7 Myths about Aqualyx Fat Melting Treatment

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Updated April 2024

If you’ve tried improving your diet and are exercising until you’re blue in the face, yet you can’t seem to shift that stubborn unwanted fat, you might want to consider having a fat melting treatment. Although liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, with non-surgical fat removal, you can achieve your ideal body with minimal pain and downtime. 

Liposuction and cosmetic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck remove fat cells and excess skin to contour the body. In some cases, surgery may be needed, but several minimally invasive fat removal treatments may give you the same results without the risks associated with surgical procedures.

One of the most popular options is Aqualyx — a non-surgical fat melting treatment that dissolves fat cells with injections. This non-surgical way to reduce body fat has become increasingly popular due to its minimally invasive nature and excellent results. Also known as injection lipolysis, Aqualyx fat removal treatment is one of the most popular fat removal treatments at our London clinic. 

The procedure involves injecting a solution that breaks down fat cells into targeted areas, which are then naturally excreted by the lymphatic system. Aqualyx is an effective fat melting treatment which can contour the body and provide excellent results for women and men. Although Aqualyx injections have proven to be safe, popular and effective, the benefits of this treatment have been clouded by several myths. This article explores and debunks the top seven myths surrounding Aqualyx fat melting injections.

If you’re interested in a fat removal procedure or have questions about the different fat removal or aesthetic treatment options available, book a free consultation or call us on 020 8127 8840 to talk to our friendly aesthetic specialists about aesthetic treatments at our London aesthetic clinic.

Myth #1 — Fat Melting Injections Are Dangerous

With numerous stories in the media about the potential dangers and severe side effects of weight loss injections like Wegovy and Ozempic, it’s natural to be concerned about Aqualyx fat melting injections. 

Approved by the CE, Aqualyx fat melting injections function differently from weight loss injections. Rather than reduce appetite, Aqualyx fat melting treatment destroys fat cells, which are then processed by the lymphatic system and expelled naturally in urine. Aqualyx fat melting injections were approved for use in the UK in December 2012 following extensive studies demonstrating the safety of the active ingredients, including deoxycholic acid solution. Additionally, they are the only fat melting injections given a CE marking for localised fat reduction treatment.

Since being licensed in the UK, ongoing research has shown that Aqualyx fat melting treatment is a well-tolerated, effective and safe fat removal treatment when administered by a qualified medical professional. 

Myth #2 — Aqualyx Is a Painful Procedure

One of the most common misconceptions about Aqualyx fat melting treatment is that it is a painful procedure. However, the truth is that Aqualyx injections are generally painless. The treatment is performed using very fine needles, and most people describe the sensation as a slight pinch or sting. 

A local anaesthetic cream can also be applied to the treated area before the procedure to minimise discomfort. After the injections, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area for a few days. However, these side effects usually subside within a week, and you can continue with almost all daily activities immediately after treatment. 

Myth #3 — Aqualyx Can Cause Skin Sagging

Another common myth is that Aqualyx can cause skin sagging. However, this is not true. Unlike weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Ozempic, Aqualyx fat melting treatment improves skin elasticity and firmness by stimulating collagen production in the treated area.

Aqualyx fat melting injections have been clinically proven to target fat cells, leaving the surrounding skin and tissue unaffected. In addition to being an effective belly fat removal treatment, areas that can be treated include the hips, chest (for men), inner and outer thighs, upper arms, knees, ankles and under the chin (the jowls). 

Myth #4 — Results Aren’t Permanent

Liposuction is a permanent way to remove fat cells from targeted areas of your body; Aqualyx fat melting injections do the same thing, just in a different way. Instead of “sucking” out fat cells, they are destroyed inside the body and then excreted in your urine. Once they are destroyed, they are permanently removed. All you need to do to maintain the results is to lead a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. 

It’s important to understand that any type of fat melting treatment will never remove all of the fat cells in a specific body area. This means that if you put weight on, the remaining fat cells will grow in size. However, this also happens following liposuction, which is why cosmetic surgery or non-surgical fat removal treatments aren’t recommended for weight loss.

Myth #5 — Fat Melting Treatments Is a Quick Fix

Aqualyx fat melting treatment can typically be administered in under an hour. However, it is not a treatment that provides instant results. But it is an effective solution if you plan ahead, and most patients see visible results within four to six weeks after the first treatment session. The number of treatment sessions required to achieve optimal results varies depending on the amount of fat to be removed and your individual goals.

Myth #6 — Aqualyx Fat Removal Will Not Work for Belly Fat Removal

While Aqualyx injections are not designed to help you lose weight, they can still remove fat from larger areas, such as your stomach. Usually, multiple sessions will be needed, depending on the size of the targeted area and the desired outcome, with larger areas requiring more treatments. 

You can receive up to eight treatments, three to five weeks apart, which allows your lymphatic system to excrete the dissolved fat cells in your urine naturally. Results generally show four to six weeks after each treatment, and on average, two to five Aqualyx fat removal treatment sessions are required. 

Myth #7— Fat Melting Treatment Can Help You with Weight Loss

Aqualyx fat melting treatment is designed to target stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. This is a body contouring treatment, not a weight loss solution. While weight loss injections can help you lose weight, they do not target specific body areas.

If you want to lose a significant amount of weight, non-surgical fat removal treatments may not be suitable for you. But if you are at a healthy weight and want to address a stubborn area of fat that won’t shift, then Aqualyx fat melting injections could be the perfect solution.

Take Away

Aqualyx fat melting treatment provides an effective alternative to surgical fat removal treatments such as liposuction. It is a safe way to target specific areas of stubborn fat with minimal pain and downtime. 

But if you are struggling with your weight and would like to reduce your overall body fat, rather than just targeting one area, Saxendra medical weight loss injections may be a more suitable treatment to support you with your weight loss journey.

Why Choose Harley Street MD for Aqualyx Fat Melting Treatment in London?

Non-surgical fat removal does not come without risks and adverse effects. All of these can be significantly reduced by selecting an aesthetics practitioner with a thorough understanding of anatomy. Dr. Chia Tan established Harley Street MD, one of the UK’s only CQC-registered cosmetic clinics and is a well-known GMC-registered cosmetic doctor who has been published extensively in scientific and medical journals. 

Dr. Tan oversees injectable weight loss and aesthetic operations at Harley Street MD in London and is a member of the:

British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM)
Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS)
Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP).

DISCLAIMER: While Aqualyx fat melting injections have been clinically proven to permanently destroy fat cells, they cannot prevent the new fat cells in untreated areas. Individual outcomes may vary.

Interested in fat Aqualyx fat melting injections? Get in touch with our weight loss clinic in London today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation. Our qualified Harley Street doctors will discuss your needs and recommend the best fat removal treatment for your needs.

Founder at Harley Street MD
Dr. Chia Tan is a UK-trained and GMC-registered doctor and a respected member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM). As a former Clinical Education Fellow at the University of Warwick, Dr. Tan has published numerous articles in leading scientific and medical journals, highlighting his expertise.

His extensive qualifications and memberships reflect his profound medical knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care in aesthetic weight loss, and men’s health treatments.
Dr. Chia Tan
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