Background
Aqualysis or Aquaplasty is a now widely acceptable body contouring treatment. It is sometimes known under the ‘Aqualyx´ brand name and was launched back in 2013 in the United Kingdom. It performs through a series of injections that have a wide range of applications for treatment of localized fat deposits beneath the skin. The other brand name for Deoxycholic acid is Kybella.
This means that it can successfully be applied to areas such as the stomach, legs, buttocks and chin. Aqualyx has also been successfully applied for the treatment of Gynaecomastia; the fatty deposits around the nipple area in men which have caused breasts to develop due to excessive weight gain.
The Method
Aqualyx uses a special solution of Deoxycholic Acid which targets the subcutaneous fatty deposits. This solution has the chemical ability to alter both the surface of fat cell surfaces, which causes the cells to weaken creating more fragility of the cell wall.
This reaction of physical change occurs beneath the surface of the skin and as such, disrupts both the surface tension of the fat cells and the substance that are contained within them. This causes the fat cells to be disarranged by the solution that has been injected into the area.
The injections themselves contains measured amounts of Deoxycholic acid; a naturally occurring substance within the human body that encourages the breakdown of fat cells through absorption, allowing the minute fat droplets to be passed harmlessly and naturally out of the body via normal metabolism.
The Treatment
A local anaesthetic is administered to the injection site to make the treatment tolerable. This anaesthetic can be combined with the main treatment solution so as to minimise the amount of discomfort for the patient. Ultrasound can be applied to the targeted areas of fatty deposits to enhance the breakdown of adipose tissue.
The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the size of the area to be treated, but it can usually last between 15-30 minutes. The number of treatments required may vary from person to person, but it’s common for clients to have 2-8 sessions at around 4 weeks apart. As a rule of thumb, fatty deposits beneath the neck and chin may need 2-3 treatments to achieve visible results and up to 8 treatments may be needed for the more stubborn hip and thigh deposits.
Side Effects and Risks
Aqualyx and Kybella has been medically approved for age groups of 18-60 in both sexes. However, the side effects of such procedures are minimal but pregnant women or breast feeding mothers should avoid this type of technique. After the treatment, there may be some localised swelling and bruising but this can be effectively managed with painkillers and will subside in a few days.
Should the patient maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet, the effects of treatment can be considered to be long term.
If you would like further information about the process or specific advice from Dr Ash Dutta, please contact us at the Aesthetic Beauty Centre.