Fat-reducing treatments are not generally described as painful, as the fat does not have the same infusion of nerves as the skin and muscle. However, as the treatment is delivered by needle and cannula, you will most likely feel some tiny needle pricks in the skin initially and a dull ache. The AQUALYX will be mixed with Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, making the rest of the procedure almost pain-free. You will most likely be surprised at how comfortable AQUALYX fat reduction can be.

Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks associated with having an Aqualyx treatment. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on these in more detail before proceeding with any treatment. Our team expertise and experience mean that we can assist you with side effects should you experience them. The main side effects experienced are bruising, swelling, and redness that can last up to a month. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as bruising. You will be given our out-of-hours mobile telephone number if you require urgent advice.

Many patients will see a good improvement after two treatments; however, some will require more depending on the area and amount of fat. A consultation with us will be able to inform you of the likely number of treatments you will require. We recommend two initial treatments with a single HIFU fat and skin tightening treatment. We will Re-assess the area one month after finishing this initial course.

The results of each Aqualyx treatment will take up to a month to develop, with skin tightening taking full effect around three months later.

Aqualyx Fat reduction and contouring are considered permanent treatments; however, lifestyle will also affect how long the effects will last. If you lead an unhealthy lifestyle with a high calorie/low exercise ratio, surrounding fat cells will enlarge to store the excess energy.

This treatment has the permanent effect of reducing the number of fat cells within a treatment area. However, if you live an unhealthy lifestyle, the remaining fat cells will enlarge and require further treatment.

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

• Reduce Fat, Carbohydrate and Sugar: Make a conscious effort to eat a healthy diet to support your fat reduction. Whilst we are working for your body to eliminate unwanted fat cell energy, you mustn't be eating an excess of calories from fat and high-sugar carbohydrates as this will only convert to energy within your remaining fat cells and develop fat in other areas of the body.

• Water: Drink at least 2 litres of water on the day of the procedure and after will help flush post-treatment toxins from building within the tissues and assist with the AQUALYSIS destruction of fat cells.

• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: As a natural consequence of inflammation from procedures such as Aqualyx, the body will temporarily produce high levels of free radicals. You can help combat this and support oxidative balance by eating more antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, kale and other leafy green vegetables, along with fruits like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

• Vitamin A-rich foods: Vitamin A is essential for epidermal (skin) growth, aiding in the reproduction and differentiation of cells. It’s also an immune-booster and anti-inflammatory nutrient. Vitamin A-rich foods include kale, spinach, beet greens and other leafy greens, carrots, and squash.

• Vitamin C-rich foods: You may already know that vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis. During wound healing, it also plays an additional role in helping to stabilize the structure of collagen. And on top of this, vitamin C boosts your immune function, sending in particular immune cells that can assist with wound healing. Vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, mustard spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

• Avoid UV sun exposure to the treated area for two weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or above.