MK Aesthetics

Aqualyx / Fat Loss Injections

Aqualyx® is a gel-based fat-dissolving solution in which the active ingredient is sodium deoxycholate (deoxycholic acid), a slow-release sugar-based system. These are capable of dissolving stubborn subcutaneous fat, which is difficult to reduce despite diet and exercise.

It is being marketed for ‘Aqualysis’ or ‘Aquaplasty’ treatment as a means of body contouring. The technique was developed by a renowned aesthetic surgeon, the late Professor Motolese. Aqualyx® has been available internationally since 2009, and more than 2,000,000 vials have been used for patient treatments in 49 countries worldwide.

Aqualyx® injections are very effective and a non-invasive treatment option for face and body sculpting. It treats localised pockets of fat such as on the thighs, stomach, buttocks, chin and knee. It can also be used to treat pseudo-gynecomastia in men. Aqualyx® liquefies the fat cell, destroying it permanently, releasing the lipids that are then eliminated naturally through the lymphatic system.

It takes 30–60 minutes per session, and multiple sessions are usually needed. If you prefer to avoid invasive surgery and cannot afford the downtime and discomfort of invasive procedure such as liposuction, this is an excellent treatment to consider to sculpt your body.

Aqualysis™ can be used in conjunction with an ultrasound device to assist in the dissipation of Aqualyx® throughout the localised fat cells.

Aqualyx is a non-surgical approach to body-shaping. This gel-based solution is injected into areas of unwanted fat. The Aqualyx molecule attaches itself to the membrane of fat cells in the targeted area and starts to dissolve the membrane surrounding the cell and hence by disrupting the surface of the fat cells, it weakens them resulting in permeability = liquidation of the subcutaneous fat cells. The fatty acids contained within the cell are then eliminated by macrophages (part of the body’s immune system). The remains of the fat cells are then excreted by the body safely as waste.

Aqualyx is generally regarded as safe for most people, but it is not recommended for clinically overweight people or people who are under 18 or over 60 years of age. The best results can be obtained in patients with average body weight or slightly overweight with local accumulation of fat or the subcutaneous fat. It won’t dissolve internal (visceral) fat.

• Aqualyx shouldn’t be administered to pregnant ladies or breastfeeding mothers.
• Diabetic patients ought to avoid treatment with Aqualyx
• Patients with reaction conditions like scleroderma should avoid treatment.
• Patients with severe liver disease should not be treated with Aqualyx, as the extra fat it has to process could overwork the liver.
• Any patient with a history of an allergic reaction to an ingredient of Aqualyx should avoid treatment.
• Patients on blood-thinning medications, particularly warfarin, will almost certainly not be suitable for treatment due to the risk of severe bruising.
• Patients with severe kidney disease are not suitable for treatment.

The treatment is very safe with few side effects if done by a trained medical professional. It takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Usually, the doctor will inject the area with a local anaesthetic or mix it with the solution to reduce any discomfort. Typically 1-3 treatments are required for small areas, such as the jowls and under the chin, and 2-8 treatments for larger areas such as the thighs. Treatments are repeated at 3-6 weeks intervals.

After treatment, the treated area may be swollen, with some redness and possibly slight bruising that could last up to 24-72 hours. You can take over-the-counter painkillers but are advised not to take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen as they will work against the treatment. Ice will also reduce side effects after the treatment.

These treatments involve minimal pain and downtime. You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment, but you should abstain from particularly demanding physical exercise involving the treated areas for seven days. You should avoid any makeup on the treated areas within 12 hours and avoid all direct sources of heat and radiation (sunlight, UV-radiation, sauna, etc.). As the discharged fatty acids are broken down and eliminated, it is crucial that you keep a strict and healthy diet/lifestyle; otherwise, your body will store the fat in an alternative fat depot.

Aqualyx® destroys the fat cells entirely, and hence, the fat can not be kept within the areas treated. However, if you gain weight, the fat may get stored in a different area(s) which haven’t been treated with Aqualyx. The results may be seen after 3 – 6 weeks of treatment and may continue up to 6 months or even later and reduction in fat deposits can usually be seen after just one treatment, although three to eight sessions are generally required to achieve optimum results. Specific results can vary between practitioners, as well as other factors such as patient age since this has an effect on the stability of the cell membranes; younger patients are more likely to maintain results for a longer period.