Fat Dissolving Injections aftercare
Expect significant swelling. It is not a complication — it is the treatment working, and it is the part people are least prepared for.
Ring rather than wait if you have
- Spreading redness, swelling that worsens after day two, or discharge
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- A cold sore developing in or near the treated area
- Swelling that is worsening after day three
Call 07721 823933. I would far rather see you and find nothing than have you wait it out overnight. If you cannot reach me and you are worried, contact NHS 111 or attend your nearest emergency department.
01The first 24 hours
- Marked swelling, tenderness and warmth in the treated area. Under the chin this can be considerable.
- A cool compress helps. Do not massage unless you have been told to.
- Sleep with your head elevated if the area is under the chin.
02The first week
- Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours and then reduces over one to two weeks.
- Firmness or small lumps in the area are common while it resolves.
- Do not book this within a month of an event.
A closer look
Keep the plan close at hand
Your instructions
Use the written aftercare plan for the treatment you actually received.
Your contact
Keep the clinic contact details available and seek help promptly for concerning symptoms.
Your review
Follow the agreed review arrangements. Do not wait for review if symptoms need urgent attention.
The urgent warning signs above take priority over routine follow-up.
Why these rules exist
The reasoning, not just the instruction
Why the swelling is this dramatic, and why that is the point
The treatment works by disrupting the membranes of fat cells, and the body then clears the debris through the lymphatic system. That clearance is an inflammatory process by design — the significant swelling, firmness and tenderness for several days is the treatment working, not a complication.
People who are told that in advance cope with it well. People who are not, understandably panic.
Why the result is judged at the end of the course
Each session addresses a proportion of the fat present, and the tissue needs six to eight weeks to clear and settle before the next. Assessing the result midway through means assessing swelling.
The cells cleared do not return, so what you are building is durable — though the cells that remain can still enlarge if weight increases.
03What to avoid, and for how long
| Strenuous exercise | 48 hours |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 48 hours |
| Saunas, steam rooms and hot baths | 1 week |
| Anything with a tight collar or strap over the area | a few days |
04What to expect, and when
Day 2–3
Peak swelling. The area will look worse than before treatment.
Week 1–2
Swelling resolves.
Week 4–6
Next session, if a course is planned.
Month 2–3
Result assessable.
Common questions
- How long does swelling last after fat dissolving injections?
- Day 2–3: Peak swelling. The area will look worse than before treatment. Week 1–2: Swelling resolves. Week 4–6: Next session, if a course is planned. Month 2–3: Result assessable.
- When can I wear make-up after fat dissolving injections?
- Once the skin surface is intact and any injection points have closed — usually within 24 hours. Use clean brushes or clean hands.
- When should I ring rather than wait?
- Spreading redness, swelling that worsens after day two, or discharge; Fever or feeling generally unwell; A cold sore developing in or near the treated area; Swelling that is worsening after day three.
- How long do fat dissolving injections take to settle?
- Swelling is significant for several days and firmness can persist for two to three weeks. That reaction is the treatment working rather than a complication. Each session is assessed once it has fully settled, not before.
- Do fat dissolving injections hurt?
- This is the least comfortable treatment offered here and it would be dishonest to say otherwise. The injections sting, and the area is swollen and tender for several days afterwards. People who are told that in advance cope with it well; people who are not, do not.
- How often should I have fat dissolving injections?
- Two to four sessions six to eight weeks apart, and then usually not again. The cells treated do not come back, so this is a course rather than an ongoing commitment.
This is general aftercare information. You will be given written aftercare specific to your treatment before you leave, and a direct number to reach me on. If anything here conflicts with what you were told in clinic, what you were told in clinic applies.
Sources and further reading
- NHS — Dermal fillers
- British Association of Dermatologists — patient information
- Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners
- Aesthetic Complications Expert Group
This is general aftercare information, not personal medical advice. What you were told in clinic takes precedence over anything on this page.
Get in touch
Book a consultation
Consultations are £30, and that comes off the cost of your treatment if you go ahead. No pressure to book anything on the day — if you are not sure whether you want treatment at all, that is still a good reason to come and talk.