Please Note: Our clinic does not offer fat-dissolving injection treatments. This article is intended solely to provide general medical information.

Have you ever heard of fat-dissolving injections? This new slimming therapy has recently seen an increase in availability at medical slimming clinics and aesthetic clinics. It is promoted as enabling "spot reduction" by injecting target areas. Today, let's take a closer look at fat-dissolving injections.

Characteristics of Fat-Dissolving Injections

As the name suggests, fat-dissolving injections are a treatment aimed at eliminating localized fat and achieving partial slimming through injections. Having emerged in the early 2000s, this can be considered a relatively new treatment method.

Unlike traditional liposuction surgery, fat-dissolving injections have the following characteristics:

Main Components of Fat-Dissolving Injections

Deoxycholic Acid

One of the main ingredients in fat-dissolving injections is a substance known as deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a type of bile acid. While some formulations are approved by agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is unapproved in Japan as a pharmaceutical product for slimming purposes. It is believed to act on the cell membranes of fat cells.

Phosphatidylcholine (PPC)

Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) is another substance that may be used in fat-dissolving injections. It is generally included as a supportive component, but like deoxycholic acid, it is not an approved pharmaceutical product for slimming purposes in Japan.

Target Areas and Efficacy of Fat-Dissolving Injections

While fat-dissolving injections can be administered throughout the body, depending on the amount of fat, the effect may not be fully apparent in some cases.

Fat-dissolving injections may yield less noticeable changes when applied to large, widespread areas of fat, such as the abdomen or thighs. On the other hand, they are considered a suitable option for localized and limited areas, such as around the face.

Main Side Effects and Risks of Fat-Dissolving Injections

• Depending on the injection volume and the specific characteristics of the treated area, achieving a uniform fat-reduction effect can be difficult, presenting a risk of slight surface unevenness or asymmetry in the final result.
• Furthermore, while the minimal downtime is one of its major attractions, because it involves needle insertion, the risk of localized swelling and subcutaneous bleeding lasting for several days must always be taken into consideration.
• If original lifestyle habits are maintained after the injection, the effects tend to be maintained for a long period. Although the number of fat cells itself actually decreases following the procedure, there are cases where the remaining fat cells subsequently enlarge, creating a risk of rebound.

 Information Regarding Unapproved Medical Products

• Unapproved Status:
  The agents used in this treatment (deoxycholic acid, PPC preparations, etc.) have not received approval under the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices in Japan.
• Availability of Alternative Approved Drugs in Japan:
  There are no approved pharmaceutical products in Japan that offer identical efficacy or indications.
• Safety Information in Other Countries:
  Although certain ingredients (such as deoxycholic acid) are approved by agencies like the U.S. FDA, serious adverse events (such as localized tissue necrosis and nerve damage) have been reported internationally.
• Relief System for Adverse Drug Reactions:
  In the unlikely event that severe side effects occur, this treatment is not covered by Japan's Relief System for Adverse Drug Reactions.

Director of NAG Orthopedics: Yoshimasa Nagumo

Orthopedic Specialist & Sports Doctor

Dr. Nagumo initially built his career as a surgical oncologist specializing in orthopedic cancer treatment. Subsequently, he moved to the United States to engage in advanced research in the field of regenerative medicine.

It was during his time in the U.S. that a personal injury led him to realize the critical importance of sports medicine. Upon returning to Japan, he transitioned his focus to become a sports orthopedic surgeon.

Currently, he leads the "Athlete Support Program," which provides comprehensive medical support to athletes using a combination of blood analysis and cutting-edge regenerative medicine technologies.

[Click here for the program introduction page:https://nagseikei.jp/en/dr/]