Fat-dissolving injections are a popular way to refine small pockets of fat on the face in Seoul. Here is how they work, what they cannot do and how to fit a course of sessions around travel.
Fat-dissolving injections use an injectable solution that breaks down small, stubborn fat pockets, most often under the chin, along the jowls or on the cheeks. The body clears the treated fat gradually over several weeks. They are not a weight-loss treatment and do not tighten loose skin. Most people need 2–4 sessions two to four weeks apart, with swelling for 2–5 days each time. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, they start from ₩69,000 per facial area per session, or ₩189,000 for a three-session course (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What are fat-dissolving injections?
Fat-dissolving injections, sometimes called lipolysis injections or by various Korean product names, deliver a solution into a small pocket of fat beneath the skin. The active ingredients disrupt the membranes of fat cells in the treated area. Your body's immune and lymphatic systems then clear the released fat gradually over the following weeks.
Several formulations are used in Korea. Some are based on deoxycholic acid, a molecule similar to a natural bile acid that helps the body break down fat; others combine different ingredients. Your doctor should tell you exactly which product they recommend for your area and why. Read more on our fat-dissolving injection page.
Which areas are fat-dissolving injections used for?
- Under the chin (submental fat). The most common area, for a cleaner jaw-to-neck angle. See double chin treatments.
- Jowls. Small fat pockets along the jawline that blur its outline.
- Cheeks. Lower cheek fullness in some people seeking a slimmer V-line, used carefully to avoid hollowing.
- Small body areas. Such as the upper arms or lower abdomen, using larger volumes.
How does treatment work, step by step?
- English consultation. The doctor pinches and examines the area to confirm the fullness is fat, not loose skin, muscle or a gland, and agrees the product, number of areas and price.
- Marking. A grid is drawn over the fat pocket so the solution is spread evenly.
- Numbing. Topical numbing cream or ice may be used.
- Injection. Small amounts are injected into the fat layer at each grid point. A warm or stinging sensation for a few minutes is common with some products.
- Cooling and aftercare. A cool pack eases discomfort, and you receive written instructions in English.
Limitations: what fat-dissolving injections cannot do
Fat-dissolving injections are a useful tool, but expectations need to be realistic. These are the main limitations:
- Not for weight loss. They treat small, localized pockets, not overall body weight.
- No skin tightening. If skin is loose, removing fat can leave it looking slack. Lifting may be needed alongside or instead.
- Muscle and bone are unaffected. A square jaw from a bulky masseter muscle responds to jaw Botox, not fat injections. Compare them in jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injection.
- Gradual results. Change appears over weeks and usually needs several sessions.
- Weight gain still matters. Treated fat cells are cleared, but remaining fat cells can enlarge if you gain weight.
- Not for every face. Over-treating the cheeks can create hollowness, especially with age.
Usually a good fit
- A small, pinchable fat pocket under the chin or along the jowls
- Stable body weight
- Reasonably firm skin
- Time for a course of 2–4 sessions
Talk to the doctor first
- Loose skin or sagging as the main concern
- Swallowing difficulties, thyroid or neck problems
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or active infection
- Allergy to any component of the solution
A simple way to think about it: if you can pinch a soft pocket between your fingers and it stays there when you tilt your head up, it is more likely to be fat. If the fullness disappears when you lift the skin upward, laxity is probably a bigger factor. The doctor will confirm this in person.
Results timeline
| When | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Day 0–1 | Swelling, warmth and tenderness; the area may look bigger at first |
| Days 2–5 | Swelling eases; mild bruising or numbness possible |
| Weeks 2–4 | Early reduction becomes visible; time for the next session |
| 6–8 weeks after the last session | Full result as the body finishes clearing fat |
See fat-dissolving injection results for more on what to expect across a course.
Is it safe? Side effects and risks
- Common: swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising and temporary numbness. Under the chin, swelling can be noticeable for several days.
- Less common: firmness or small nodules that soften over weeks; temporary skin sensitivity.
- Uncommon: uneven results that need an extra session, or hair loss in a treated beard area.
- Rare: nerve irritation along the jaw causing a temporarily uneven smile, skin ulceration, or difficulty swallowing. Contact the clinic promptly if these appear.
Avoid unlicensed injection services or unapproved products sold online. A licensed doctor should confirm the diagnosis, choose the product and manage any reaction. Read side effects and when to contact us.
How much do fat-dissolving injections cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | What it covers | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| One facial area, 1 session | For example, under the chin | ₩69,000 |
| Two facial areas, 1 session | Under the chin and jowls | ₩129,000 |
| One facial area, 3-session course | About ₩63,000 per session | ₩189,000 |
| One body area, 1 session | For example, upper arms or lower abdomen | ₩199,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. Full details on the fat-dissolving injection price page.
Fat-dissolving injections vs device-based options
Injections are not the only non-surgical way to reduce small areas of facial fat. Several energy-based devices are also used in Seoul, and for some visitors they fit a short trip better.
- InMode Mini FX uses radiofrequency designed for small fat pockets under the chin and along the jowls, and is often combined with Forma for skin tightening. At Dernia, one area starts from ₩129,000 per session. See InMode Forma and Mini FX.
- Onda Lifting uses microwave energy to heat fat and the deeper layers of the skin, targeting lower-face fullness and mild laxity together. At Dernia, it starts from ₩199,000 for 30,000 J.
- Combined plans are common: a device for tightening plus one or two injection sessions for a stubborn pocket.
Injections usually give a more targeted reduction in one small pocket, while devices are better at addressing fat and skin quality at the same time. Your doctor will explain which approach suits your anatomy, budget and how many times you can visit. Like injections, devices work gradually, and none of these options replaces surgical liposuction for larger volumes. Dernia does not offer surgical liposuction.
Planning a course around your Seoul trip
Because sessions are spaced two to four weeks apart, a full course rarely fits a short holiday. Options include having one session during your trip and continuing at home, or planning a longer stay or return visit.
- Book ahead. Send photos and your dates through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day and important photo days, as swelling under the chin can be noticeable.
- Consider alternatives. If you can only visit once, a device-based option may suit better; ask the doctor.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? You can usually fly a day or two after treatment. Swelling may persist, so a scarf or high collar can help. See what if I cannot finish a series.
Frequently asked questions
Do fat-dissolving injections really work?
They can reduce small, localized fat pockets when used in the right areas and patients. Results are gradual and usually need two to four sessions.
Are fat-dissolving injections permanent?
Treated fat cells are cleared by the body, but remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain, so maintaining a stable weight matters.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need two to four sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart.
How much swelling should I expect?
Swelling usually lasts two to five days, and under the chin it can be quite noticeable at first.
How much are fat-dissolving injections in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong they start from ₩69,000 per facial area per session, or ₩189,000 for a three-session course on one area, excluding 10% VAT.
Can they slim a square jaw?
Not if the width comes from the masseter muscle. Jaw Botox treats muscle bulk, while fat-dissolving injections treat fat.
Considering fat-dissolving injections in Seoul?
Send us photos and your travel dates. A doctor checks whether the fullness is fat, muscle or loose skin and explains a realistic plan and price in English.
Book a consultation View 2026 pricesRelated reading
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.