Aqualyx®​ Fat Dissolving Injections

At Face Doctors Remuera, we offer Aqualyx®, a minimally invasive injectable treatment designed to target stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Whether it’s under the chin, jawline, abdomen, thighs, or flanks, Aqualyx® can help sculpt and contour your body with precision.

What Is Aqualyx®?
Aqualyx® is a fat-dissolving injectable solution made of deoxycholic acid, a compound naturally found in the body that helps break down dietary fat. It is FDA-approved in some markets and CE-marked in Europe for non-surgical fat reduction. Aqualyx® is an excellent alternative to liposuction for people seeking a non-surgical approach with minimal downtime.

How Does Aqualyx® Work?
Once injected into the targeted area, Aqualyx® disrupts fat cell membranes, causing the fat cells to break down. The liquefied fat is then metabolised and eliminated naturally through the lymphatic system. The surrounding tissues remain unaffected, making this a safe and precise method of contouring.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Most patients require 2–6 sessions, depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat. Sessions are spaced 4–6 weeks apart to allow proper metabolism of the destroyed fat cells.

Aqualyx® Face (AQF01): A gentler formula for treating double chin fat.
Aqualyx® Classic (AQX05): Suitable for body contouring in larger areas.

​Areas We Can Treat

• Double chin & jowls
• Upper arms
• Stomach & love handles
• Hips & thighs
• Knees & ankles
• Male chest (gynecomastia)

When Will Results Be Seen?
Initial changes can be noticed from 4 weeks post-treatment, with full results typically visible by 8–12 weeks after the final session. As the fat cells are permanently removed, results are long-lasting provided a stable weight is maintained.

Who Is Aqualyx® Best Suited For?

​Aqualyx® is best suited for:

• Individuals with small to moderate localized fat deposits
• Patients at or near their ideal weight
• Those looking for non-surgical body contouring

​It is not a weight loss solution but an effective contouring treatment.

Contraindications

​Aqualyx® is not suitable for patients who:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have severe liver or kidney disease
• Have uncontrolled diabetes or active skin infections
• Have allergies to deoxycholic acid or local anaesthetics

A detailed consultation at Face Doctors will determine your suitability.

Side Effects

​Common side effects include:

• Swelling, redness, bruising
• Tenderness or itching
• A firm or nodular feeling under the skin

​These typically resolve within 3–10 days. Rare side effects include infection, nerve irritation, or skin necrosis (extremely uncommon when performed by experienced clinicians).

Aftercare Instructions​
​

• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for 48 hours
• No strenuous exercise, heat exposure, or alcohol for 48–72 hours
• Sleep with your head elevated if treating the chin or jawline
• Stay well hydrated to support lymphatic drainage
• Ice packs may be used to reduce swelling if needed

CONTACT US NOW

Dr Mark Morunga Medical Director

Aqualyx® Pricing

Large Area
Body Large One treatment (2 x Vials =20mls) $1,150.00
Course of 3 $3,150.00
For example, abdomen, back and thighs, but this is dependent on volume of adipose tissue present.

Small Area
Body Small One treatment (1 Vial = 10mls) $750.00 
Course of 3 $2,100.00
For example, upper arms. back and thighs, dependent on volume of adipose tissue.
​
Pricing is dependent on the size of each area which is specific for that patient, as thigh, abdomen & other areas can vary significantly between patients, therefore this is the determining factor for the amount of product that is required to achieve a desired result for each patient.
An inpatient assessment is required. 
Therefore, the pricing listed is a guide only.

Aqualyx® Studies

1. Rotunda, A. M., et al. (2009). Injectable treatments for subcutaneous fat: clinical outcomes of ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid). Dermatol Surg.
2. Sykes, J. M., et al. (2014). ATX-101 for the reduction of submental fat: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial. J Am Acad Dermatol.
3. Rauso, R., et al. (2020). Deoxycholic acid for body contouring: a clinical review. J Cosmet Dermatol.
4. Izadpanah, A., et al. (2019). Intralipotherapy with Aqualyx®: Review of the literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg.
5. Busso, M., et al. (2015). Submental fat reduction with ATX-101: efficacy and safety in clinical trials. Plast Reconstr Surg.
6. Tiryaki, T. (2012). Aqualyx® lipolysis treatment: an alternative to liposuction for localised fat removal. J Aesthet Surg.
7. Duncan, D. I. (2014). Advances in injectable body contouring. Clin Plast Surg.
8. Finzi, E., & Spangler, D. (2015). Deoxycholic acid in facial aesthetics: a consensus statement. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
9. Palumbo, P., et al. (2018). Clinical outcomes in patients undergoing Aqualyx® lipolysis. J Plast Dermatol.
10. Dayan, S. H., et al. (2015). Long-term safety of deoxycholic acid injections for submental fat. JAMA Facial Plast Surg.
11. Sterodimas, A., & Nicolau, P. (2015). Lipolysis with deoxycholic acid in aesthetic medicine. Aesthetic Med J.
12. Calvisi, L. (2013). Aqualyx® injections for nonsurgical fat reduction: pilot study. J Cosmet Laser Ther.
13. Toth, B. A., et al. (2016). Efficacy of deoxycholic acid for body sculpting: a review. Aesthetic Plast Surg.
14. Tarantino, D., et al. (2019). Use of Aqualyx® in non-invasive lipolysis: clinical experience. J Dermatol Treat.
15. Park, T. H., et al. (2020). Use of injectable deoxycholate for body contouring in Asian populations. Dermatol Surg.