Is There Much Swelling After Getting Fat Dissolving Injections?

Fat-dissolving injections have become a widely considered choice for those looking into non-surgical procedure options. This treatment is intended for reducing fat deposits in targeted areas and offers a less invasive alternative to procedures like traditional liposuction.

After receiving fat-dissolving injections, you may experience moderate swelling, commonly lasting between 3 and 7 days, although this can differ significantly between individuals. Swelling is typically most pronounced within the first 48 to 72 hours following treatment. The severity of swelling you might experience will depend on several factors such as the size of the treatment area and the total number of injections administered.

While many individuals feel comfortable returning to regular activities within one to two days, some people prefer taking a short period off work or their usual routine until the initial swelling has improved. Using cold compresses and strictly following your healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions guidance may assist you in managing discomfort and potentially shortening recovery time.

Fat Dissolving Injection Recovery at a Glance

• Swelling peaks within the first three days and gradually improves over a week
• Most patients can resume normal activities within 48 hours of treatment
• Cold compresses and proper aftercare instructions to reduce swelling and speed up recovery

Understanding Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat-dissolving injections work by using natural compounds designed to break down fat cells located beneath the skin’s surface.

Mechanism of Action

Fat-dissolving injections contain substances that specifically target fat cell membranes. When administered, these injections cause fat cells to rupture, releasing stored fats into the body.

Your body then naturally processes and eliminates these broken-down fat cells via the lymphatic system. You may notice a gradual reduction in fat deposits over a few weeks as your body clears away the affected cells.

A mild inflammatory response often occurs in the injection site as part of your body’s natural healing process, helping remove the damaged fat cells. Your body typically does not replace the removed fat cells in these specific areas.

The Role of Deoxycholic Acid

Deoxycholic acid is the primary ingredient in most fat-dissolving injections. Your body naturally produces deoxycholic acid to assist in the breakdown of dietary fats.

When used in injections, synthetic deoxycholic acid targets only the membranes of fat cells, leaving the surrounding tissues like muscle and skin unaffected. Because this synthetic version closely matches the natural acid in your body, it tends to be both effective and well-tolerated.

The treatment typically targets small, localised fat deposits that have resisted dietary changes and regular exercise.

Side Effects and Recommended Aftercare

Fat-dissolving injections can lead to temporary changes in the area treated, requiring careful attention to aftercare recommendations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common Side Effects

Temporary swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treated areas commonly occur and generally subside within 3 to 7 days, with swelling usually peaking by the second or third day.

You might also experience mild bruising, typically resolving within approximately two weeks. Some individuals report sensations of warmth, tightness, mild itching, or increased skin sensitivity. Such sensations are usually short-lived, typically improving within a week.

Recommended Aftercare Measures

Applying cold compresses to the treated areas for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily during the initial 48 hours may help manage swelling and discomfort.

Paracetamol can be used if required for pain or tenderness, but aspirin or other blood-thinning medications should be avoided unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.

Keep the treated areas clean, and avoid unnecessary touching during the initial 24-hour recovery period. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support your body’s natural healing processes.

Minimising Potential Complications

Avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours post-treatment, though gentle walking is usually acceptable.

Makeup or skincare products should not be applied to the treated area for 24 hours to reduce the risk of complications.

Be vigilant for rare but serious allergic reactions, including severe swelling, intense redness, difficulty breathing, or excessive itching. If these occur, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Adherence to all post-treatment instructions provided by your clinician is essential to achieving optimal results. Schedule a follow-up consultation promptly if you have concerns regarding recovery or results.

Results and Follow-Up Care

Fat-dissolving injections offer gradual improvements in targeted areas. Typical results are usually noticed within 6 to 8 weeks after treatment, although individual experiences vary.

Expected Treatment Outcomes

You might begin to notice changes from about the second or third week following treatment as your body continues to break down and clear away fat cells. Results commonly improve progressively over 6 to 8 weeks, correlating with the reduction of swelling.

Typical reduction of the treated area ranges from 2 to 4 centimetres after one session, although outcomes can vary. You may require two to four treatment sessions spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart to achieve your desired results.

Your provider may take photos before and after the treatments to assist in evaluating your progress during follow-up appointments.

Maintaining Results and Further Procedures

Maintaining the results achieved with fat-dissolving injections typically involves a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Some individuals choose additional treatments or maintenance sessions after 6 to 12 months to further enhance results. Your clinician can advise whether further treatments may be beneficial based on your specific progress.

Scheduled follow-ups allow your practitioner to monitor recovery, address concerns, and ensure optimal outcomes.

Long-term success significantly depends on your healthy lifestyle choices, as weight gain could affect untreated areas.

Lifestyle Recommendations Following Treatment

Proper post-treatment self-care is important for managing swelling and optimising your results. Your daily activities following treatment can influence your recovery.

Activities to Temporarily Avoid

Refrain from strenuous exercise for approximately 5 to 7 days following treatment, as strenuous activities may exacerbate swelling.

Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and hot spas during the initial week post-treatment to minimise infection risks. Try to refrain from touching or massaging any lumps that might form, as these generally resolve naturally within two to three weeks.

It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption for 48 hours post-treatment to help minimise swelling and bruising.

Tips for Optimal Recovery

Cold compresses applied several times daily can assist in reducing swelling and discomfort. It’s important to stay adequately hydrated by drinking around 2 to 3 litres of water per day, assisting in your body’s natural healing.

Sleeping with your head elevated slightly during the first few nights post-treatment may help reduce fluid accumulation and morning swelling. Temporary numbness in treated areas can occur but generally resolves within two to four weeks as the area heals.

Always contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as severe allergic reactions or signs of infection.

Learn More About Fat Dissolving Injections Aftercare with Medaesthetics Today!

Understanding proper aftercare is key to achieving the best results from your fat-dissolving injections. At Medaesthetics, our experienced clinical team aims to provide clear, personalised guidance on managing swelling, minimising side effects, and optimising your recovery.

To ensure a smooth recovery and lasting outcomes, contact us today to schedule your consultation!