Deso vs Aqualyx – Which fat dissolver is right for your clients?

Many people want to get rid of stubborn fat without having surgery. They’re looking for treatments that work without a long recovery or being put to sleep. This is where fat-dissolving injections come in. 

They provide a way to target those annoying fat pockets that just won’t go away, even with diet and exercise. Two popular options for these injections are Deso and Aqualyx. Both target unwanted fat, but they have slightly different ways of working. 

As a professional, it can be tough to decide between these two choices.  So, we’ll explain how each one works, what kind of results you can expect, who they’re most suitable for, and when to pick one over the other.

What Are Injectable Fat Dissolvers?

Fat dissolving injections target the fat cells and break them down from the inside. When you inject these solutions into areas like double chins, love handles, or belly fat, they attack the walls of fat cells and destroy them permanently.

Once fat cells are broken down, your body naturally gets rid of them over the next few weeks through its lymphatic system. This means the fat is permanently gone; those specific fat cells can’t return or get fat again.

Deso (Deoxycholic Acid) Deep Dive

Deso is a treatment that utilises a laboratory-made version of a substance your body already produces. Your liver naturally creates deoxycholic acid to help digest the fats in your food. 

Deso injections target and break down unwanted fat cells in areas where you want to reduce fat. When Deso is injected into your fat, it breaks down the outer layer of the fat cells. Once those cells are open, the fat inside leaks out and your body naturally gets rid of it.

You’ll likely need 2 to 4 treatment sessions, with each one 6 to 8 weeks apart. You should start noticing changes about 4 weeks after your first treatment, and the full results will be visible around 12 weeks.

You may feel some swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site. A few people also experience temporary numbness or a firm feeling under their chin.

Aqualyx Comprehensive Overview

Aqualyx works differently to get rid of fat cells. Instead of using one specific ingredient (deoxycholic acid), it also uses phosphatidylcholine. This is a substance that’s found naturally in the walls of your cells.

Aqualyx is commonly used on areas such as love handles, inner thighs, knees, arms, and even small areas of belly fat. This flexibility makes it appealing to practitioners who want one product for multiple treatment areas.

The treatment process is similar – small injections into the fat layer – but the technique can vary depending on the area being treated. Larger areas may require more injections, spaced further apart.

You’ll likely need 2 to 6 sessions of treatment, depending on how big the area is and how much fat you want to lose. These sessions are usually 4 to 6 weeks apart. You’ll start to see results in about 3 to 4 weeks, and the full effects will be clear 8 to 12 weeks after your last treatment.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that you know what each treatment offers, let’s put them side by side. This will make it easier to choose the right option for different clients.

• Pain levels and patient comfort: Most clients report that Aqualyx injections feel slightly more painful than Deso, though both treatments involve some discomfort that’s manageable with a topical anaesthetic or ice.
• Recovery time: For both treatments, you can expect 3 to 7 days of swelling and soreness. However, Aqualyx treatments often cause more noticeable swelling at first, which might look a bit more concerning to some people.
• Number of sessions required: For Deso on a double chin, you’ll usually need 2 to 4 sessions. With Aqualyx, you might need 2 to 6 sessions, depending on where you’re getting treated. Bigger areas on your body will generally require more visits.
• Duration of Results: Both of these treatments permanently get rid of fat cells. This means your results will last as long as you maintain your weight, and there’s no real difference in how long the results last between the two.
• Safety Protocols: Deso has more standardised protocols, as it’s FDA-approved, with specific guidelines, while Aqualyx offers more flexibility in technique but requires more practitioner judgment and experience.

Client Suitability Assessment

Not every client is a suitable candidate for fat-dissolving injections. Here’s what we look at to figure out if these treatments are a good fit for someone.

• Pinchable Fat: These treatments work best on small, stubborn pockets of fat you can easily pinch, not on large areas of loose skin or widespread body fat. Think of it like targeting specific, annoying bulges.
• Good Skin: For the best results, your skin needs to be elastic and able to snap back after the fat is gone. Younger people or those with naturally firm skin usually see smoother outcomes without sagging.
• Health Matters: We can’t treat you if you have bleeding problems, infections in the treatment area, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain autoimmune conditions. We’ll also check for any allergies to the treatment ingredients.
• Healthy Habits: The most satisfied clients are those who maintain a steady weight, exercise regularly, and understand that results happen gradually, not overnight.
• Age and Hormones: While there’s no strict age cutoff, if you’re over 50, your skin might not bounce back as well, and healing can be slower. Also, hormonal changes (like those from menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid problems) can affect how your body handles the dissolved fat.

You may also like to read: Lemon Bottle Fat Dissolving :What is it and is it safe?

Final Thoughts

Both Deso and Aqualyx are great for getting rid of unwanted fat, but picking the right one depends on what you need and what your client wants. If you’re primarily looking to treat a double chin and prefer an FDA-approved product, Deso is likely your best option. 

It has a strong history of working well and comes with clear instructions for use. No matter which treatment you choose, the most important things for success are making sure it’s right for the client,  selecting the best product for the area being treated and the client’s individual needs.

FAQs

What’s the key difference between Deso and Aqualyx regarding FDA approval? 

Deso is FDA-approved for specific uses, offering an extra layer of regulatory assurance, while Aqualyx does not currently hold FDA approval.

Which fat dissolver is often preferred for treating a double chin? 

Deso is frequently the go-to choice for double chin treatments due to its FDA approval and established protocols for this area of treatment.

How do I decide whether to use Deso or Aqualyx for a client? 

The best choice depends on your client’s specific needs, the treatment area, and whether FDA approval is a priority for that particular application.

Are the results from Deso and Aqualyx permanent? 

Once fat cells are dissolved, they are permanently removed, but maintaining results requires a healthy lifestyle to prevent new fat accumulation.