Why Fat Melting Injections Are Banned In Singapore [What To Try Instead]

Are you having difficulty with areas of stubborn fat that refuse to reduce? You may have heard about injection lipolysis, a treatment claiming to be able to dissolve fat cells and eliminate unwanted deposits from the body. Unfortunately, if you're located in Singapore, unfortunately this procedure is not available there yet.
In this article, we'll explore why fat melting injections are banned in Singapore, and what alternatives are available for those looking for body contouring and weight loss treatment.
What Are Fat Melting Injections?
Injection lipolysis, or fat melting injections, are the latest trend in body sculpting. Utilizing deoxycholic acid to dissolve stubborn and unwanted fat cells from areas such as submental (double chin) area or other parts of the body, this injection can drastically improve your appearance. How does it work? The deoxycholic acid breaks down the fatty cell membranes leading them to be naturally eliminated through our lymphatic system.
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Why Were Fat Melting Injections Banned in Singapore?
Fat melting injections were banned in Singapore in 2018 by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) due to safety concerns and effectiveness questions.
Safety Concerns
One of the paramount safety considerations regarding fat melting injections is their potential to cause certain reactions. In some cases, deoxycholic acid can result in painful swelling and bruising around the injection site or even nerve damage or tissue death (necrosis) in severe cases.
Effectiveness Questions
Singapore has decided to prohibit fat melting injections due to the uncertainty of results. It is uncertain if these treatments actually work for everyone, and there's a possibility that all the melted fat may come back eventually. Furthermore, other modern body contouring techniques have been known to give better outcomes than this form of treatment can provide.
Alternatives to Fat Melting Injections
While fat melting injections are not available in Singapore, there are still effective alternatives for those looking for body contouring and weight loss treatment.
CoolSculpting

Harnessing the power of controlled cooling, CoolSculpting/Fat freeze is an FDA-approved treatment that safely and effectively eliminates fat cells without any incisions or injections. With no downtime required after your session, this noninvasive procedure can help you sculpt targeted areas such as your abdomen, thighs, and arms with ease!
Liposuction

For those who desire larger area of fat removal, liposuction is an ideal solution. An invasive procedure that extracts excess fat from the body through suctioning, it can be conducted under local or general anesthesia based on the size and scope of work required. After completion, a few days rest for recovery should be expected without fail. All in all, this method proves to offer more effective results than non-surgical options like CoolSculpting/fat freeze.
Radiofrequency Treatments

Radiofrequency treatments, are a non-invasive means to destroy fat cells and stimulate the production of collagen. Though they won't be as successful in removing larger areas of fat compared to liposuction procedures or fat freeze treatments, these treatments can still deliver impressive results if you commit to multiple sessions - perfect for anyone looking for a more natural alternative!
It's critical to be cognizant that these treatments are not a substitute for healthy eating habits and physical activity. Although they may assist with body shaping and weight loss, the best outcomes will come from exercising in tandem with these treatments. All in all, although fat melting injections are prohibited in Singapore, powerful alternatives remain available for those seeking body sculpting or slimming down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they may help reduce belly fat if other methods such as exercise and diet have been ineffective in doing so. They may also be used on other areas such as double chin. However, it is important to note that any positive effects might not be permanent without repeated treatments or lifestyle changes.
Common side effects can include pain, swelling and bruising around the injection site or even nerve damage or tissue death (necrosis) in severe cases. It is important to consult a medical professional before considering this procedure.
The effects of the injection are not permanent, so repeat treatments may be required to maintain results.
The effectiveness of fat melting injections is uncertain and results may vary from person to person.