Targeting stubborn areas
Fat-dissolving injection (Kabelline)
What is fat-dissolving injection?
Fat-dissolving injection is a treatment in which a drug is injected directly into the subcutaneous fat layer to address fat cells. It is one option for volume care in areas that are difficult to slim with diet or exercise, including under the chin, the jawline, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, back, and calves.
At our clinic we use Kabelline®, whose main ingredient is deoxycholic acid. By using anesthesia together with a blunt-tipped cannula, we take care to reduce the risks of pain and bruising.
*Kabelline® is a drug not approved in Japan and is obtained via personal-import by the physician. For details, please refer to the “Self-pay treatment / drug information” section at the bottom of this page.
WORRIES — Recommended for
・Those concerned about laxity under the chin
・Those who want a more refined jawline
・Those with localized concerns on the upper arms, abdomen, or thighs
・Those troubled by stubborn areas that diet alone won’t address
・Those hesitant about liposuction
・Those wanting to keep downtime short
・Those who want to combine targeted care with diet and exercise
・Those preparing for an important event with localized refinement
FEATURE
A treatment expected to reduce the number of fat cells
Conventional dieting reduces the size of individual fat cells, while fat-dissolving injection is a treatment aimed at the fat cells themselves. Because a reduction in the number of fat cells in the treated area is expected, it is used for targeted care in regions that are hard to address through exercise or diet alone.
*Remaining fat cells can still enlarge with lifestyle factors, so maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is important.
Drug with deoxycholic acid as the main ingredient
At our clinic we use Kabelline®, which has deoxycholic acid as its main ingredient. Deoxycholic acid is known to act on fat cell membranes, and overseas, similar agents have been approved for the treatment of submental fat.
Care for pain and bruising
Anesthetic agents do not affect the efficacy of fat-dissolving injections, so we always use anesthesia in combination. We also use a blunt-tipped cannula to avoid blood vessels while distributing the drug over a wider area. Compared with using a sharp needle multiple times, this approach helps reduce the risk of bruising.
Injection technique adapted from liposuction
If the drug is concentrated in one spot, it only acts on that small area. At our clinic, we apply cannula techniques refined through liposuction to disperse the drug broadly through the subcutaneous fat layer. We carefully infiltrate the drug according to each patient’s pattern of fat distribution and area of concern.
Suitable for a wide range of areas
Treatment can be performed across a wide range of areas including under the chin, the jawline, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, back, and calves. From facial slimming to body-line maintenance, we can discuss options tailored to your concerns.
Important notes (risks, side effects, downtime)
| Treatment time | Approximately 15–30 minutes (varies depending on the area and dose) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Anesthesia is used to reduce pain during treatment. You may feel a brief pinprick at the time of injection. |
| Downtime | Swelling and redness may be noticeable for several days after injection. Swelling typically becomes less noticeable within 1–2 weeks, though it may last longer in some areas. |
| Makeup | Possible from the same day (please avoid rubbing the injection area firmly). |
| Face washing / shower | Possible from the same day. Please avoid baths, saunas, and vigorous exercise until the following day. |
| Notes | Post-injection swelling is considered “a sign that the drug is acting on fat cells,” and full resolution can take time. If multiple sessions are planned, please discuss the timing once swelling has subsided. |
| Main risks / side effects | Swelling, redness, bruising, pain, warmth, numbness, induration (lumps), skin irregularities, allergic reactions, etc. Risks specific to submental injections: Temporary asymmetry or drooping of the corner of the mouth due to effects on the marginal mandibular nerve, discomfort with swallowing, etc. Rare but serious side effects: Excessive swelling, infection, skin necrosis, nerve damage, persistent induration, etc. |
| Recommended sessions | 4–5 sessions at 3–4 week intervals are generally recommended. Single-session changes vary by individual; many patients find that multiple sessions make results easier to feel. |
| Those who cannot receive this treatment | Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with infection or inflammation at the injection site; those with bleeding tendencies; those taking anticoagulants; those with a history of allergy to deoxycholic acid or related ingredients; those with swallowing disorders; those prone to keloids; those with autoimmune disease; those with poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid disease; minors; or those whom the physician judges unsuitable for treatment. |
*The above is a general timeline; pain, downtime, and effects vary by individual.
*Treatment time does not include consultation.
*If you have any medical history, current medications, or allergies, please disclose them at examination.
*If the volume of fat is excessive, we may recommend alternatives such as liposuction.
