Lipolysis Injections in Apgujeong, Gangnam Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
Lipolysis Injections · quick answer
What lipolysis injections do, in one paragraph
Lipolysis injections are a series of small injections that break down fat cells in a limited area, most commonly fat under the chin. The best-studied ingredient, deoxycholic acid, disrupts fat-cell membranes, and the body then clears the debris over several weeks. They suit people at a stable weight with a small, well-defined fat pocket, not general weight loss. At Ever Skin Clinic, a board-certified dermatologist first checks whether the fullness is fat, loose skin or muscle before planning doses and sessions.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D. Founder & Director, board-certified dermatologist. Dermatology residency at Hanyang University Hospital; adjunct professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine. Meet our dermatologists Last reviewed October 2026
- Ingredient
- Deoxycholic acid or other lipolytic formulas
- Best for
- Small fat pockets, especially under the chin
- Sessions
- Often 2 to 4, about 4 to 6 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Swelling, numbness or tenderness for several days
- Results
- Gradual, seen over about 6 to 8 weeks after each session
The treatment
What are lipolysis injections?
Deoxycholic acid is a molecule the body naturally uses to digest dietary fat. Injected in tiny amounts into a fat pocket, it damages the fat cells it reaches, causing a local inflammatory reaction that clears them over the following weeks. A purified deoxycholic acid product is approved in several countries specifically for fat under the chin; use in other areas is a doctor's off-label decision made case by case.
Fat cells that are destroyed do not grow back, but the remaining cells can still enlarge with weight gain, so results are long-lasting rather than permanent. For a broader look at products and body areas, see our lipolytic injections guide and double chin removal.
What lipolysis injections can and cannot do
- Can reduce a small, pinchable pocket of fat under the chin
- Can refine small areas such as the jowl edge or bra-line bulge
- Cannot replace weight loss or treat large fat volumes
- Cannot tighten loose skin; tightening needs a device such as RF or HIFU
- Cannot change fullness caused by muscle, glands or bone
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
The best candidates are close to their target weight, have a soft, pinchable fat pocket and reasonably firm skin. If the skin is already loose, removing fat may make laxity more visible, so your dermatologist may suggest combining injections with double chin lifting or another tightening treatment.
Lipolysis injections may suit you if you
- Have a double chin that persists despite a healthy weight
- Want gradual change without surgery or liposuction
- Have small, localised body bulges resistant to exercise
- Have good skin elasticity in the area
- Can allow several weeks between sessions
Your visit
What happens during treatment
The injection part takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the chin area.
- Assessment Your dermatologist examines the area, checks skin quality and confirms the fullness is mostly fat.
- Marking A grid is marked over the fat pocket, keeping a safe distance from the nerve along the jawline.
- Injection Small amounts are injected across the grid with a fine needle; numbing or ice keeps it comfortable.
- Review We explain expected swelling, and you return after about 4 to 6 weeks to decide if another session is needed.
Real patient · before & after
Slimming the lower face, step by step
This patient received masseter Botox only. It is not a lipolysis result: Botox slims muscle, whereas lipolysis injections reduce fat. We show it because many patients asking about a slimmer lower face need a mix of both, depending on what causes the width.
Your dermatologist will explain whether muscle, fat or loose skin is the main factor and which approach fits. Ask us for lipolysis-specific cases at consultation.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Swelling is expected and can be marked for several days, with tenderness, numbness, bruising and firmness under the skin lasting a week or more. Plan meetings, photos and flights with this in mind. Uncommon risks include temporary difficulty swallowing, and a temporarily uneven smile if the marginal mandibular nerve is affected, which is why careful marking matters.
Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection in the area, swallowing problems, a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, or have had previous surgery or fillers in the area.
Aftercare tips
- Expect swelling to peak in the first 1 to 3 days
- Use cold packs gently for comfort
- Avoid alcohol, saunas and hard exercise for a couple of days
- Do not massage the area unless your doctor advises it
- Contact the clinic if you have trouble swallowing or an uneven smile
Questions we hear every day
Lipolysis Injections FAQ
Are lipolysis injections painful?
Most patients feel stinging or burning for several minutes after injection, followed by tenderness. Numbing cream, ice and the fine needle help, and the discomfort usually settles within the session. Let your dermatologist know if you are sensitive.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people need two to four sessions, about four to six weeks apart, depending on the amount of fat and how it responds. Your dermatologist reviews your result after each session before deciding whether another one is worthwhile.
Are the results permanent?
Treated fat cells are cleared and do not return, so results are long-lasting. However, the remaining fat cells can still grow if you gain weight, so keeping a stable weight helps maintain the result.
How much swelling should I expect after a double chin treatment?
Swelling under the chin is normal and can be noticeable for about three days to a week, with firmness lasting longer. If you are travelling, plan treatment early in your trip and avoid important events in the first few days.
Lipolysis injections or a device like Onda: which is better?
Injections target small, defined pockets precisely, while devices treat broader areas and can also tighten skin. Some patients benefit from both. Your dermatologist will suggest an option based on the area size, skin quality and your schedule.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp. An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
