What to Expect After Fat Dissolving Injections: Side Effects & Aftercare

After fat dissolving injections, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the best results, maintain them and minimise any unwanted side effects. Whilst the procedure itself is non-invasive, how you care for the treated areas afterwards can significantly impact the outcome. Understanding what to expect, knowing how to manage side effects, and following aftercare instructions are essential to getting the most from your treatment.

What are fat dissolvers?

Fat dissolving injections like Lemon Bottle and Aqualyx are minimally invasive treatment options that targets and breaks down stubborn fat pockets that are difficult to loose, no matter how much you diet or exercise. It involves injecting a special solution into areas like the double chin, jowls or stomach. This solution breaks down fat cells which are then naturally eliminated by your body over time. This treatment permanently removed fat cells from the treated area, however if a healthy diet and lifestyle isn’t maintained, it can result in new fat cells forming in the area.

What to avoid 24 hours post-treatment

To ensure a smooth recovery and reduce moderate side effects, avoid the following for at least 24 hours after your fat dissolving injections:

• Strenuous exercise – Give your body time to heal before beginning intense workouts. Sweating, heavy movement, and elevated heart rate can increase swelling and make recovery slower, so it is best to take it easy for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Alcohol and smoking – Both can interfere with your body’s natural healing process. Alcohol can increase swelling, whilst smoking reduces blood flow, slowing down your recovery time and potentially making your skin more prone to irritation.
• Sleeping upright – Try to avoid lying completely flat. Sleeping with your head elevated using one or two pillows will help minimise swelling and prevent unnecessary pressure on the treated areas.
• Makeup on the treated area – It might be tempting to cover up any redness or swelling, your skin needs to breathe and heal. Avoid makeup on the treated area for at least 24 hours to allow the skin to properly recover and to avoid any irritation.
• Touching or massaging the area – After your treatment, it’s important to avoid touching or massaging the treated area. Rubbing or pressing on the skin can cause irritation, interfere with the fat dissolving process, and increase the risk of complications.

By following these guidelines, you’ll reduce the risk of irritation, swelling, and bruising.

Expected side effects (and when to seek help)

Like any cosmetic procedure, fat dissolving injections come with some side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but it’s important to know what’s normal and when to seek help.

Common side effects (mild & temporary)

• Swelling and tenderness – Expect this in the first few days, but it gradually improves.
• Bruising – This is a common & expected side effect.
• Firmness or numbness in the treated area – This is normal and fades over the next few weeks.
• Redness or warmth – A sign of your body’s natural healing process.

Severe complications

• Persistent or worsening pain – If it feels extreme or doesn’t improve, seek medical advice.
• Skin discolouration or rashes – This could indicate an allergic reaction.
• Unusual lumps or uneven texture – Whilst some firmness is normal, severe irregularities should be checked.
• Temporary lower lip weakness (for double chin treatments) – Rare, but it can happen.

If anything feels off or out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to reach out to your injector/practitioner. However, if you experience extreme symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or severe pain, call 999 immediately for medical assistance.

Swelling after fat dissolving injections

Swelling is completely normal and expected, it is actually a sign that the treatment is working. Here is how to keep it under control:

• Avoid heat exposure – Stay away from hot showers, saunas, and direct sun until swelling subsides.
• Use an antihistamine – This can help reduce inflammation.
• Apply a wrapped ice pack – Use for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first 4 hours. Do not apply the pack directly to the skin, wrap in tea towel to avoid further irritation.
• Do not touch the treated area – No scratching, rubbing or picking at your skin.

Swelling typically peaks within the first 48 hours and then gradually decreases over the next few weeks.

Bruising after fat dissolving injections

Not everyone bruises, but if you do, don’t panic, it is only temporary. To reduce bruising:

• Avoid alcohol and intense exercise for 24 hours.
• Apply a cold pack intermittently for the first few hours.

Bruising usually fades within a few days to a week. If it lasts longer or worsens, check with your injector/practitioner.

How long until I see results?

Patience is key, your body needs time to process and eliminate the fat cells. Here is the general timeline:

• First few days – Swelling, tenderness, and firmness are common.
• Weeks 1 to 4 – The swelling starts to go down, and the area begins to look smoother.
• Week 8 – Final results are visible.

Most people need a minimum of 2 sessions for the best outcome. However the amount of sessions ultimately depend on the treatment area.

Shop Celluform Fat Dissolver at Refine Pharma