Fat Dissolving Injections
Dr. Nadine uses Celluform and Celluform + which are injectable lipolytics made in Italy by PromoItalia. They are often referred to as fat dissolving injections and are used to reduce small areas of localised fat deposits on the face and body, to contour areas such as hips, thighs, arms, the abdomen, and double chins.
Both products contain the active ingredient deoxycholic acid which disturbs the fat cells allowing them to eject their fatty content so the body can metabolise and eliminate the fat permanently over several weeks. Celluform is used to treat areas of the body and Celluform+ is ideal for treating double chins.
Fat-dissolving injections with Celluform are not a weight-loss treatment or indicated for the removal of very large areas of fatty tissue. This is not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Results vary for each individual and are permanent once weight is maintained.
Find out more about Fat Dissolving Injections
What is it composed of?
The active ingredients in Celluform are Phosphatidylcholine (soy lecithin) and Deoxycholic Acid. It also contains Nicotinamide (Vitamin PP) which is a vasodilator that increases the circulation in the area treated, plus amino acids.
Celluform+ contains Deoxycholic Acid and has the addition of Arnica to decrease redness and inflammation. This is what makes Celluform+ unique in comparison to other fat-dissolving agents.
Deoxycholic Acid is a secondary bile acid that is produced naturally in our bodies by intestinal bacteria as we metabolise and digest food. In our bodies, it is used to emulsify fats for absorption in the intestines. We can therefore use the action of this ingredient to break down undesired fat cells within other areas of the body and many products are available containing derivatives of Deoxycholic Acid which are used for injection lipolysis procedures.
Phosphatidylcholine is derived from soya as soy lecithin and is a common food additive. It has anti-cholesterol and anti-triglyceride properties so helps the body to eliminate fat as well as convert it into energy.
How does it work?
Celluform is injected into the subcutaneous tissue under the skin where the fat cells are found. It dissolves the cell membrane of each fat cell or adipocyte. This process is called cell lysis and causes the stored (liquid) fat to be released from the cell. The body then naturally metabolises this liquid fat and it is removed from the body. The fat cells are destroyed permanently.
What happens during treatment?
The needles used to deliver the product are thin, so it is regarded as a tolerable and not very painful treatment.
On average, you will need 4-6 treatments with Celluform for body treatments, usually 1 session every 4 weeks. For face treatment, you will be recommended to have a treatment session once every 6 weeks and will need 2-3 treatments in total. Some people do get good results from a single session however, a course is usually recommended for optimal reduction in fatty deposits.
A treatment session takes approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
You will be advised to massage the area three times per day and drink at least 2 litres of water per day post-treatment to help your body to metabolise and expel the fat.
You should avoid sources of heat such as sunbathing, steam rooms or saunas for 2 weeks post-treatment and avoid strenuous exercise for a week.
Contradictions for treatment
Those with a known allergy to any of the ingredients or who have certain medical conditions, including scleroderma, lupus or autoimmune conditions are not suitable for treatment with Celluform or Celluform Plus.
The treatment is not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Duration of Effects
Expect to see initial results after approximately 4 weeks as your body starts to break down and rid the fat cells. The full effect will take longer, and a course of several treatments is usually recommended for the full and optimised effect. You may also be offered a review for future maintenance, as although results are permanent, that is dependent on lifestyle and future weight gain. You will be advised to follow a good diet and take regular exercise to maintain your results.
Reported Side Effects
Common side effects include redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising at the injection site and in the treated area. You may also have a tight or tingling feeling, both during treatment and for a short period of time afterwards. This is due to the action of the active ingredients working on your fat cells and beginning the process of elimination. The area may also feel a little numb or itch for a few weeks post-treatment.
The expected downtime for all the above side effects is a week to ten days.
Cost of Treatment
Celluform+ to treat double chin
2-3 sessions necessary. €400 per session
Celluform to treat body areas
4-6 sessions necessary. €300 per session