Intralipotherapy in Naples is a non-surgical medical treatment indicated for reducing small localised fat deposits that persist despite diet and physical activity.
Intralipotherapy is an innovative technique (more invasive than Cryolipolysis) for certain localised fat deposits. It uses injectable products and requires a medical assessment of the product indications, expected benefits, and risks. It is not equivalent to liposuction and does not guarantee the same results.
Intralipotherapy in Naples: how the treatment works
Intralipotherapy is a medical procedure involving the injection of lipolytic substances directly into the adipose tissue, with the aim of dissolving localised fat. It is particularly indicated for those wishing to model their body without undergoing invasive surgery.
The technique acts directly on adipocytes (fat cells), breaking down cell membranes and allowing the body to eliminate fat naturally through the lymphatic system.
At Centro Medico Gargano, intralipotherapy is always preceded by an ultrasound assessment to examine the thickness of the adipose tissue, blood vessels, and relationship with deep planes to plan the treatment.
At Centro Medico Gargano, intralipotherapy in Naples is performed exclusively after a personalised medical assessment
Videos remain in their original version: translating the page does not change the audio or text within the videos.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The procedure involves injections into the adipose tissue. The injections can be painful and cause swelling, bruising, or other reactions; the technique, product, and dose must be assessed by the doctor.
The duration of the session and recovery times depend on the area treated and individual response. The doctor will indicate precautions and when to resume normal activities.
Medications Used in Intralipotherapy
The products and substances mentioned for intralipotherapy include the following. They are not equivalent: Aqualyx is a brand name, while phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholic acid are substances. Indications and suitability must be verified for the specific product:
• Aqualyx: A lipolytic solution specifically designed for the dissolution of localised fat. It is particularly indicated for areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, and double chin.
• Phosphatidylcholine: A natural compound derived from soy, capable of breaking down fat cells and facilitating their elimination. It is ideal for treating small fat deposits.
• Deoxycholic Acid: A substance naturally present in the body that helps dissolve fat, making it easily eliminable through metabolism.
Inner-thigh intralipotherapy: the procedure
Dr Ciro Gargano demonstrates treatment with Aqualyx for localized fat deposits in the inner thighs.
Original commentary by Dr Ciro Gargano in Italian. The text below is a summary of the video.
Video summary: In the full video, the injection phase is followed by a separate carboxytherapy phase. The video documents the procedure in one individual case and does not, on its own, show the final outcome.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Intralipotherapy in Naples is effective on various parts of the body, including:
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Under the chin (double chin)
The technique is not indicated for the treatment of obesity. Any potential benefit on localised deposits must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.
Intralipotherapy vs Liposuction: What is the Difference?
While liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure requiring anaesthesia, incisions, and recovery time, intralipotherapy is:
• Injectable treatment: Does not require a scalpel or stitches.
• Risks and discomfort to consider: The absence of general anaesthesia does not make the treatment painless or risk-free.
• With reduced recovery times: Resuming work and physical activity depends on the reaction to the treatment and the doctor’s instructions.
Results and Benefits of Intralipotherapy
Results from intralipotherapy are not immediate: it generally takes about 4–6 weeks to start noticing a change, with times varying based on the area treated, the product, and individual response. The number of sessions depends on the extent and thickness of the fat deposit, the realistically achievable result, and the response to previous treatments. The course of treatment is defined and re-evaluated by the doctor.
Key benefits include:
• Targeted reduction of localised fat
• Improvement of the silhouette
• Increased self-confidence
Shoulder lipoma: the case and the procedure
Dr Ciro Gargano presents the ultrasound assessment of a shoulder lipoma, ultrasound-guided intralipotherapy with Aqualyx and subsequent carboxytherapy.
Original commentary by Dr Ciro Gargano in Italian. The text below is a summary of the video.
Video summary: In this case, the doctor describes using carboxytherapy with the aim of supporting the action of the injected product and reducing subsequent discomfort. The video documents a single case, rather than a treatment indication that applies to every lipoma.
Who Can Undergo Intralipotherapy?
Intralipotherapy can be considered for certain localised fat deposits. Before treatment, the doctor verifies suitability, contraindications, alternatives, and risks, without guaranteeing the elimination of fat.
Trust Qualified Professionals
The treatment requires a qualified doctor, a suitable environment, and verification of the product and its indications. These precautions reduce some risks but do not exclude adverse reactions or complications.
Contact Us for a Consultation
If you wish to evaluate a treatment for localised fat, book a consultation to discuss options, expected benefits, limitations, and possible risks.
Frequently asked questions about intralipotherapy in Naples
Tap a question to read the answer regarding results, sessions, massages, diet, and recovery. Answers open one at a time.
Does intralipotherapy help you lose weight?
No. Intralipotherapy is not a weight-loss therapy nor a treatment for obesity. It can be considered for small subcutaneous fat deposits that persist despite a balanced diet and physical activity. The goal is localised contouring, not a significant reduction in body weight.
Which areas can be treated with intralipotherapy?
Localised deposits on the abdomen, hips, thighs, inner knee and, in selected cases, under the chin can be assessed. The possibility of treating an area depends on the specific product, the thickness of the adipose tissue, and skin characteristics. Not all fat deposits and not all patients are suitable for the treatment. Cellulite and skin laxity require a separate assessment.
Why does Dr Gargano always perform an ultrasound before intralipotherapy?
