I am considering aqualyx fat dissolving injections under my chin to get rid of fat, is this a good option?

Question

I posted a question on here previously removing fat under my chin (see the link below) It seemed most doctors believed liposuction was the way forward. I have since seen a cosmetic doctor (specialist in vaser liposuction) and he said my case is very minor and did not require vaser liposuction or warranted its use. Instead he recommended fat dissolving injections, aqualyx. Will such a product would give me the desired flat area under my chin?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a reason that board-certified plastic surgeons all made similar recommendations. Now you have met a "cosmetic doctor" (sounds like a Dermatologist or perhaps Family Medicine physician who decided he or she wanted to be a plastic surgeon but did not complete appropriate training and full ABPS certification. That is why this physician perhaps had "certification" by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which is not one of the 24 member boards that comprise the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is a self-designated board that certifies doctors of various specialties, some that have little or nothing to do with plastic surgery, who wish to perform cosmetic surgery, and who seek to provide the unknowing public with some form of "official" certification. who recommends fat-dissolving injections.There is a reason that Aqualyx (injection of toxic substances designed to kill fat) and similar fat-buster injections (Mesotherapy, Lipodissolve, etc.) are NOT FDA APPROVED. They can cause irregular cell death, scarring, nodules, and even dead skin. Sure, some patients have had success with these injections, but localized liposuction, direct fat excision, or SmartLipo from board-certified plastic surgeon or ENT facial plastic surgeon will give you a higher likelihood of success and the least risk. Honest.UPDATE OF PREVIOUS ANSWER:As of April 29, 2015, there is a new FDA-approved, standardized, sterile, and safe (if done properly for appropriate patients) submental fat dissolving drug called Kybella. This may actually be more expensive than submental liposuction of direct excision (both surgical procedures), but Kybella takes 2-6 sessions at one month intervals with about 30-50 tiny injections (like Botox) each session. Average cost may be  $1800 - $2400 for each of the sessions, making this non-surgical option potentially more expensive than a facelift, but without the surgery or significant downtime (there is some swelling for a few days to a week or so). Just another consideration, and significantly safer than these non-approved concoctions! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be best to see you in-person to determine which option would be best, but Aqualyx is a great non-surgical alternative to Liposuction if you do not have much fat under the chin. It works by liquefying the fat cell, destroying it permanently. The fat cells are then eliminated naturally through the lymphatic system (i.e. through urination). You could potentially try the non-surgical route first, opting for Liposuction at a later time if you are not satisfied with the results.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

Over the last decade we as plastic surgeons have seen so many of these fads come and go.  We have also seen so many unhappy patients from non-plastic surgeons that were talked into these gimmicks.  Most have been correctable.  Some have not.  Be careful.  Best wishes.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Fat dissolving injections are not safe or predictable.  To my knowledge none are FDA approved.  Seek consultations from board certified plastic surgeons.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your
question – and know that this product is not FDA approved for use in the US. So
anyone using it should not be and you should not have this done. There is a
company called Kythera that has gone through the FDA process with a patented
deoxycholate medicine which last week received an FDA Panel approval for its
eventual FDA approval. This will be the first and only deoxycholate medicine
that has FDA approval and when approved, can be used by physicians legally in
the US – nothing else should be injected – period.

I am considering aqualyx fat dissolving injections under my chin to get rid of fat, is this a good option?

Answers (8)

Answer: FAT dissolving injections

Answer: FAT dissolving injections

Answer: This will be the first and only deoxycholate medicine that has FDA approval

Answer: This will be the first and only deoxycholate medicine that has FDA approval

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Aqualyx

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I am considering aqualyx fat dissolving injections under my chin to get rid of fat, is this a good option?

Answers (8)

Answer: FAT dissolving injections

Answer: FAT dissolving injections

Answer: This will be the first and only deoxycholate medicine that has FDA approval

Answer: This will be the first and only deoxycholate medicine that has FDA approval

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Aqualyx

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.