Fat Dissolving treatment
Aqualyx
Fat-dissolving injections that permanently reduce small, stubborn pockets of fat.
- Treatment time
- Around 30 minutes
- Results
- Gradual, over the weeks after each session
- Longevity
- Long-lasting while your weight stays stable
- Downtime
- Swelling for 1–3 days
- From
- £100
About Aqualyx
Aqualyx is an injectable fat-dissolving solution placed directly into stubborn fat with very fine needles. It breaks down the walls of the fat cells, and your body — through the liver and kidneys — then clears the released fat naturally over the following weeks.
It suits people of any size who have specific areas that won't shift, from a double chin to the stomach, hips, thighs, back or knees. Its key ingredient is derived from soy, so it isn't suitable if you have a soy allergy.
Key Benefits
- 01Permanently reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area
- 02Targets stubborn pockets that don't respond to diet or exercise
- 03Quick treatment with no surgery, scars or general anaesthetic
- 04Gradual results that allow the skin to tighten
- 05Suitable for both the face and the body
Is this treatment right for me?
Fat dissolving is a contouring treatment, not a way to lose weight. It works best for people who eat well, stay active and are close to their target weight, but have one or two pockets of fat that won't shift.
You may be suitable if…
- You're at or near a stable, healthy weight
- A small, defined area of fat bothers you — under the chin, the jawline, stomach, hips, thighs, back or knees
- Diet and exercise haven't changed that particular area
- You'd prefer to avoid surgery, scars and general anaesthetic
Your consultation will consider…
- Whether the area is fat that can be treated, or loose skin, which needs a different approach
- Your medical history, medicines and any allergies
- How many sessions the area is likely to need
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, when treatment isn't offered
- Any soy allergy, as the active ingredient is soy-derived
What to expect
Before treatment
Every treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll assess the area, check your medical history and talk through how many sessions are likely to be needed and what a realistic result looks like. Arrive well hydrated, and avoid alcohol for a day or two beforehand.
During treatment
The area is cleaned and marked, then the solution is placed into the fat with a series of very fine injections. Most people feel a pinch and then a warm, tingling or stinging sensation as the product starts to work. The appointment usually takes around 30 minutes.
After treatment
Expect the area to be swollen, warm, tender and sometimes itchy for the next 24–48 hours — a sign the treatment is working. You can go back to work, but many people prefer a quiet day or two, especially after treatment under the chin.
Watch
Results & longevity
The treated area slims gradually over the weeks after each session. Depending on the area, between three and six sessions are usually recommended. Because the treated fat cells are cleared, results are long-lasting provided your weight stays stable.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
You can go back to normal activities straight away, but expect swelling, warmth and tenderness for a day or two while the treatment works.
Side effects
Swelling, warmth, tenderness, redness, itching and bruising in the treated area are common and settle over a few days. Less commonly the area can feel firm or lumpy for a little longer while the body clears the fat. As with any injection there is a small risk of infection, and rarely a reaction to the product.
Aftercare
Rest the area and avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours. A cold compress, wrapped in a clean cloth, helps with swelling and tenderness in the first 24 hours. Drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol and caffeine for a few days, as staying hydrated helps your body clear the treated fat. Avoid saunas, hot tubs and strong sun for the first week. Gentle massage or a compression garment may help, but only if John recommends it for your treatment.
Please contact the clinic if swelling or pain is getting worse rather than better after three days, if the skin becomes hot, red and spreading, or if anything worries you.
- Downtime
- Usually 1–3 days of visible swelling
- Redness
- Common, settles within a day or two
- Swelling
- Expected for 24–72 hours; under-chin swelling can be noticeable
- Bruising
- Possible, fades within a week
- Normal activities
- Normal activities straight away; avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Will fat dissolving help me lose weight?
No. It reduces a small, targeted area of fat to improve your shape; it won't change your overall weight. It works best when you're already close to your goal.
Which areas can be treated?
Small, defined pockets of fat: under the chin and along the jawline, the stomach, love handles and hips, inner and outer thighs, the back and bra-line, and the knees.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the size of the area. Most people need between three and six sessions, spaced several weeks apart. John will give you a realistic plan at consultation.
Does it hurt?
You'll feel a pinch from the fine needle, then usually a warm, stinging or tingling sensation for a short while. Most people find it very manageable.
How swollen will I be?
Swelling is normal and is part of how the treatment works. It usually peaks in the first 24–48 hours and settles over a few days. Under-chin treatments can look quite swollen at first, so plan around any big events.
Are the results permanent?
Treated fat cells are broken down and cleared by the body, so the result is long-lasting — as long as your weight stays stable. Significant weight gain can still affect the area.
Can I have Aqualyx if I'm allergic to soy?
No. Aqualyx's active ingredient is derived from soy, so it isn't suitable if you have a soy allergy. Please mention any allergies at consultation.
From the Journal
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing and harmonisation, alongside wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.