Dr Ciro Gargano always performs a preliminary ultrasound to identify the subcutaneous adipose tissue to be treated and assess its thickness, depth, and distribution. The examination allows for distinguishing fat from the skin and muscle planes and evaluating the presence and course of blood vessels, with Color Doppler support when necessary.
This information helps to choose the appropriate treatment plan and personalise the procedure, with the aim of limiting the risk of injections being too superficial or deep and the involvement of vessels or tissues not intended for treatment. It is an additional safety precaution, but it does not eliminate swelling, bruising, or other possible complications.
Are the results of intralipotherapy visible immediately?
No, the result is not immediate. It generally takes about 4–6 weeks to start noticing a change. In the first few days, swelling may mask the reduction of the fat deposit. Improvement continues gradually and times vary based on the area treated, the product used, and individual response.
Why might massaging the area after the injection be indicated?
When provided for by the protocol, the massage performed by the doctor after the injection aims to promote an even distribution of the product. Any lymphatic drainage indicated in the following days serves to help the reabsorption of swelling. Method, intensity, and timing depend on the product and tissue reaction: do not perform vigorous or DIY massages without medical instruction.
How many sessions of intralipotherapy do I need?
It depends on the extent and thickness of the fat deposit, the area, and the result you wish to obtain, provided it is realistically achievable. The product used and individual response also matter. The doctor proposes a personalised path and re-evaluates the utility of further sessions after observing the effect of previous ones: there is no set number for everyone.
Does diet help during treatment? Is a ketogenic diet useful?
Yes. Adequate nutrition contributes to weight control and maintaining the result. In selected cases, a ketogenic diet can also be considered, but it is not necessary for everyone and must be set up and monitored by a qualified professional. The choice depends on health and nutritional goals: it should not be presented as a proven enhancement of the injections’ effect.
Why does the treated area become red and sore?
Redness, swelling, and tenderness can accompany the local inflammatory reaction caused by the treatment and the subsequent remodelling of the adipose tissue. This does not mean that more pain or more redness corresponds to a better result. Intense or increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, discharge, or skin lesions should not be considered normal inflammation: they require prompt medical assessment.
Why do I feel nodules in the treated area even after some time?
Hardening can depend on the inflammatory reaction and tissue remodelling, sometimes with areas of fibrosis. However, not every nodule is fibrosis: those that are persistent, increasing, or painful must be checked by a doctor, possibly with an ultrasound. The association with cavitation can be evaluated in individual cases, but it does not guarantee the prevention or disappearance of nodules.
Can the result be accelerated with cavitation?
In some cases, the doctor may combine ultrasound cavitation with intralipotherapy as part of a personalised contouring path. The combination is described in some protocols, but evidence does not allow for promising a faster result or a certain reduction in fibrosis. Device, timing, and indication must be chosen after tissue assessment; it is not a mandatory step for everyone.
How much time must pass between sessions?
The interval is established by the doctor based on the product used, the area, the dose, and the resolution of the local reaction. In various deoxycholate-based protocols, one waits about 4–6 weeks, sometimes longer. The next session is not brought forward to seek faster results: the instructions for the specific product must be respected and the area re-evaluated before repeating injections.
Are the results of intralipotherapy permanent?
The improvement obtained can last over time, but it should not be presented as guaranteed or unchangeable. Weight gain and tissue changes can alter the profile of the treated area. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the result, which is evaluated with clinical checks and, when useful, comparison photographs.
Is intralipotherapy painful? What side effects can it have?
Injections can cause burning, pain, or discomfort. After the session, swelling, bruising, sensitivity in the area, and small hard lumps are possible, generally transient. The treatment is not without risks: infections, profile irregularities, changes in sensitivity, or skin lesions can also occur. During the visit, expected benefits, limitations, and specific risks of the product and the area to be treated are explained.
What should I do after the session? Can I work and play sports?
Recovery times depend on the area treated, the type of activity, and individual reaction. The doctor provides personalised instructions on physical activity, heat exposure, and any compression garments. Massages and additional treatments should only be performed if indicated. Intense or increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, or skin lesions require prompt medical assessment.
Why is a compression garment worn after intralipotherapy?
The compression garment, when indicated by the doctor, helps to reduce swelling, tenderness, and discomfort in the treated area, especially in the first few days. It must provide comfortable compression without being excessively tight. The type of garment and duration of use are indicated based on the area treated and individual response.
Are there contraindications to intralipotherapy?
Aesthetic treatment should be postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding and must not be performed on areas with active infections or lesions, nor in the presence of a known allergy to the product components. Illnesses, coagulation disorders, and ongoing therapies must be reported to the doctor before the session. Suitability is established during the visit; do not stop prescribed medications independently.
How much does intralipotherapy cost in Naples and how can I book?
The cost depends on the area to be treated, the quantity and type of product, and the number of sessions planned. The quote is defined after the medical assessment, before starting treatment. For a consultation at Centro Medico Gargano, you can book online, call 081 780 9641, or contact the reception on WhatsApp at 348 703 5744.
Scientific insights: Amore et al., Intralipotherapy, the State of the Art (2016); Amore et al., observational study on intralipotherapy with deoxycholate (2018); Shahid and Al-Hassani, infection and nodules after deoxycholate injection (2022); study on the use of ultrasound in intralipotherapy.
Do you have a localised fat deposit that does not improve despite diet and physical activity? Book a personalised assessment at Centro Medico Gargano and find out if intralipotherapy is indicated for your case.
