Fat Dissolving Injections in Korea: Complete Double Chin Guide (2025)
Tired of your double chin? Fat dissolving injections offer a non-surgical solution to reduce submental fat without liposuction. Korea has developed its own FDA-approved options that rival international brands at more competitive prices. Here's your complete guide.
What Are Fat Dissolving Injections?
Fat dissolving injections use deoxycholic acid (DCA)—a naturally occurring molecule—to permanently destroy fat cells. Once destroyed, these cells cannot store fat again, providing long-lasting results.
How It Works
- Deoxycholic acid injected into fat layer
- Cell membranes are disrupted
- Fat cells die (apoptosis)
- Body naturally eliminates dead cells
- Permanent fat reduction in treated area
Available Products in Korea
Current Market (Post-Kybella)
Allergan's Kybella (Belkyra in Korea) withdrew from the Korean market in 2020 due to competition. Korean alternatives now dominate:
| Product | Manufacturer | Status | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-Olet | Daewong Pharma | Market leader | 3+ years track record |
| Bellacollin | LG Chem | Newer | More affordable |
| Millifit | Medytox | Newest | 6th to market |
V-Olet (브이올렛)
Korea's leading fat dissolving injection:
- Active ingredient: Deoxycholic acid
- Approval: KFDA 2021
- Track record: Widely used, well-established
- Effect: Semi-permanent fat cell destruction
Bellacollin (벨라콜린)
LG Chem's more affordable alternative:
- Similar formulation to V-Olet
- Lower price point
- Same mechanism of action
- Good option for budget-conscious patients
Prices in Korea (2025)
V-Olet Pricing
| Sessions | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 session | ₩300,000 | $231 |
| 2 sessions | ₩540,000 | $415 |
| 3 sessions | ₩720,000 | $554 |
*Prices exclude VAT
General Fat Dissolving Injection Prices
| Category | Price Range (KRW) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Average | ₩173,402 | $133 |
| Budget | ₩50,000 - ₩100,000 | $38 - $77 |
| Standard | ₩150,000 - ₩300,000 | $115 - $231 |
| Premium | ₩300,000 - ₩600,000 | $231 - $462 |
Compared to Kybella (Before Withdrawal)
| Product | Price per Session | Sessions Needed | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kybella (was) | ₩700,000+ | 3 | ₩2,100,000+ |
| V-Olet | ₩300,000 | 3 | ₩720,000 |
| Bellacollin | ₩200,000-250,000 | 3 | ₩600,000-750,000 |
Treatment Areas
Most Common
| Area | Suitability | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Double chin (submental) | ★★★★★ | 2-4 |
| Jowls | ★★★★☆ | 2-3 |
| Cheek fat | ★★★☆☆ | 2-3 |
Body Areas (With Caution)
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Upper arms | Limited evidence |
| Abdomen | May need many sessions |
| Thighs | Large area = many injections |
| Bra fat | Some clinics offer |
Note: Double chin remains the primary FDA-approved indication. Body treatments are off-label.
Treatment Process
Before Treatment
- Consultation and assessment
- Photos for documentation
- Mark injection sites
- Optional numbing cream or ice
During Treatment (15-20 min)
- Area cleaned and marked
- Multiple small injections (12-20+ per session)
- Grid pattern for even distribution
- Massage to distribute product
- Ice application if needed
After Treatment
- Significant swelling expected
- Can return to work (but visible swelling)
- Full recovery 1-2 weeks
- Results appear as swelling subsides
Results Timeline
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Peak swelling ("bullfrog" appearance) |
| Week 1 | Swelling reducing, possible bruising |
| Week 2-3 | Most swelling resolved |
| Week 4 | Start seeing fat reduction |
| Month 2-3 | Results becoming clear |
| Month 3-6 | Final results (after all sessions) |
How Many Sessions Needed?
| Starting Condition | Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Mild double chin | 2 sessions | 1 month apart |
| Moderate double chin | 2-3 sessions | 1 month apart |
| Significant double chin | 3-4 sessions | 1 month apart |
Expected Results
What Fat Dissolving CAN Do
✓ Reduce localized fat deposits ✓ Improve chin/jaw definition ✓ Create more V-line appearance ✓ Permanent results (fat cells gone) ✓ Non-surgical option
What It CANNOT Do
✗ Tighten loose skin (may need RF/Ulthera) ✗ Dramatic weight loss ✗ Replace liposuction for large volumes ✗ Work overnight (patience required)
Realistic Expectations
Research shows mixed results:
- 46% of patients reported short-term effects
- 23% reported no effect
- Multiple sessions often needed
- Results vary significantly by individual
Side Effects
Common (Expected)
| Side Effect | Duration | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling | 1-2 weeks | Can be significant |
| Bruising | 1-2 weeks | Varies |
| Numbness | Days to weeks | Usually resolves |
| Hardness | 2-4 weeks | Normal |
| Redness | Few days | Mild |
Less Common
- Nerve injury (temporary)
- Difficulty swallowing (rare, temporary)
- Uneven results
- Skin irregularities
Managing Side Effects
Swelling tips:
- Ice packs (first 48 hours)
- Sleep elevated
- Avoid salt
- Stay hydrated
- Arnica supplements
Fat Dissolving vs. Other Options
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Downtime | Results | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Dissolving | Minimal | 1-2 weeks swelling | Gradual | $$ |
| Liposuction | Surgical | 2-4 weeks | Immediate | $$$$ |
| CoolSculpting | Non-invasive | Minimal | Gradual | $$$ |
| HIFU/RF | Non-invasive | Minimal | Gradual | $$ |
When to Choose Fat Dissolving
- Moderate, localized fat
- Can tolerate swelling/downtime
- Want non-surgical option
- Patient for gradual results
- Budget conscious
When to Consider Alternatives
- Large fat volume (liposuction)
- Can't have visible swelling (CoolSculpting)
- Also have loose skin (add RF/Ulthera)
- Need immediate results (liposuction)
Combining Treatments
Popular Korean protocols:
| Combination | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Dissolving + HIFU | Fat reduction + skin tightening | HIFU 4 weeks after |
| Fat Dissolving + InMode | Fat + skin laxity | InMode 4 weeks after |
| Fat Dissolving + Botox | Fat + jawline slimming | Can do together |
Tips for International Visitors
Planning Your Treatment
Timing considerations:
- Days 1-3: Significant swelling
- Week 1: Noticeable swelling
- Week 2: Much improved
- Plan social events accordingly
What to Bring
- High-collared clothing (hide swelling)
- Scarf or face mask
- Ice packs for hotel
- Compression garment (if provided)
Questions to Ask
- Which product do you use? (V-Olet, Bellacollin, etc.)
- How many sessions will I need?
- Can you show before/after photos?
- What's included in the price?
- What if I don't see results?
If Time is Limited
If you can only do one session:
- May see some improvement
- Can continue treatment at home
- Ensure product is available in your country
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Fat dissolving injections carry risks including prolonged swelling, nerve damage, and uneven results. Effectiveness varies significantly by individual. These are medical procedures that should only be performed by qualified practitioners. Always seek proper consultation.
Conclusion
Fat dissolving injections offer a non-surgical path to reducing double chin and improving facial contour. With Korean products like V-Olet and Bellacollin available at competitive prices (₩170,000-300,000 per session), it's more accessible than ever.
However, set realistic expectations: results take time, multiple sessions are usually needed, and significant swelling is part of the process. For the right candidate, it can be an effective alternative to surgical options.
Looking for other contouring options? Check out our Masseter Botox guide for non-surgical jaw slimming or InMode guide for combined fat reduction and tightening.