FLOW — Treatment process
We listen to your concerns and treatment areas of interest, and the physician examines your skin and fat distribution. We explain treatment suitability, drug characteristics, expected effects, and risks, and propose a tailored plan. We also confirm allergies and medical history at this time.
For facial treatments, we ask you to remove your makeup (local disinfection only is also possible on request). We then disinfect the injection area and use icing to soften skin sensation in preparation.
The physician injects Kabelline® into the subcutaneous fat layer using anesthesia together with a blunt-tipped cannula. We apply techniques adapted from liposuction to disperse the drug broadly and proceed carefully.
After injection, we apply icing to help reduce swelling. We explain post-treatment instructions, the expected course, and the timing of the next session. We generally recommend 4–5 sessions at 3–4 week intervals.
Physician’s note
About fat-dissolving injection
Fat-dissolving injection has been gaining attention in recent years as an approach to localized volume that is hard to slim with exercise or diet. Older formulations were primarily plant-derived, with results that varied considerably from person to person. More recently, drugs whose main ingredient is deoxycholic acid have appeared, evolving the treatment toward a more clearly defined mechanism of action.
At our clinic we use Kabelline®, formulated around the concentration of deoxycholic acid. Fat-dissolving injection is not a treatment that aims for a dramatic change all at once — instead, it is a course-based treatment, generally given as 4–5 sessions at 3–4 week intervals, that gradually refines the area. It is chosen by patients who feel “I’m almost there with diet and exercise” or “I’m afraid of liposuction but want to refine a specific area.”
An important point is that while “a reduction in the number of fat cells is expected,” “the remaining fat cells can still enlarge depending on lifestyle.” After treatment, maintaining moderate exercise and a balanced diet is important to preserve the result.
Also, with submental injection, in rare cases temporary effects on the marginal mandibular nerve can cause asymmetry of the corner of the mouth. This usually resolves within a few weeks, but careful technique is especially important when injecting under the chin. At our clinic, we use anesthesia together with a blunt-tipped cannula and take care to avoid nerves and blood vessels.
Note that Kabelline® is a drug not approved in Japan. We ask that you fully understand the risks and benefits before proceeding. If you have an area of concern, please feel free to come for a consultation.
Together Menu — Recommended combinations
Depending on the area and concern, you may also discuss combining with masseter Botox or calf Botox, or with medical weight loss (Mounjaro®). Combining “facial refinement,” “overall body weight management,” and “targeted slimming” is popular among patients considering total body maintenance.
Q&A (FAQ)
- How soon will I notice changes?
-
It varies by individual, but many patients begin to notice changes within a few days to two weeks after treatment. Fat-dissolving injection is not aimed at a single dramatic change; it is a course-based treatment, with 4–5 sessions at 3–4 week intervals serving as a guide for gradually realizing the result.
- Will it really not rebound?
-
While a reduction in the number of fat cells is expected, we cannot guarantee that there will be no rebound. The remaining fat cells can still enlarge with lifestyle factors, so moderate exercise and a balanced diet are important. Pairing the treatment with a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to maintain your ideal state.
- Which areas can be treated?
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A wide range of areas with subcutaneous fat concerns can be treated, including under the chin, the jawline, cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, and calves. The appropriate dose and injection technique vary by area, so please discuss this at your examination.
- How does it differ from liposuction?
-
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes subcutaneous fat with a cannula, allowing for a larger change in a single session but with longer downtime. Fat-dissolving injection is a step-by-step approach via drug injection — downtime is comparatively shorter, but multiple sessions are required. The general guideline is “liposuction for a single, large change” and “fat-dissolving injection for targeted care with reduced downtime.”
- How painful is the treatment?
-
Anesthesia is used in combination, so pain during treatment is reduced. You may feel a brief pinprick at the time of injection. For several days afterward you may feel mild discomfort or pain at the injection site, which usually settles gradually.
- How long does post-treatment swelling last?
-
It varies depending on the area and dose, but mild swelling typically becomes less noticeable within 1–2 weeks. Post-injection swelling is considered “a sign that the drug is acting on fat cells,” and full resolution can take time. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
- Are there risks specific to submental injection?
-
With submental injection, in rare cases temporary effects on the marginal mandibular nerve can cause asymmetry or drooping of the corner of the mouth. These typically resolve within a few weeks. At our clinic, we use anesthesia together with a blunt-tipped cannula and take care to avoid nerves and blood vessels. If you notice any symptoms of concern, please contact us.
- Can it be combined with other treatments?
