Cabrin (Fat-dissolving Injection)｜Targeted Fat Reduction with Minimal Downtime
"Does Cabelin really work?"
"How long is the downtime?"
"I want to improve my double chin and sagging jawline without surgery."
Do you have any questions or concerns about Cabelin?
Hello. This is Aesthetic Dermatology and Smart Skin Clinic.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the effects, safety, required dosage, downtime, and treatment process for Cabelin injections, courtesy of a cosmetic dermatology clinic with over 10,000 annual injection procedures.
*If you have an idea of what you want to know in advance, you can skip to the table of contents below.
Chief Director of Smart Skin Clinic Group
stone Kouta
career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and related facilities
Worked at a major beauty clinic in Tokyo
Affiliation / Qualifications
Japan Surgical Society Specialist
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Cabrin (fat-dissolving injection) is
Kabelline is a fat-dissolving injection designed to reduce fat in areas of concern.
Without using a scalpel, this treatment targets localized fat reduction through injections alone, effectively reducing volume in hard-to-lose areas like the face and other problem areas of the body that are difficult to slim down with conventional dieting.
The Effects of Cabergoline
Cabrin achieves localized fat reduction by destroying fat cells at the injection site.
- Double chin and jawline improvement: Reduce submental fat to create a sharp V-line
- Cheek Volume Reduction: Reduce the fat in the cheeks that creates a chubby impression, leading to a more defined, smaller face.
- Targeted body fat reduction: Pinpoint fat reduction for areas of concern like upper arms, bra bulge, belly, and thighs.
The Basic Mechanism of Cabelin
Cabrin is a treatment that involves injecting a drug that destroys fat cells themselves, allowing the destroyed fat to be expelled from the body.
Cabelin consists of the following three active ingredients.
- Deoxycholic acid 0.51 TP3T
- L-carnitine
- Artichoke Extract
Deoxycholic acid breaks down the membranes of fat cells and dissolves their contents.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that promotes fat metabolism and supports the burning of broken-down fat.
Artichoke extract is a plant-derived ingredient that promotes fat excretion and is expected to reduce tissue swelling.
These ingredients work synergistically to promote efficient fat breakdown, metabolism, and elimination while simultaneously reducing post-procedure swelling and pain.
The Function and Safety of the Main Component, Deoxycholic Acid
Deoxycholic acid is the active ingredient used in KYBELLA®, a submental fat dissolving agent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A substance naturally present in the human body (bile), which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
Furthermore, research papers comparing objective measurements using 3D imaging with patients' subjective evaluations have been published regarding the effects of deoxycholic acid, the main component of KABERIN. These papers demonstrate that deoxycholic acid treatment "significantly reduced submental fat volume, and in correlation with this, patients' satisfaction with the appearance of their jawline and facial contours also improved substantially." This confirms its efficacy from both objective data and satisfaction perspectives.
What does "melting fat" mean?
Cabelin may evoke an image of fat melting or disappearing due to heat, based on its name "fat-dissolving injection." However, fat reduction actually occurs through the following process:
- Deoxycholic acid breaks down the membranes of fat cells.
- The contents of fat cells (fatty acids) are released.
- Fatty acids are broken down and processed by macrophages, then transported to the liver via the blood and lymph.
- metabolized as energy and ultimately excreted from the body through sweat and urine
This entire process takes several weeks, so it takes time before you notice the effects. Additionally, since destroyed fat cells do not regenerate, it has the advantage of being less prone to rebound.
Subcutaneous fat in the face is divided into shallow and deep layers. Furthermore, it is subdivided into small compartments for each facial feature.
By injecting Caberin into each small compartment, it is possible to target the desired fat.
There's no need to worry that "if injected into the face, the medication might flow to areas other than the desired ones."
The Difference from Conventional Diets
| Conventional dieting | cabbage |
| ・Reduce the size of fat cells ・If you stop, fat cells will grow larger again | ・Reduce the number of fat cells ・The effect is semi-permanent |
Traditional diet methods like restricting food intake and exercising shrink the size of individual fat cells. Therefore, when food intake increases or exercise stops, fat cells tend to grow larger again, making "rebound weight gain" more likely.
On the other hand, Cabrin destroys the fat cells themselves, reducing their number. This makes it less prone to rebound. As long as you avoid binge eating, the treatment effects last semi-permanently.
Differences from Liposuction
| (data) item | cabbage (Fat-dissolving injections) | liposuction |
| Treatment Method | injection | surgical procedure |
| anesthesia | Surface anesthesia as needed or requested | General anesthesia / Local anesthesia |
| cicatrix | Injection needle marks (disappear within a few days) | A few millimeters of incision |
| Down time | Minimal (swelling and bruising for a few days) | Severe swelling, pain, and bruising lasting approximately 2 weeks to 1 month; compression and immobilization required. |
| risk | Swelling, bruising, hardened areas, etc. | Infection, hematoma, skin irregularities, sensory numbness, etc. |
| ease | Short treatment time, minimal impact on daily life | Hospitalization or extended leave may be necessary. |
【Liposuction】
This is a surgical procedure in which a cannula is inserted into the body to physically suction out fat.
While it can remove large amounts of fat at once, it requires general or local anesthesia and involves a longer recovery period. There are also risks such as bruising, swelling, and skin hardening.
【Cabelin】
The procedure is completed with injections only, requiring no surgery. Downtime is minimal, lasting only a few days, and the impact on daily life is kept to a minimum.
However, since the amount of fat that can be removed at one time is less than with liposuction, multiple sessions are generally required.
