What Is Localized Lipolysis?
Localized lipolysis, commonly known as the fat-dissolving injection, involves injecting active substances that target the membrane of fat cells directly into fat tissue using fine needles. The fat cells damaged by this effect are cleared away over time by the body’s natural mechanisms.
Injection lipolysis is not a surgical fat removal procedure. It is considered for smaller, well-defined pockets of local fat. The choice of product and its suitability for the area are assessed by the physician.
The aim of the treatment is not to reduce body weight but to thin the fat tissue in a specific area.
Who May Be Suitable?
- People whose weight is close to the ideal range but who have stubborn fat in certain areas
- People with local fat around the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, inner knees or back of the arms
- People with good skin elasticity
- People who are willing to keep up healthy eating and movement habits
Localized lipolysis is not a suitable option for excess weight or widespread fat. In areas with noticeable loose skin, looseness may also become more visible as the fat decreases.
How Is the Treatment Done?
- During the consultation, your general health, medications and eating habits are reviewed; the area is examined and, if needed, documented with photographs.
- The treatment area is marked and the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- A numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
- The active substance is injected into the fat tissue at the marked points with fine needles.
- Sessions are repeated at intervals that allow the tissue to recover; the number of sessions is planned individually.
Before each session the area is reassessed, and the treatment area is adjusted according to how the tissue has responded. Keeping up your eating and movement habits between sessions may help the result become more noticeable.
What Should You Pay Attention to Afterward?
- Swelling and tenderness in the area are expected in the first days; a cold compress may be used if your physician recommends it.
- Avoid intense exercise, saunas and steam baths for a few days.
- Choose loose, comfortable clothing instead of garments that squeeze the area.
- Support the process with adequate water intake, balanced nutrition and regular movement.
Because of the swelling in the first days, it is normal for the area to look fuller right after the treatment. Since the change develops gradually, it is necessary to wait a few weeks after the last session to assess the result. Contact your physician if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness or fever.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Swelling, redness, bruising, a burning sensation, tenderness and temporary numbness are common in the treated area, and these effects usually ease within days. Some people may feel temporary firmness or small nodules in the area. Rarely, infection, skin irregularities or color changes may develop.
The treatment is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when there is an active infection or skin disease in the treatment area, with bleeding disorders, with an allergy to the product used, or with certain liver, kidney or uncontrolled metabolic conditions. The use of blood thinners must always be mentioned.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Dr. Fulya Koç sees localized lipolysis as a small part of her approach that treats the body as a whole. Talking through your nutrition, sleep and activity patterns before treatment is at least as important for the sustainability of the result as the treatment itself.
Her attitude on this subject can be summed up by the question, "Give a fish, or teach how to fish?" The injection is a form of contouring support, while a sustainable balance is built through daily habits. Treatment is not recommended when it is not suitable.
When it is considered necessary, a medical evaluation for thyroid or metabolic problems that may affect weight balance may also be suggested.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
The number of sessions varies with the size of the area, the thickness of the fat tissue and the product used; a few sessions are usually needed. An interval of a few weeks is left between sessions so the tissue can recover.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which fat tissue is removed with cannulas using suction. Injection lipolysis is non-surgical and is considered for smaller pockets of local fat. Its effect is more limited and gradual.
No. Cellulite is a different structural change related to fat tissue, connective tissue and circulation. Lipolysis targets the amount of local fat; its effect on the appearance of cellulite may be limited.
Because it takes time for the damaged fat cells to be cleared from the body, the change develops gradually. It usually starts to become noticeable within a few weeks, once the swelling of the first days has settled. Results vary from person to person.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
