Aqualyx is an injectable fat dissolving solution used for body contouring and fat reduction. It contains deoxycholic acid which breaks down fat cells when injected into areas of unwanted fat. A common question patients have is how much Aqualyx their provider will inject during a treatment session. The amount used can vary based on the treatment area size and the extent of fat reduction desired. Typically providers follow recommended dosing guidelines based on the area being treated.
Recommended Dosing by Area
The manufacturer of Aqualyx provides suggested dosing amounts based on the area being treated. Here are the common dosing recommendations:
Chin
The chin is a small targeted area. The recommended amount of Aqualyx to inject into the chin is 2-6ml per session. Most patients require 1-3 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve desired fat reduction under the chin.
Cheeks
The cheeks are a larger treatment area. Usual dosing for each cheek is 5-10ml per session. Patients commonly undergo 2-4 sessions spaced 1 month apart for optimal cheek fat removal.
Abdomen
The abdomen is a large treatment zone. Typical dosing is 10-20ml per treatment session. Most patients need 2-4 treatments scheduled 4-8 weeks apart to see significant fat reduction on the stomach.
Back
The back can require higher doses due to the large surface area. Providers often inject 20-30ml per session into the back. Multiple treatments are usually needed to remove unwanted back fat. Sessions are spaced 1-2 months apart.
Flanks
The flank areas on the sides of the torso are another common treatment zone. Usual dosing is 10-15ml per side per session. For optimal flank fat removal, patients get 2-5 sessions spaced about 1 month between each appointment.
Upper Arms
The upper arms are another targeted spot patients want to reduce fat. Typical dosing is 5-10ml per arm per session. Providers space 2-4 sessions 4-8 weeks apart for gradual arm fat removal.
Inner Thighs
The inner thighs are a sensitive area requiring lower dosing. Providers typically inject 3-6ml into each inner thigh per session. Patients need 2-4 treatments scheduled 4-6 weeks apart for inner thigh fat reduction.
Outer Thighs
The outer thighs can handle larger doses than the inner thighs. Usual dosing is 10-15ml per outer thigh per treatment. Like other larger areas, patients need 2-5 sessions spaced 1-2 months apart for optimal outer thigh fat removal.
Bra Fat
Bra fat refers to unwanted fat under the armpits around the bra line. This area requires small precise doses of 2-4ml per side. Patients need 1-3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to eliminate bra fat.
Double Chin
The double chin area is delicate requiring lower doses. Providers inject 1-4ml per treatment into a double chin. Patients need 2-4 sessions spaced 1 month apart to reduce a double chin.
Banana Roll
Banana rolls are focal fat deposits under the buttocks. Usual dosing is 2-6ml per session. For maximum reduction in banana rolls, patients undergo 2-4 treatments spaced 1 month apart.
Arms
Full arm treatment encompasses the entire upper arm area. Providers normally inject 10-20ml into each arm per session. With 2-6 sessions scheduled 4-12 weeks apart, significant arm fat reduction can be achieved.
Above Knees
The fat above the knees is another common treatment zone. Typical dosing is 5-15ml per knee per session. With 2-4 treatments scheduled 4-8 weeks apart, optimal fat reduction above the knees can be obtained.
Below Knees
The area below the knees requires smaller doses of Aqualyx. Providers normally inject 3-10ml per knee below the kneecap. With 2-4 sessions spaced 1 month apart, noticeable fat reduction below the knees can be achieved.
Love Handles
Love handles on the sides of the lower back can be treated with doses of 10-20ml per side per session. By undergoing 2-5 sessions spaced 4-12 weeks apart, significant love handle fat reduction is possible.
Factors that Influence Dosing
The recommended dosing amounts provide a guideline for how much Aqualyx is typically used per area. However, providers consider multiple factors when determining the appropriate dosing for each patient.
Treatment Area Size
The size of the area being treated influences dosing amounts. Larger zones like the abdomen require more Aqualyx to cover the entire area compared to a smaller zone like the chin.
Amount of Fat
Areas that have more unwanted fat may need larger doses to sufficiently dissolve the fat cells. Areas with very little fat may only need minimal amounts.
Fat Reduction Goals
Patients wanting more dramatic fat reduction may need higher dosing over multiple sessions compared to those looking for subtle improvements.
Tolerance
Some patients tolerate higher doses better than others. Providers adjust dosing according to patient comfort and feedback during treatments.
Sensitivity
More sensitive areas like the inner thighs cannot tolerate large injections. Providers use less Aqualyx in delicate areas.
Other Factors
Other considerations include the patient’s metabolic rate, genetic tendencies, and amount of preexisting inflammation. The provider tailors the dosing regimen according to each individual patient.
Volume Limits
While most use the recommended dosing as a guide, there are limits to how much Aqualyx should be injected per session. Here are the maximum dosing volumes:
Per Treatment Session
The maximum amount of Aqualyx that should be injected in one session is 60ml. This prevents overtreatment and potential complications. Spreading higher doses over multiple sessions spaced weeks apart is safer.
Per Body Half
No more than 30ml should be injected into one body half (upper or lower) per session. This prevents asymmetry and overtreatment on one side.
Number of Treatment Sessions
Most patients need between 2-6 treatment sessions spaced 4-12 weeks apart to see optimal aesthetic results from Aqualyx injections. The number of sessions depends on:
– Area(s) being treated
– Amount of fat reduction desired
– Dosing at each session
– Patient’s response
Some patients with very little unwanted fat may only need 1-2 sessions. Others with larger treatment areas or more fat may need up to 6 sessions. On average most patients undergo 3-4 sessions for significant improvement.
