Aqualyx treatment is an injectable solution designed to dissolve unwanted fat in the chin and thigh areas, among others. Aqualyx sessions are estimated to cost around $1,000 per session, and results can last as long as the individual does not change the overall body weight. Following the treatment, areas do become swollen and inflamed, but this recovers after a few days.
A healthy, balanced diet is important, and exercising consistently helps to maintain this healthy lifestyle; however, these do not help everyone eradicate all parts of body fat. In the past, surgical liposuction was the only option for fat loss for body parts such as the double chin, and the saddlebags, but Aqualyx offers a great solution that does not involve surgery.
Aqualyx treatment has been one of the better innovations in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. It is an injectable solution that aims to dissolve fat. There is no need for any surgical site to be created, and there is no need for general anesthesia. The solution has been used a great deal in Europe. Aqualyx is a Conformité Européenne certified (CE-marked) device, but has yet to be officially approved by the FDA.
There is a lot of speculation regarding Aqualyx treatment because of the numerous websites promoting body contouring. This guide has analyzed the scientific studies to provide the clinical evidence for the predicted results of the Aqualyx treatment, as well as the details of the recovery period after treatment.
How do Aqualyx injections dissolve fat?
Aqualyx is a fat-dissolving injectable solution that is a member of the family of deoxycholate-based compounds. Its active ingredients include a deoxycholic acid derivative, red microalgae-derived sugars and buffers.
Once a medical professional administers Aqualyx to the subcutaneous tissue, the acid then breaks the membranes of the targeted fat cells. These cells then undergo lipid cell lysis and the body naturally eliminates the fat through metabolism over the upcoming weeks. Because Aqualyx solution destroys the fat cells, and as long as the patient maintains the same weight, the fat will not return to the treated area.
What can a patient expect when undergoing Aqualyx fat-dissolving injections?
Aqualyx injections take an average of 30 – 60 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. Although the protocol can vary by medical care provider, patients can expect the following general steps:
- Consultation: The provider discusses the patient’s desired surgery outcome and examines the patient’s skin to determine the elasticity of the skin at the site of the intended surgery.
- Cleaning: The site of the planned injection is cleaned.
- Numbing: The provider administers a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
- Injection: The Aqualyx solution is administered via a cannula or fine needle and directly to the targeted fat tissue. The size of the fat tissue determines the volume of the solution administered.
- Distribution: Some use ultrasound machines after injection to see if Aqualyx evenly balances within the fatty tissue.
Where can Aqualyx be injected?
Thin Aqualyx treatment is not meant for weight loss. It’s to treat localized areas of stubborn fat. Aqualyx is usually injected in:
- Under the chin
- Hips
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Knees
- Back
- Chest (to treat pseudo-gynecomastia)
How much does Aqualyx treatment cost?
Aqualyx is not FDA approved and therefore not legal in the USA. Most patients therefore travel abroad to get the treatment. The average price listed by RealSelf is $1,000 and some patients report spending around $2,725 for the treatment.
The price of the treatment is usually based on the number of vials. Aqualyx vials are sold for around $150-$300. Aqualyx is typically only injected in 1-2 vials for the chin, but needs many more vials for the abdomen. If patients buy several treatments at once, some clinics offer the treatment at a discounted price.
What can you expect in terms of Aqualyx results and recovery?
Patients see noticeable results three to four weeks after treatment as the body removes the dissolved fat cells. To achieve optimal results, typically Aqualyx patients undergo two to eight treatment sessions, which are scheduled weeks apart.
In addition, clinical research supports the results Aqualyx patients see. A study by Amore R. in 2016 was a cross multiple site study that treated 152,500 patients. This study revealed that the Aqualyx compound was effective in intralipotherapy in about 76.7% of cases.
What are the expectations for Aqualyx patients?
Aqualyx patients undergo a short recovery time immediately after Aqualyx injections. Rauso R. conducted a clinical study in 2015 that followed the same patients for four years and reported that patients typically had mild to moderately swollen skin that was also reddened. Fortunately, before the patient’s body adapts and normalizes, three to five days is typical. It is safe to return to work and most activities of daily living; however, strenuous exercise should be avoided until the body heals.
What are the possible risks and side effects of Aqualyx?
Aqualyx carries certain inherent non-surgical clinical risks. Discussion with the healthcare professional about the concerns and side effects is highly recommended prior to the administration of the injections. The most common side effects associated with the treatment are:
- Localized swelling and tenderness
- Bruising and ecchymosis (occurs in about 6.45% of patients)
- Redness and irritation of the skin
- Pruritus (itching) is a common side effect reported to occur between 3 and 7 days after the administration of the injections
When Aqualyx is administered by a clinically trained member of the healthcare profession, severe complications are extremely rare. In the Rauso study, small lumps under the skin (subcutaneous nodules) occurred in 1.61 % of cases and, in all cases, resolved spontaneously in 4 months.
Is Aqualyx fat-dissolving treatment the right choice for you?
Body contouring is a highly individualized choice and is dependent on a number of factors including medical history, body phenotype and personal goals. Aqualyx treatment is designed for use in patients between the ages of 18 and 60 years with a stable body weight and adequate skin elasticity. The treatment is not recommended for patients with poor skin elasticity, as they may be left with excess, sagging skin after the fat is removed.
Aqualyx treatment is a great option if you want to non-surgically and gradually reduce the volume of larger fat deposits on your body (for example, fat on your thighs or abdomen).
If you want to reduce the fat on your double chin and prefer a product with full FDA approval in the United States, Kybella (another injectable product that contains deoxycholic acid) is a better option.
Aqualyx is contraindicated and should not be used in the following cases: pregnancy, lactation, lipodystrophy and active skin infections in the area where the treatment is to be performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to see the results of Aqualyx?
It typically takes three to four weeks for patients to see a reduction in localized fat after their first Aqualyx injection. Usually, patients require between two and eight Aqualyx sessions before fat reduction is notable.
Are the effects of Aqualyx permanent?
The injected fat cells are destroyed by the Aqualyx acid and eliminated by the body, making the effects of Aqualyx permanent. If a patient does not significantly increase their weight after the procedure, the targeted area will not accumulate fat again.
How does Aqualyx compare to Kybella?
Both Kybella and Aqualyx use deoxycholic acid to eliminate fat cells. Being that Kybella is FDA-approved to eliminate submental fat, a smaller concentrated formulation is approved to treat smaller areas, which makes Kybella a much more potent solution. The Aqualyx formulation is softer and, as a result, is much safer to use to eliminate subcutaneous fat in larger areas, like the abdomen and thighs.
Are Aqualyx injections painful?
Aqualyx is usually mixed with a local anesthetic and then injected into subcutaneous fat. Patients should only feel a small amount of pressure along with some pinching. It is normal to experience some pain after the Aqualyx procedure, but this pain can be managed with OTC pain relievers.
Final thoughts: Should you invest in Aqualyx treatments?
Aqualyx is a good option for body sculpting without the need for invasive procedures. The treatment relies on the science of localized fat removal, and studies show a high success rate and safety when the doctor performing the intralipotherapy is skilled.
People interested in the treatment should first see a board-certified aesthetic professional for a consultation and assessment of whether you have the skin elasticity needed or proper target areas for the procedure. This will also help people know how much money they will need for the procedure, how many sessions will be required, and how long the recovery will take, so they know what to expect for their goal of having a specific body contour more closely aligned with their body goals.
