Injectable Lipolysis — Double Chin Reduction

Injectable lipolysis at S-thetics Beauty targets submental fat — the localized deposit beneath the chin that creates the appearance of a 'double chin' — using a fat-dissolving injection administered by MDDr. Darina Šanšašvili. The active compound in injectable lipolysis formulations is phosphatidylcholine with deoxycholic acid (or deoxycholic acid alone in licensed products), which disrupts the cell membrane of adipocytes, causing them to release their fat content for elimination by the body's lymphatic system. Unlike surgical liposuction or cooling-based fat reduction, the injectable approach requires no anaesthesia, no incisions, and no device machinery — the entire session takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes. Two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart are typically required to achieve a visible reduction. The result is a more defined jaw-neck angle and reduced chin fullness.

Submental fullness (the double chin) is one of the most common aesthetic concerns for both men and women across all age groups, driven by genetic predisposition, weight, ageing, and anatomical factors. Despite being a focal and limited area, it is notably resistant to diet and exercise — the submental fat pad has a different lipid composition and metabolic activity compared to most other facial fat compartments, and does not respond proportionally to general caloric deficit. Injectable lipolysis addresses this by using a pharmacological agent that acts directly on the fat cell membrane. When injected into the submental fat layer, phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholic acid (or deoxycholic acid alone) emulsify the lipid droplets within the adipocyte, causing the cell membrane to break down. The fat cell contents — primarily triglycerides — are released into the interstitial space and cleared by the lymphatic circulation over four to six weeks. Because adipocytes do not regenerate after adulthood in response to simple fat-cell death (as opposed to hypertrophy), the reduction achieved is sustained, provided significant weight gain does not occur. At S-thetics Beauty, MDDr. Šanšašvili administers the injections using a fine-gauge needle across a grid of injection points in the submental zone, spaced to ensure even distribution of the product and consistent fat clearance. Local anaesthetic is typically mixed with the product or applied topically to minimise the transient stinging associated with the injection. The treatment area becomes swollen and firm for approximately four to seven days after each session — this is expected and indicates that the lipolytic process is underway. The swelling resolves as the lymphatic clearance progresses. Two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart are the standard course. The first session initiates the process; subsequent sessions target any remaining fat volume after the previous session's result is fully assessed. Clients typically see visible improvement from the first session, with the full result of each session apparent at the four-to-six-week mark. The final result is a reduced, more defined submental area and improved jaw-to-neck angle. This can be combined with other treatments — such as botulinum toxin for platysmal bands, thread lifting for skin laxity, or HA filler for chin projection — for a more comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation approach. Contraindications include active infection in the submental area, known allergy to the injected compound, thyroid or parathyroid disease (due to proximity of the treatment area to these structures), current anticoagulant therapy, pregnancy, and any injectable treatment in the same zone within the preceding four weeks.