Battling stubborn body fat is a genuine challenge, and numerous ‘weight-loss drugs’ on the market promise magical fat elimination but often fall short, especially for targeted areas. If you’ve experienced frustration with diet and exercise, Aqualyx could be the solution. Despite being known as a controversial fat-busting injection, it doesn’t fit the traditional weight loss mold. Instead, Aqualyx has gained popularity for its body contouring effects, making it a sought-after addition to cosmetic procedures. Let’s delve into the specifics of Aqualyx to understand it better.
What Is Aqualyx?
Aqualyx, or ‘Motolese’s Solution,’ was introduced globally in 2009 by Professor Pasquale Motolese, Vice President of the Italian Society of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine, as a targeted alternative to liposuction. It is a highly effective and safe treatment that can help eliminate annoying ‘diet and exercise-resistant’ wobbly bits. Manufactured by the Italian firm Marlor and available as an injectable compound solution, Aqualyx is called ‘injection lipolysis,’ ‘lipotherapy,’ or ‘intralipotherapy.’
Aqualyx is designed to focus only on the localized areas of stubborn fat that usually develop beneath the surface layer of the skin in certain parts of the body. Though the injection helps banish small patches or fat pockets, it is a means of body contouring rather than a weight loss treatment. It makes the fat cells unstable in the target area by dissolving their membranes and eliminating the fatty acids within them via urine over the next few weeks.
In short, Aqualyx treatment offers long-lasting results for localized adiposity by creating a lean and contoured appearance.
Areas Of Treatment
Following are some of the most common areas of the body that can be treated with Aqualyx injections:
- Around the chin
- Front and back of the stomach
- Neck and back
- Sides of the body
- Around the hips
- Underneath the buttocks
- Thighs, knees, and ankles
The injection can even treat pseudo-gynaecomastia in men (deposition of excess fatty tissue around nipples). However, it cannot be used around the eyes.
Ingredients Of Aqualyx
The aqueous compound solution of Aqualyx is made up of several refined plant-based compounds. It belongs to the deoxycholate family, the conjugate base of the bile acid named deoxycholic acid. Present naturally in the human liver; this acid facilitates the process of fat emulsification for absorption in the intestine. However, Aqualyx is a modified compound of cholanic acid. Given below are the key ingredients of the Aqualyx injection (1):
1. Hexose Sugar (0.5%)
This is a polymer from D-galactose and 3, 6-Anhydro-L-Galactose, which attracts water and slowly releases the biologically active ingredient in the solution. Consequently, the biological half-life of the solution is reduced, and the side effects are minimized.
2. Sodium Salt of (3α, 5α, 12α)- 3, 12-dihydroxy-5-cholan-24-acid (7.5%)
During the preparation of Aqualyx, the strength of this deoxycholic acid derivative is reduced to make the product safer.
3. Buffer Systems (4.2%)
The chemicals used as buffer systems ensure that the sodium salt of the deoxycholic acid is delivered to the areas of treatment.
4. Sodium Chloride (0.8%)
This is used for injection purposes.
5. Water (87%)
It works as the substrate in the solution.
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How Does Aqualyx Work?
The working principle of Aqualyx is called ‘Aquaplasty’ or ‘Aqualysis’. As soon as the aqueous solution is injected into the area of treatment, the sodium salt of deoxycholic acid starts changing the surface tension and the permeability of the fat cell membranes. This causes the cells to swell and burst eventually. In short, the injection liquifies the fat cells and destroys them permanently, releasing microdroplets of lipids into the bloodstream. Those are metabolized through our lymphatic system and excreted naturally (2).
Is Aqualyx Safe?
Aqualyx meets the health and safety standards applicable to all states of the European Union and received total CE (Conformité Européene) approval for use in the UK in December 2012. It is known to be the only registered fat removal injection in the UK market. Besides, Aqualyx is used only by registered and fully trained medical professionals. Hence, it is safe to use.
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Ideal Candidates For Aqualyx
An ideal Aqualyx candidate must be aged between 18 years and 60 years. She should have good overall health and moderate body weight with isolated fat pockets. However, it is not suitable for people with diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, active skin issues or infections (in areas of treatment), lipodystrophy, and other pathological conditions. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood-thinning medicines, etc., should also not opt for it.
Aqualyx Treatment Procedure
1. First, your physician administers a local anesthetic (lidocaine) to ease discomfort during the procedure.
2. the Aqualyx solution is injected into the target area using a special needle called a ‘cannula.’ Usually, the fanning technique is used for maximum coverage while minimizing the number of injection sites. (Sometimes, physicians add the anesthetic to Aqualyx rather than using them separately.)
3. Finally, an ultrasound device is applied all over the treated area of the skin. The pulses generated by the device help move the liquid in and out of the fat cells. As a result, they dissipate and are excreted through urine.
Required Number Of Sessions
Depending on the size of the target area and the amount of fat to be eliminated, you may need to undergo 2 to 8 sessions of Aqualyx, 3 to 4 weeks apart. Each session should take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. The results will start showing in 4-5 weeks.
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Aftercare To Follow
Swelling, light bruising, and minimal discomfort are expected after the treatment. However, these will settle down within 5-7 days. You can use a cold compress for the swelling and painkillers prescribed by your physician for the discomfort. Do not take anti-inflammatory medication for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
Recovery And Downtime
Aqualyx treatment comes with minimal to no downtime. You can start your regular activities within 4-5 days. But stay away from strenuous activities, demanding physical exercise, swimming, etc., for 2-3 weeks to ensure complete recovery.
Risks And Complications
Some mild side effects, like redness, swelling, itchiness, irritation, tenderness, numbness, etc., are temporary and usually resolve in a few days. No common adverse side effect of Aqualyx has been reported until now.
How Long Does Aqualyx Last?
The results of Aqualyx treatment are permanent as long as you follow a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and a regular exercise regime.
Cost Of Aqualyx
The treatment cost can vary from $300 to $650 per session based on the size of the skin’s treatable area.
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Summary
Aqualyx, introduced in 2009, is a targeted alternative to liposuction designed explicitly for localized fat reduction in stubborn areas. Also known as ‘injection lipolysis,’ it dissolves fat cell membranes using a specialized compound solution. Aqualyx treats areas like the chin, stomach, thighs, and hips, offering body contouring rather than weight loss. Comprising plant-based compounds, it utilizes deoxycholate, altering fat cell membranes and releasing lipids, which are naturally excreted, into the bloodstream. Aqualyx is deemed safe, meets EU health standards, and is approved for UK use. Treatment requires 2-8 sessions, with results appearing in 4-5 weeks.
References:
- “Aqualyx“, Consulting Room
- “Aqualyx Injections: The Controversial Fat Fighting Jab,” Diet Pills Watchdog