Fat-Dissolving Injections in Myeongdong, Seoul
Quick answer: A fat-dissolving injection breaks down small, stubborn fat pockets under the chin, along the jawline and in the lower cheeks without surgery. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩69,000 per area (KRW, VAT excluded). Expect swelling for 2–5 days after each session. Most people need 2–4 sessions about a month apart, and treated fat cells do not return.
- Price from: ₩69,000 (per area)
- Session time: 15–20 minutes
- Downtime: Swelling for 2–5 days
- Sessions: Usually 2–4, about 4 weeks apart
- Results: Gradual, from about 4 weeks after each session
- Longevity: Treated fat cells do not return; stable weight keeps the result
- Best for: A small double chin, jowl fat and lower-cheek fullness
What is a fat-dissolving injection?
A fat-dissolving injection is a series of small injections that break down stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise do not shift, most often under the chin, along the jowls and jawline, and in the lower cheeks. It is a non-surgical way to refine your profile and create a cleaner jawline. It is not a weight-loss treatment and it does not tighten loose skin. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, fat-dissolving injections start from ₩69,000 per area and are given by licensed medical doctors.
How fat-dissolving injections work
Many fat-dissolving solutions are based on deoxycholic acid, a molecule similar to one your body uses to digest dietary fat. Injected into a fat pocket, it breaks down the membranes of fat cells, and the body clears the debris over several weeks. That clearing process causes a mild inflammatory response, which explains the swelling afterward. Deoxycholic acid is the active ingredient in Kybella, which is FDA-approved for fat under the chin. Other formulations are also used in Korea, and your doctor will tell you exactly which product is used and why.
Fat cells that are destroyed do not come back. The remaining fat cells can still grow if you gain weight, so a stable weight helps keep the result.
Who fat-dissolving injections suit
- A small, soft double chin that persists at a healthy weight
- Fullness along the jawline or early fatty jowls
- Lower-cheek fullness that hides the jaw angle
- Small body pockets, such as the bra line or upper arms
It is less suitable if the fullness comes mainly from loose skin, muscle or bone, or if there is a lot of fat. A wide jaw caused by muscle responds better to jaw Botox, and skin laxity to lifting. Your doctor pinches and examines the area to see how much is fat.
Areas and sessions
| Area | Typical sessions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under the chin | 2–4 | The most common area |
| Jawline and jowls | 2–4 | Often combined with the chin |
| Lower cheeks | 2–3 | Small amounts, placed carefully |
| Small body areas | 2–4 | Price depends on size |
Sessions are usually spaced about four weeks apart. See the fat-dissolving injection price page for current options. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.
Your session at Dernia, step by step
- Consultation in English — your doctor checks how much of the fullness is fat and explains the product and number of sessions.
- Marking — a grid is marked over the fat pocket, keeping a safe distance from the nerve that runs along the jawline.
- Numbing and injection — after a cold pack or numbing cream, small amounts are injected across the grid.
- Cooling — a cold pack calms the early stinging and swelling.
Downtime and aftercare
Swelling is expected and is part of how the treatment works. Under the chin it can be noticeable for two to five days, with tenderness, warmth and sometimes bruising or temporary numbness. Use cold packs, sleep with your head slightly raised, and avoid alcohol, saunas and hard exercise for a day or two. A scarf or high collar hides swelling well.
Results timeline
Swelling hides the change at first. Gradual slimming appears from about four weeks after each session, and the full result shows around two to three months after the last one. Most people need two to four sessions. See the fat-dissolving injection results guide.
Fat-dissolving injection vs alternatives
If your lower face looks wide, the cause may be fat, muscle or both; jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injection explains the difference. For a complete contour plan, the V-Line Contour Package combines fat dissolving with jaw Botox and HIFU lifting. If laxity is part of the problem, Shurink Universe HIFU can tighten the area once the fat has reduced.
Planning fat-dissolving injections around a trip to Seoul
Because of the swelling, have your first session early in your trip rather than just before photos or an important meeting. A full course takes two to four sessions about a month apart, so many visitors start in Seoul and continue on later trips. Flying is fine once you feel comfortable. Book a consultation and your doctor will plan the number of sessions with you.
Safety and who should avoid it
Fat-dissolving injections are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with an infection in the area, a bleeding disorder or difficulty swallowing. Lumps or swelling in the neck, such as an enlarged thyroid, must be checked before any treatment under the chin. Uncommon side effects include temporary irritation of the nerve along the jawline, which can make the smile look uneven for a few weeks, firm nodules and, very rarely, skin ulceration. Careful placement keeps these risks low. Browse our other treatments for the face and jawline.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need two to four sessions about four weeks apart. A small pocket may respond after two, while a fuller double chin usually needs three or four.
Does it hurt?
Expect a stinging or burning feeling for several minutes after the injections, followed by tenderness. Cold packs and numbing cream make it more comfortable.
Is the result permanent?
Fat cells that are destroyed do not come back. However, the remaining fat cells can grow with weight gain, so keeping your weight stable helps you keep the result.
Can I do this on a short trip?
You can have one session during a short stay, but a full course needs several sessions about a month apart. Plan for swelling for a few days after each one.
Which product do you use?
Several formulations exist, including deoxycholic acid-based solutions. Your doctor shows you the product, explains why it suits your area and answers any questions before treatment.
Can I combine it with jaw Botox?
Yes. When the lower face looks wide from both fat and muscle, the two are often combined in one visit for a slimmer jawline.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Related treatments
- Jaw Botox — slims a bulky jaw muscle
- Shurink Universe — HIFU lifting to tighten the jawline
- Dermal filler — chin filler that improves a soft profile
Price and results
Concerns and areas
Compare and packages
- Jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injection
- V-Line Contour Package — fat dissolving, jaw Botox and HIFU
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer