Fat Dissolving - PCDC / Lypolysis
For the one area that has never once responded to anything else.
There is a specific frustration that comes with a stubborn fat deposit that doesn't move. Not from consistency. Not from discipline. Not from doing everything right for an extended period of time and waiting for results that don't come. Some pockets of fat are simply resistant — determined by genetics, hormones, and anatomy rather than effort — and no amount of the right behaviour changes that.
Fat dissolving doesn't reward effort. It addresses biology. PCDC — phosphatidylcholine deoxycholic acid — is a naturally occurring substance in the body that, when injected into a targeted fat deposit, breaks down the cell membranes of the fat cells themselves. Those cells are then processed and eliminated through the body's natural metabolic pathways. They don't return. The fat cells treated are gone permanently.
This is not a weight loss treatment. It is a precision tool for a specific and stubborn problem. Used correctly, on the right candidate, for the right area — it works.
What it Treats:
PCDC/Lipolysis is most effective for small, localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is a body contouring treatment, not a substitute for lifestyle — and the best results come from clients who are already at or close to their ideal weight and want to address a specific area that simply won't respond.
Most effective for:
Submental fat — the double chin · Jowl area · Bra strap area · Inner thighs · Flanks and love handles · Upper arms · Knee area · Small localised deposits elsewhere on the body
What to Expect:
The treatment area is mapped and marked before injections begin. A topical numbing agent is applied to minimise discomfort, and the PCDC solution is injected in a systematic grid pattern across the treatment area using a fine needle.
The sensation during treatment is a mild burning or stinging — most clients find it manageable with numbing in place. The intensity varies with the size and sensitivity of the area being treated.
Post-treatment, significant swelling, tenderness, and firmness in the treated area is normal and expected — and importantly, it is a sign that the treatment is working. The inflammatory response is the mechanism. The fat cells are being broken down. This swelling typically peaks at two to three days and gradually resolves over one to three weeks.
The treated area will feel different — firm, warm, and tender — for several days after treatment. This is not a comfortable treatment in its recovery phase. Emily will be direct with you about what to expect so that the process doesn't feel alarming when it unfolds exactly as it should.
Plan for visible swelling for up to two weeks in the treated area, particularly for submental treatment where swelling is most noticeable. Most clients prefer to schedule this when they have flexibility around their social and professional commitments.
Results:
When: Initial improvement visible from four to six weeks as swelling resolves and the body processes the treated fat cells. Continued improvement over three to six months
How long: Permanent for the treated fat cells — they do not regenerate. Significant weight gain can create new fat deposits in any area including treated ones
What affects it: Number of sessions, volume of fat in the treatment area, individual metabolic rate, and weight stability after treatment
Most clients require two to four sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart for optimal results. The submental area often responds in fewer sessions than larger body areas. Emily will give you a realistic session estimate at consultation based on the area and volume being treated.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The ideal candidate for fat dissolving is an adult who is at or near a stable, healthy weight with a specific localised fat deposit that has not responded to diet and exercise. It is not appropriate as a general weight loss solution or for treating large areas of fat — and Emily will tell you directly if she doesn't think this treatment is the right approach for your concern.
Realistic expectations are essential. Fat dissolving delivers real, permanent reduction in a targeted area — but the change is gradual and requires patience through a recovery process that is more involved than most injectable treatments.
It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for clients with certain liver or kidney conditions, or for those with active infection in the treatment area. A full health history review is part of the consultation process.
A consultation is required before booking fat dissolving treatment. The assessment is important — it allows Emily to confirm that the area is appropriate for treatment, set accurate expectations about the number of sessions required and what the process involves, and ensure this is genuinely the right treatment for your specific concern.
The Questions People Actually Ask:
01. I've heard the swelling is significant. How bad is it really? Honest answer — it can be quite noticeable, particularly for submental treatment where the swelling sits visibly under the chin and jaw for the first week to two weeks. For body areas it's typically easier to manage under clothing. The swelling is not a side effect to be minimised in the description — it is the treatment working, and Emily will prepare you thoroughly for exactly what to expect and when. Clients who are well-prepared for the recovery process consistently have a much better experience than those who aren't.
02. Is the result really permanent? The fat cells that are treated are permanently destroyed and eliminated. They cannot regenerate. What can happen is that remaining fat cells elsewhere in the body can expand with significant weight gain — which is why maintaining a stable weight after treatment protects your results long-term.
04. How is this different from CoolSculpting? Both treatments eliminate fat cells non-surgically. PCDC injections use a chemical mechanism — the solution breaks down fat cell membranes directly. CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells. PCDC is generally better suited to smaller, more precise areas and involves more significant post-treatment swelling. The right choice depends on the area, the volume of fat, and the individual — which is a conversation worth having at consultation.
05. Will I need to take time off? For the submental area specifically — most clients prefer to have a few days of flexibility where they're not required to be visible professionally or socially. The swelling at its peak can be significant enough that people who see you will notice. For body areas, the swelling is more manageable under clothing. Emily will give you specific guidance based on the area being treated.
06. What if I'm not happy with the result after my sessions? Fat dissolving produces gradual results over months — the final outcome isn't assessable until three to six months after your last session. If you've completed the recommended course and results haven't met expectations, Emily will reassess and discuss whether additional sessions or a different approach makes sense. She will never recommend more sessions than necessary just to generate additional bookings — if the result is good, she'll tell you.