-
It can be combined with Botox (jaw, calves), medical weight loss, thread lift, and hyaluronic acid. It is recommended for patients who want to refine the facial and body line in a comprehensive way. Please discuss this at your examination.
- Can men receive this treatment?
-
We welcome male patients. We also treat concerns common in men, such as laxity under the chin and the abdomen. Please feel free to consult us.
- Can I receive this treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
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Because safety has not been established, we generally do not perform this treatment on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why patients choose us
Does fat-dissolving injection actually work? Does it differ between clinics?
Fat-dissolving injection is a treatment in which the drug used and the injection technique can make a noticeable difference in how results are felt. At our clinic, we use Kabelline®, which has deoxycholic acid as its main ingredient, combined with anesthesia, a blunt-tipped cannula, and injection techniques adapted from liposuction to disperse the drug broadly. If “diet alone hasn’t quite gotten me there” or “I’m afraid of liposuction but want to refine a specific area,” please feel free to consult us.
Self-pay treatment / drug information (details)
■ Self-pay treatment
This treatment is self-pay and not covered by Japanese national health insurance. All listed prices are tax-included. Please refer to the “Pricing” page for details.
■ Drug used
At our clinic we use Kabelline® (Korea). The main ingredient is deoxycholic acid (an ingredient known to act on fat cell membranes).
■ Approval status in Japan / use in other countries
Kabelline® is a drug not approved in Japan. It is obtained via personal-import by the physician. As a similar drug whose main ingredient is deoxycholic acid, “Kybella® / Belkyra®” is FDA-approved in the U.S. and EMA-approved in Europe for the treatment of submental fat (not approved in Japan). There is no Japan-approved drug with equivalent effects.
When non-approved drugs are used, treatment is outside the scope of the Pharmaceutical Side Effects Relief System in Japan. We are currently not aware of any reports of serious health damage in other countries.
■ Main risks / side effects
Swelling, redness, bruising, pain, warmth, numbness, induration (lumps), skin irregularities, allergic reactions, etc. With submental injection there are risks including asymmetry or drooping of the corner of the mouth due to temporary effects on the marginal mandibular nerve, and discomfort with swallowing. Rare but serious side effects reported include excessive swelling, infection, skin necrosis, nerve damage, and persistent induration. If a serious side effect is suspected, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.
■ Those who cannot receive this treatment
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with infection or inflammation at the injection site; those with bleeding tendencies; those taking anticoagulants; those with a history of allergy to deoxycholic acid or related ingredients; those with swallowing disorders; those prone to keloids; those with autoimmune disease; those with poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid disease; minors; or those whom the physician judges unsuitable for treatment.
Fat-Dissolving Injection
PRICE
*This pricing is currently available because we do not invest in paid advertising such as listing ads.
Set pricing available upon request.
| Fat-Dissolving Injection – Kabelline | Price |
|---|---|
| 4cc (area equivalent to half a palm) | Regular price JPY 35,000 → Campaign price JPY 25,000/session |
| Full vial 8cc (area equivalent to a full palm) | Regular price JPY 50,000 → Campaign price JPY 40,000/session |
*All prices include tax
*Magic needle and anesthesia are generally recommended.
Our Doctors
Chief Medical Director / Aesthetic Surgeon
Yuki Takamido, MD
Specialties
Aesthetic surgery / Oculoplastic surgery
Career
2014: Graduated from Mie University School of Medicine
2015: Meitetsu Hospital
2017: Fujita Health University Hospital — Assistant Professor
2020: Founded Flamingo Aesthetic Clinic
2021: Branch director, Shiromoto Clinic Aesthetic Surgery
2021: Co-founded Viviage Clinic (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
2022: Ace Clinic (Ichibikai Medical Corporation)
2023: Director, Sakae Aesthetic Clinic — Sakae branch
Currently: VIVIAGE ZONNE CLINIC (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
Areas of expertise
Hyaluronic acid filler, thread lift
Eyelid surgery (lower-eyelid fat removal for dark circles, transcutaneous & transconjunctival Hamra technique, midface lift, double-eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis surgery)
Aesthetic dermatology procedures
Society memberships
Japanese Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Days available
Wednesday, Friday (10:00–17:30)
Every other Saturday (please call to confirm)
Director
Minoru Horisawa, MD
Book a Consultation / Contact Us
If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Our consultation, including the doctor’s examination, is available free of charge.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–17:30 (Closed Thu, Sun)
T.O Building 4F, 3-33-30 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya — about a 4-minute walk from Yabacho Station