How long do fat dissolving injections take to work for submental fullness?

The injections are placed into the fat beneath the chin. The medicine disrupts fat cells, then the body clears the treated material over time. Early puffiness, tenderness, firmness, bruising, or uneven swelling can make the area look fuller before it looks smoother. One treatment may not provide the desired contour, particularly when the fat pad is prominent or skin laxity also contributes to the appearance of a double chin.

Follow the aftercare instructions from your injector and allow the swelling to settle before judging the contour. Avoid pressing or massaging the area unless specifically advised. Take comparison photographs in similar lighting and head position so gradual changes are easier to assess. At review, your clinician can decide whether the response is developing as expected and whether another session or a different approach is appropriate.

Contact the treating clinic promptly if pain, redness, warmth, or swelling is worsening rather than easing, or if you develop drainage, fever, trouble swallowing, or marked skin colour change. Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing or rapidly increasing swelling. New facial weakness or an uneven smile also deserves prompt assessment because the injection area is close to structures involved in facial movement.

Ask which part of the fullness is caused by fat and which part may be skin or muscle, when your follow-up should occur, how many treatment visits may be considered, and which symptoms should trigger an earlier call.