Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections
The procedure, which has been described as ‘lunchtime liposuction’ and a ‘fat-melting wonder treatment’, involves injecting a fat-digesting enzyme — a naturally occurring chemical called deoxycholate — into pockets of fat.
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The Aqualyx locks on to fat cell walls, breaking them down to release the fatty acids inside, which are eliminated from the body in your urine. Results may be seen in one treatment, it’s claimed.
The injection targets small pockets of fat and can’t be used over large areas. But it’s considered suitable for removing fat from thighs, jowls, stomach, hips, back and knees.
Because the fat cells are destroyed, the effects are permanent, but patients are advised to stick to a healthy diet and exercise, as they can still gain fat in untreated areas.
After being launched in Italy in 2009, the treatment has been used in more than 49 countries and more than two million vials have been sold, yet it’s only just become popular here.
It has particular appeal for older women, as it seems risk-free compared with surgery.
‘The advantage over more invasive fat-removal methods such as liposuction — where fat is surgically removed via tubes inserted under the skin — is that there’s no hospital stay, no down time, no bandages, no time off work,’ says Harley Street cosmetic doctor Dr Vincent Wong, a leading Aqualyx practitioner and trainer.
After the initial treatment the fat diminishes gradually afterwards and most clients say they didn't suffer from any discomfort
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‘There’s little or no pain and no scarring. All practitioners need a certified qualification.
The cost varies according to how much you have, but at between £150 and £1,000 for a course, it’s much cheaper than liposuction, which can be up to £5,000.