Lipolysis injections for submental fat

Injection lipolysis chemically reduces the number of fat cells around the injection site. The chemical, called deoxycholic acid, results in fat cell disruption and death. Currently, it is Health Canada-approved for treatment of the area underneath the chin to eliminate what is known as a "double chin".

Most patients have at least two treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, which is the typical duration of swelling. Patients can have up to six treatments to the area under the chin. Your plastic surgeon can develop a plan that best suits your individual anatomy. During the period of swelling the area can look fuller than it did before treatment, but as the fat cells are disrupted and the inflammation subsides, most patients see results by 6 to 8 weeks after a treatment. Unless a patient were to gain weight, the results should be long-lasting.

There is no downtime, but patients may experience swelling, bruising, pain, redness and feel areas of hardness that typically soften with time. Fat reduction is typically visible by eight weeks.

Complications are uncommon and include nerve injury that can result in an uneven smile. In rare instances, patients have also reported difficulty swallowing after the procedure.