Fat dissolving injections

DESO Body/Face are state-of-the-art fat dissolving injectable products designed to treat those difficult localised pockets of fat. Areas that can be treated include a ‘double’ chin, the arms, abdomen, flanks, buttocks, inner knees, thighs and back or bra ‘rolls’.

Depending on the area treated and the amount of fat involved, several sessions may be required to achieve the desired result.

In line with similar injectable treatments like Aqualyx®, the active ingredient is Deoxycholic Acid, proven to reduce fat deposits for the right patients. The product is conveniently separated into a face and body concentration and side effects are minimal. In addition, DESO is known to result in much less swelling than Aqualyx®.

When treating the body, localised fat is reduced and skin firmness is improved.  When treating the face, drainage of excess fluids takes place as well as reduced localised fat amounts.

This treatment requires skill with administration to obtain the best results. Injections may only be administered subcutaneously, avoiding muscular or dermal tissue. Only a qualified and appropriately trained Doctor/Nurse should be administering this treatment, and you should aim for a well scrutinised practice.

What is Deoxycholic Acid?

Deoxycholic acid normally emulsifies and solubilises dietary fats in the intestine, and when injected subcutaneously, it disrupts and destroys fat cells in that tissue making it the perfect agent to remove stubborn pockets of fat. Like most non-surgical fat reducing procedures, intralipotherapy using DESO FACE and BODY is not intended for the obese body but does target the fat at cell level making it one of the most successful formulas for targeting specific areas.

Side Effects & Complications

Serious risks of DESO treatment are extremely small, but these include redness, pain, irritation, allergic reaction, pigmentation, tissue necrosis (very rare) and temporary nodules. There are special aftercare instructions you would have to adhere to and the drainage of the treated fat cells can be improved by adding other therapies (e.g. compression).

Contraindications

DESO injections are contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, acute/untreated hormonal disorders (e.g untreated thyroid disease, advanced organ disease (e.g. renal/hepatic failure), allergy to the substance or materials necessary for the procedure, severe autoimmune disease, immunosuppression, active infection and Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD).

Procedure

As with any treatment offered at ElysiPhi, a thorough consultation is essential to establish 1) an appropriate indication and 2) no barriers to treatment. You have the opportunity to leave things as they are to consider matters further (a ‘cooling off’ period), or to proceed with treatment on the day following fully informed written consent. This means that following thorough discussion, you consent to the treatment with full understanding of the benefits and risks.

Following your consultation, an assessment is necessary to confirm that the area desired for treatment is suitable - this depends on the thickness of the fat, measured by ‘pinching’ with a caliper. Too little fat and the procedure carries unnecessary risk. Generalised obesity is also inappropriate for DESO treatment. This assessment will allow up to calculate the amount of product required, the number of sessions, the safest session interval and the final cost of your treatment plan.

The treatment areas are then marked and baseline photography is taken with your permission. The sterile product used is mixed with local anaesthetic and drawn up into a small syringe. The skin in the treatment area is cleaned then disinfected and the product is injected with a needle. Multiple injections are required per treatment area. The procedure causes minimal pain and lasts around 20-30 minutes, depending on the area(s) treated. You may notice tiny puncture marks and it is common to have localised redness. An compression garment may be recommended, depending on the treated area.

Prior to departing, a follow-up appointment is arranged and you receive aftercare instructions and clinic contacts in case of any concerns/emergency.

Aftercare

Following DESO fat dissolving injections we would advise that you:

• Avoid Aspirin for pain to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding. Paracetamol is acceptable. Intermittent cooling with ice can be used by applying for 5 minutes post-procedure. A simple fan can also be helpful for discomfort.
• Bruising may occur. Avoid direct sunlight, sunbeds and heat therapies during the treatment period.
• Avoid hot baths and showers (tepid water only) for 5 days.
• Nodules are not uncommon. They can last up to a month and usually disappear without any intervention. However, your Practitioner would need to assess anything unusual.
• A compression garment may be worn for 2-5 days following treatment (this will be guided by your Practitioner’s recommendation).
• Contact your Aesthetic Practitioner with any concerns without delay.