INJECTABLE FAT REDUCTION
AVAILABLE AT HEIGHTENED AESTHETICS
Injectable fat reduction, sometimes called injection lipolysis or fat-dissolving injections, is a nonsurgical treatment approach for selected pockets of localized fat. Depending on the product, treatment area and individual patient, these injections may be used to improve the appearance of fat beneath the chin or other carefully evaluated areas.
At Heightened Aesthetics, injectable fat reduction begins with an assessment of the treatment area rather than a predetermined product or number of sessions. We evaluate the location and depth of the fat, skin quality, tissue laxity, surrounding anatomy, medical history and whether an injectable treatment is likely to address the concern.
We offer Kybella®, an FDA-approved deoxycholic acid injection for moderate to severe fat beneath the chin in adults, and PC/DC, a phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate formulation that may be considered for selected localized areas. These treatments have different regulatory statuses, treatment protocols and risk profiles. Product selection depends on the treatment area, anatomy, health history and individualized treatment plan.
KYBELLA
Kybella is an FDA-approved prescription injectable containing synthetic deoxycholic acid. It is used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin in adults, commonly called submental fullness or a double chin. Kybella may be considered for appropriately selected patients who want a nonsurgical reduction in fat. It does not treat loose skin and is not intended for general weight loss.
PC/DC
PC/DC is an injectable formulation containing phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate. It may be considered for selected patients with small, localized pockets of subcutaneous fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, love handles, back fat, armpit/bra region, and saddlebags.
WHAT INJECTABLE FAT REDUCTION CAN ADDRESS
Depending on the treatment selected, your anatomy and the provider’s assessment, injectable fat reduction may be considered for:
- Moderate to severe fat beneath the chin
- A double chin or submental fullness
- Localized fat that reduces jawline or neck definition
- Small, carefully selected abdominal fat deposits
- Selected areas of localized fat on the thighs, below the buttock (“banana roll”)
- Other discrete pockets of subcutaneous fat assessed during consultation
Injectable fat reduction is intended for localized contouring, not overall weight loss. It cannot treat visceral fat, replace healthy lifestyle habits or produce the same degree of change as surgical liposuction.
Not every area of fullness is caused by fat. Skin laxity, muscle, glands, skeletal structure and other anatomical factors can contribute to the appearance of an area. Your provider will determine whether reducing subcutaneous fat is likely to improve the concern before recommending treatment.
KYBELLA VS. PC/DC
Kybella and PC/DC may both be described as fat-dissolving injections, but they should not be presented as equivalent treatments.
Kybella contains synthetic deoxycholic acid and is FDA approved to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin in adults. It has an established prescribing label that defines its approved treatment area, administration and safety information.
PC/DC refers to a formulation containing phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate. It may be considered for selected localized areas, including certain areas of the body, but it is not FDA approved as a drug for fat reduction. The formulation, treatment protocol and available supporting evidence differ from Kybella.
The appropriate recommendation depends on the treatment area, the type and amount of fat, skin quality, medical history, previous procedures, tolerance for swelling and expected outcome. Your provider will explain why a particular option is or is not appropriate for you.
OUR APPROACH TO INJECTABLE FAT DISSOLVING TREATMENT
Effective treatment involves more than identifying an area of unwanted fat and injecting it. The product, treatment pattern, dose, depth and number of sessions must be considered in relation to the patient’s anatomy and the specific treatment area.
Before recommending treatment, we assess the location and distribution of fat, skin and tissue quality, underlying structures, baseline asymmetry and whether reducing fat could create or worsen visible skin laxity.
Our goal is not generalized weight reduction or dramatic body transformation. It is to determine whether conservative treatment of a selected pocket of fat may produce a meaningful improvement in contour.
Your provider will also review your medical history, medications, allergies, previous procedures and other factors that may affect treatment safety, healing or results.
NOT SURE WHICH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
You do not need to choose Kybella or PC/DC before scheduling. During your consultation, we will assess the treatment area, determine what is contributing to the concern and explain whether injectable fat reduction is appropriate.
Your provider will discuss the recommended product, proposed treatment area, anticipated number of sessions, expected swelling, possible risks and alternatives. If fat reduction is unlikely to produce the desired improvement, another treatment approach may be recommended.
PRICING
Kybella or PC/DC
$600 per treatment area, per session
Typical two-treatment series: $1,200
Injectable fat reduction typically requires a series of two treatment sessions, although the recommended number may vary based on the product, treatment area, amount of localized fat, and individual response.
During your consultation, your provider will evaluate the area and explain the recommended treatment plan, expected timeline, and total anticipated cost before treatment begins.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are fat-dissolving injection results permanent?
No. Injectable fat reduction is intended to address small, localized pockets of fat. It does not treat obesity, reduce visceral fat or replace nutrition, physical activity or medical weight-management care.
Do fat-dissolving injections tighten loose skin?
Injectable fat reduction targets fat rather than skin laxity. If loose skin is contributing to the concern, reducing fat alone may not produce the desired contour and could make laxity more noticeable.
Do you offer injectable fat reduction at both locations?
Yes. We offer Kybella and PC/DC at both our Seminole Heights, Tampa and Lakewood Ranch locations.