Fat Dissolving Injections vs CoolSculpting

There was a time when the only way to tackle stubborn pockets of fat that just wouldn’t shift, no matter how clean you ate or how many workouts you logged, was surgery. Liposuction was the go-to solution, and for some, it still is a great option for more dramatic results.

But non-surgical technology has come a long way. Treatments like CoolSculpting and Fat now offer effective alternatives for those looking for visible without downtime or the need for invasive procedures. Whether you want a non-invasive route or are still considering surgical fat removal, today’s options are more advanced, targeted, and flexible than ever before.

With the widely available non-surgical options like CoolSculpting and Fat Dissolving Injections (Aqualyx), the becomes which one? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a non-invasive fat reduction treatment. We explain the ins and outs: do they work, which one is best for different areas, how many sessions you’ll need, and more.

What is CoolSculpting?

During a treatment, a special applicator gently pulls the area of fat into a cooling device using light suction. The fat is then safely frozen without the surrounding skin. Over time, your body naturally removes these frozen fat cells.

CoolSculpting takes about 35–45 minutes, and you can get back to your day straight after with no downtime needed.

What are Fat Dissolving Injections?

Fat dissolving injections are a non-surgical way to reduce small, stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise. They work by injecting a specially formulated solution, like Aqualyx, directly into the area you want to treat.

The solution breaks down the fat cells, which are then naturally flushed out by your body over time. It’s a great option for areas like under the chin, around the jawline, or small bulges on the body. The is quick, and while you may need a few sessions for best results, there’s little to no downtime.

Fat Freezing (like CoolSculpting) works by freezing fat cells, which your body then naturally removes over time. Fat Dissolving uses injections to break down fat in targeted areas, which your body gradually flushes out.

Both aim to reduce stubborn fat, just in different ways!

What areas are best for fat freezing?

Traditionally or fat freezing is considered to be better for targeting larger or medium body areas. However, CoolSculpting has multiple advancements in their applicator size so areas can be targeted with the help of . Areas CoolSculpting can safely and effectively target are:

CoolSculpting is available at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, where we’ve performed over 50,000 OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling-freezing . or call . Our award-winning are available at our clinics in , , , and sister clinic in .

What areas are best for Fat Dissolving Injections?

It’s not very efficient to give so many injections to a medium or larger body area, that’s why fat dissolving injections are best for smaller, hard to treat areas like a double chin. So fat dissolving injections like Aqualyx are limited to small areas on the:

Looking to target a small, stubborn area like under the chin? at .

Do Fat freezing or Fat dissolving injections really work?

Both treatments can get great results for the ideal candidate. It should be noted that treatments have shown very impressive results and is the safest and most fat reduction .

In the case of Fat Dissolving Injections, clinical results show visible reduction in fat cells in the treatment area after a course of treatments.

Both treatments offer permanent fat cell removal, assuming patients maintain a healthy lifestyle post-treatment.

How many treatments do I need?

With all treatments, whether they are fat freezing or fat dissolving injections, the number you require varies. This is due to the amount of fat that needs treating and your goals.

With CoolSculpting at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, we always recommend a consultation. This is where our expert practitioners assess your concerns and treatment goals. Depending on the expected results, you may need more than one CoolSculpting treatment.

Aqualyx may require 2–8 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. For the neck or chin, 1–3 sessions are common. For areas like the hips and thighs, up to 8 sessions may be .

When will you see the results?

With CoolSculpting, results may appear as early as 4–6 weeks after treatment, with full results visible over 3 to 6 months as your body naturally eliminates the treated fat cells.

With Fat Dissolving Injections, results can also be seen within 4–8 weeks, depending on the number of treatments and the area being treated.

Fat Dissolving or Fat Freezing – which one is right for you?

It depends on the area you’d like to treat, how comfortable you are with needles or sensation, and your personal preferences. A consultation helps us find the best option to match your body and goals, so you get the results you’ll love.

Both are considered non-invasive, but fat injections involve needles and may be less suitable for needle-averse patients. In contrast, CoolSculpting is completely needle-free and generally more comfortable due to its cooling numbing effect.

As mentioned previously, is the more appropriate treatment for larger areas but with the addition of Mini, smaller areas like the chin can be tackled too. Aqualyx is limited to treating smaller areas, but practitioners do also use it on fat deposits on the abdomen, thighs etc. Perhaps if you don’t have enough pinchable fat under your chin, Aqualyx might be the answer. As CoolSculpting involves significantly less downtime than Aqualyx and requires fewer sessions, it can be the more cost-effective for .

Fat dissolving injections can a series of small injections, which some people find a bit uncomfortable. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, uses cooling to numb the area, making the experience much more comfortable for most .

Ready to see what’s right for you? Book a consultation at or at .

CoolSculpting at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic in London, Bucks, Northampton, Bournemouth & Birmingham

At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, we believe in the science and results of CoolSculpting. With applicators like , CoolAdvantage, and , we can treat both large and small areas in the same session.

Having performed over 50,000 treatments, we are proud to be the one of the top CoolSculpting clinics in the UK. Our experienced specialists at our , , ,  clinics and our sister clinic in  ensure you receive safe, customised care.

Aqualyx at Tracie Giles London

Want to target smaller, stubborn fat deposits, especially under the chin with minimal downtime? Tracie Giles London offers Aqualyx injections in a discreet, luxurious setting. Our specialists will create a treatment plan tailored to your facial profile and contouring goals.

Next step: Book a consultation

Whether you’re looking to treat a small bulge under the chin or contour your abdomen and thighs, CoolSculpting and Fat Dissolving Injections offer effective, non-surgical results.

Start your body confidence journey now – no surgery, no downtime, just results.

Book your consultation at our clinics and get summer-ready with confidence:

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* Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, and history. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic's medical practitioners assess every patient on an individual basis. A plan is advised only if there is a physical and/ or psychological indication for treatment and we will review and monitor your progress. At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, we do not provide injectable treatments to anyone under 18 years old. Please do not be offended if you look under 25 years old and you are asked for identification. By law the minimum age for these treatments is 18. Copyright © The Cosmetic Skin Clinic is a trading name of TPC Group Limited (company number ). All rights reserved. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to The Cosmetic Skin Clinic with and specific direction to the original content.