUNCH TIME PROCEDURE?

Yes the treatment sessions only last 30 minutes. However due to swelling and redness after injection it is advised not to return to work the same day and if possible have 1-2 days off work. A Friday afternoon injection is ideal for the business week worker.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR TREATMENt? 

Almost anyone can use the fat busting injection. If you have fat present under the chin that can be grasped then it can be injected.

CAN I USE IT ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE BODY? 

The injection is only TGA approved in Australia for injection into the sub-mental region. Any use outside this is off label. This may change in the near future.

WHEN IS IT AVAILABLE AT ARTISTE PLASTIC SURGERY?

It is available now, Dr Zoumaras was one of few Plastic Surgeons invited to the launch and is available at Artiste Plastic Surgery from Tuesday 21^st February 2017.

To book a consultation and fat dissolving treatment call 02 9327 1700 now!!

Learn more at Artiste/fat-injection

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.