Fat-dissolving injections such as Aqualyx, DesoFace, or DesoBody are increasingly popular for contouring small, stubborn pockets of fat — typically under the chin, on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms. While the treatment is minimally invasive, proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal results and reduce side effects.
Here’s a complete guide to help you or your clients care for the skin and body after fat-dissolving injections.
🔹 What to Expect Immediately After Treatment
It’s completely normal to experience the following side effects:
- Swelling (especially in areas like the chin)
- Redness and warmth
- Bruising or tenderness
- Firmness or small lumps under the skin
- Mild itching or sensitivity
These typically subside within 3–10 days, but swelling in the chin can last up to 2 weeks.
✅ Do’s – Essential Aftercare Tips
1. Apply a Cold Compress (if needed)
- Use cold packs gently for 10–15 minutes at a time in the first 24 hours to help minimise swelling.
- Avoid direct ice contact with skin.
2. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water (2–3L per day) to help flush out cellular debris and processed fat through the lymphatic system.
3. Sleep Elevated
- Use an extra pillow for the first few nights to reduce swelling, especially after chin treatments.
4. Gentle Movement
- Light walking can support lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation.
5. Massage (if advised by your practitioner)
- Some professionals recommend light massage or use of a lymphatic drainage device after 48–72 hours, especially with DesoBody.
- Never massage unless advised, as it can interfere with how the solution works in some areas.
❌ Don’ts – What to Avoid After Treatment
✖️ Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine & Excess Salt
- These can increase swelling and delay healing.
✖️ No Heat-Based Treatments
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds, hot showers or baths for 48–72 hours post-treatment.
✖️ Don’t Exercise Intensely
- Refrain from strenuous workouts, HIIT, or resistance training for at least 3–5 days, or until swelling subsides.
✖️ Avoid Touching or Picking
- Do not rub, pick, or press on the treated areas, especially if lumps form.
✖️ No Other Facial/Aesthetic Treatments
- Avoid injectables, microneedling, peels, or facials in the same area for at least 2 weeks.
📅 When to Contact Your Practitioner
Contact your practitioner if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Signs of infection (e.g. heat, pus, fever)
- Significant asymmetry or hard lumps that persist beyond 4 weeks
- Numbness or changes in sensation that don’t improve
🔄 When Will I See Results?
- Initial swelling may mask results for 7–10 days
- Fat breakdown and drainage occur gradually — most people see visible improvement after 2–4 weeks
- Multiple sessions (2–4) are typically needed for optimal fat reduction, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
💉 Fat-Dissolving Injections: Side Effects You Should Know About
Fat-dissolving injections such as Aqualyx®, DesoFace®, DesoBody® and Kybella® have become a popular option for people who want to target stubborn fat without surgery.
While these treatments can deliver great results, they’re not completely risk-free. Understanding possible side effects will help you prepare, recover well, and achieve the best outcome.
🔹 Common Side Effects (Temporary & Expected)
Most people experience at least some of the following after fat-dissolving injections. They are usually mild to moderate and resolve within a few days to 2 weeks.
1. Swelling
- Almost always occurs, especially under the chin.
- Can last 3–10 days (sometimes up to 2 weeks in the chin area).
- Part of the natural inflammatory process that breaks down fat.
2. Bruising
- Caused by small blood vessels being punctured during injection.
- Fades within 7–10 days.
- Arnica cream or bromelain supplements can help speed recovery.
3. Tenderness or Soreness
- The treated area may feel sensitive or tender to touch.
- Usually subsides within a week.
4. Redness & Warmth
- Indicates increased blood flow and immune response in the area.
- Temporary and should ease within 48 hours.
5. Firmness or Small Lumps
- May feel like small nodules under the skin.
- Common in the healing phase and gradually soften over 2–4 weeks.
🔹 Less Common Side Effects
These are less frequent but possible, especially if aftercare isn’t followed.
• Itching or Skin Irritation
- Mild itchiness may occur as swelling goes down.
• Numbness
- Temporary nerve irritation can cause tingling or numbness.
- Typically resolves within a few weeks.
• Pigmentation Changes
- Rare, but darker or lighter skin patches can develop.
- More likely in darker skin tones or if sun exposure occurs too soon.
🔹 Rare but Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Help Immediately)
These are very uncommon, but it’s important to be aware.
- Infection: Increasing redness, heat, pus, fever.
- Allergic Reaction: Severe swelling, difficulty breathing.
- Skin Necrosis: Extreme pain, skin colour changes — may indicate vascular compromise.
🛡️ How to Reduce Risk
- Always choose a qualified medical professional for treatment.
- Follow all aftercare instructions, including avoiding heat, alcohol, and intense exercise for 48–72 hours.
- Wear SPF daily to protect healing skin.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
📅 Final Word
Fat-dissolving injections are generally safe and effective when carried out by trained professionals.
Most side effects are part of the natural healing process and fade with time.
Knowing what’s normal — and what’s not — will help you feel confident and informed before your treatment.