Preparation for First Treatment
Patients should take some steps to prepare for their first Aqualyx treatment session:
– Avoid blood thinners like aspirin and NSAIDs for 1 week pre-treatment
– Discontinue fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal supplements 1 week before
– Drink plenty of water starting 2 days prior to stay well hydrated
– Have a light meal a few hours before the appointment
– Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing
– Have someone drive you home post-treatment
These preparations help minimize bruising and support a smooth treatment.
What to Expect During the Treatment
Here is what patients can expect when getting Aqualyx injections:
Numbing
The provider will first numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic like lidocaine. This helps make the injections comfortable. The numbing lasts 1-2 hours.
Markings
Your provider maps out the planned injection sites and marks them with a surgical pen. This ensures even distribution of Aqualyx.
Injections
Using a very fine needle, the provider injects small amounts of Aqualyx into the planned sites. Patients feel some pressure but the numbing prevents significant discomfort.
Massage
After injections, the provider massages the area to help distribute the solution evenly. This also minimizes lumps and irregularities.
Session Time
The actual injection process takes about 20-40 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. Providers may apply compression garments after to help reduce swelling.
Numbness
The area remains numb for 1-2 hours after injections. Patients should avoid touching the treated area until sensation returns to prevent injury.
After Treatment Instructions
Following Aqualyx treatment, providers give patients instructions to support optimal results:
Rest
Avoid strenuous exercise for 1-2 days to allow your body to start breaking down the dissolved fat. Light activity is fine.
Cold Therapy
Apply ice packs to the treated area for 10-15 minutes a few times a day to minimize swelling.
Compression
Wear tight compression garments over the treated area for 3-5 days to reduce inflammation.
Massage
Begin gently massaging the treated area 3-4 days post-treatment to help break up remaining fat and prevent irregularities.
Hydration
Drink 64+ oz of water daily for 3 days following treatment to help flush out dissolved fat and reduce side effects.
Pain Relievers
Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed the first few days for injection site tenderness.
Activities
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and alcohol for 3 days after the injections.
Expected Results Timeline
It takes time for the body to eliminate the dissolved fat cells. Most patients notice some results after the first session, but optimal aesthetic improvements develop gradually over 3-4 months following the final treatment.
Immediately After
Treated areas appear swollen and mildly bruised. Temporary irregularities may be felt under the skin.
1-3 Days Later
Swelling and tenderness peak in the first few days. Bruising may worsen. Lumps may be more apparent.
1 Week Later
Bruising, swelling, and tenderness start improving. Lumps smooth out. Early fat reduction is visible.
2 Weeks Later
Most side effects resolve leaving subtle fat reduction in the treated zones.
1-2 Months Later
Noticeable improvements in body contour as the dissolved fat is eliminated.
3-4 Months Later
Optimal aesthetic results are visible as the final fat removal takes place.
Is Maintenance Needed?
Most patients maintain their Aqualyx results with a healthy lifestyle. Additional sessions may be needed in the future if weight is gained, but the fat cells treated with Aqualyx do not return. Maintenance sessions can treat any new untreated fat cells.
Who is a Candidate for Aqualyx?
Aqualyx is safe and effective for most patients looking to reduce unwanted fat. Good candidates include:
– Adults aged 18+
– Otherwise healthy individuals
– Those with small fat pockets unresponsive to diet and exercise
– Patients with BMIs under 30
– Those wanting mild to moderate fat reduction
– People seeking body contouring of trouble spots
The only people who should not receive Aqualyx injections are pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Is Aqualyx Permanent Fat Removal?
The fat cells dissolved by Aqualyx do not regenerate. However, untreated fat cells can still expand with weight gain. While Aqualyx kills 20-25% of fat cells in a treated area, it does not prevent formation of new fat cells. So while the results are essentially permanent, weight gain can still occur. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise helps preserve Aqualyx results. Additional touch-up sessions may be needed in the future.
Does Aqualyx Remove Cellulite?
Aqualyx helps reduce the appearance of cellulite by dissolving subcutaneous fat pockets that contribute to a dimpled texture. But it does not directly act on the fibrous bands beneath the skin that cause cellulite. Multiple Aqualyx sessions can significantly improve the look of cellulite. But for some women, combining Aqualyx with therapies like acoustic wave therapy or radiofrequency may provide optimal cellulite reduction.
How Long Do Aqualyx Results Last?
Most patients maintain their Aqualyx results for at least 1-3 years with a stable weight. The dissolved fat cells do not come back. But significant weight gain can result in expansion of untreated fat cells. Patients who maintain their weight through diet and exercise can expect long lasting Aqualyx results. Additional maintenance touch up sessions help preserve optimal results long term.
Does Aqualyx Tighten Loose Skin?
Aqualyx specifically targets fat cells and does not tighten loose skin. However, by removing fat beneath the skin, it can make the overlying skin appear smoother and firmer. Severely loose skin may re-drape better over the contoured areas after fat reduction. But skin tightening therapies like Ultherapy or laser skin tightening provide optimal skin tightening.
Conclusion
Aqualyx is an effective fat dissolving injectable solution used in aesthetic medicine for body contouring. Providers follow recommended dosing guidelines based on the size of the treatment area when deciding how much Aqualyx to use. Most patients need 2-6 sessions spaced 1 month apart for significant fat reduction. While optimal results take 3-4 months to develop, some improvement is noticeable after the first session. Aqualyx destroys targeted fat cells in treated areas providing long lasting results when weight is maintained through diet and exercise. Additional maintenance sessions can preserve results. Aqualyx is a popular body contouring option that safely eliminates small, stubborn fat pockets that do not respond to diet and exercise alone.