This treatment is ideal for those prioritizing convenience and safety.
The Difference Between Caberin and Fat X Core, and Other Fat-Dissolving Injections
There are various formulations of fat-dissolving injections, each with distinct characteristics.
The higher the concentration of deoxycholic acid, the stronger its effect on fat cells; however, this also tends to increase the intensity of inflammatory reactions and downtime symptoms.
| Product Name | Principal component | Effectiveness | Recommended number of sessions | Swelling and downtime |
| cabbage | Deoxycholic acid 0.51 TP3T | medium level | About 3 to 6 times | Mild to moderate |
| Fat X Core | Deoxycholic acid 1% | Strong | About 3 to 6 times | Moderate to somewhat strong |
| BNLS | Plant-derived ingredients + 0.02% deoxycholic acid | Calm | About 3 to 6 times | minimum |
While the fat-dissolving injections and BNLS treatments traditionally used are the mildest with minimal swelling, some have expressed that it can be difficult to notice their effects.
Fat X Core contains a high concentration of deoxycholic acid, delivering results with fewer sessions, though it may cause slightly more swelling and downtime. It is chosen for thicker fat layers or when seeking rapid, concentrated results.
Caberin occupies a middle ground, offering a formulation that balances effectiveness with minimal downtime. It is suitable for areas like the face where you don't want swelling to be noticeable.
Indications and UsageApproximate amount
The amount of Caberin injected varies depending on the thickness and extent of fat deposits, so the optimal dosage is determined during the consultation. Note that one vial of Caberin contains 8ml.
【Recommended Dosage per Injection】
- Cheeks/Double chin: 8–16 ml
- Face contour: 8–16 ml
- Entire facial contour: Total of 16–24 ml
- Nose tip (bulbous nose) / Nostrils: 2–4 ml ※Only when criteria are met
- Upper arm (one side): Approximately 5–10 ml
- Upper abdomen or lower abdomen: Approximately 10 to 20 ml
- Thigh (one side): Approximately 10–20 ml
The suitability for double chin treatment depends on the cause.
If the cause of a double chin is fat, Cabelin is indicated.
However, if accompanied by skin laxity or muscle weakness, sufficient results cannot be achieved.
Application to the nose and nostrils is limited.
Fat-dissolving injections for the nose and nostrils have limited applicability. The area around the nose has a thin layer of fat and is densely packed with blood vessels and nerves, making it a high-risk area. Furthermore, the bulge in the nostrils may be due to the shape of the cartilage or muscles rather than fat.
We will confirm your eligibility during the examination.
We do not recommend procedures on the eyelids.
Due to the high risk associated with this delicate area near the eyeball, we generally do not recommend it at our clinic. We will examine whether the puffiness of the lower eyelids is caused by fat, swelling, or skin laxity, and propose the appropriate treatment method.
The Fat X Core is more suitable for the body.
Body areas require a larger amount of filler compared to the face due to their thicker fat layers.
For thick fat layers, you can effectively target them by selecting Fat X Core with a higher concentration of deoxycholic acid or by dividing the treatment into multiple sessions.
Recommended for
Cabelin is a suitable treatment for individuals experiencing the following concerns.
- For those concerned about their jawline, double chin, or sagging cheeks
- For those seeking targeted fat reduction in areas such as the nose, nostrils, upper arms, abdomen, and thighs
- For those who want to lose weight without surgery
- For those seeking treatments with minimal downtime
- For those who did not experience noticeable results with conventional fat-dissolving injections
- Those seeking treatment with minimal risk of relapse
When will the effects start? How long will they last?
Timeframe for results to appear
- 1 to 2 weeks after surgery: Swelling begins to subside, and you gradually start to notice changes.
- 3 to 4 weeks post-surgery: The period when effects are most noticeable. Metabolism and elimination progress, and visible changes become clear.
Sustained Effectiveness
- Effect: Semi-permanent
Once destroyed, fat cells do not regenerate, making weight regain unlikely.
However, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge, so maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise is crucial.
Furthermore, a study has been published reporting on the durability of the effects of the main ingredient in KABERIN (deoxycholic acid) through a three-year follow-up after treatment. This research demonstrated that "the improved submental contour achieved through treatment was maintained in most patients even after three years, and no new safety concerns were reported." This further supports the expectation of both the durability of the effects and the long-term safety of fat-dissolving injections.
Guidelines for the Number and Frequency of Cabergoline Treatments
To maximize the effects of Cabelin, multiple treatments at appropriate intervals are recommended.
- Interval between treatments：Approximately 1 to 2 weeks
- Recommended frequencyApproximately 3 to 6 sessions (depending on the area and amount of fat)
Injecting the appropriate amount in multiple sessions is more effective for reducing fat while minimizing downtime than injecting a large amount of medication at once.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the amount of fat and individual metabolic capacity. The recommended interval between treatments is approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
Smart Skin Clinic Fees
| capacity | total amount | Per 1V |
|---|---|---|
| 1V (8cc) | 29,000 yen | 29,000 yen |
| 2V (16cc) | 56,000 yen | 28,000 yen |
| 3V (24cc) | 79,500 yen | 26,500 yen |
| 4V (32cc) | 100,000 yen | 25,000 yen |
| 5V (40cc) | 120,000 yen | 24,000 yen |
Need for anesthesia｜Low
This procedure is basically considered anesthesia-free.
We would like to maintain this price, so if you would like local anesthesia, please contact us.5,500 yen (tax included) / 1 timeWe will take it.
Downtime, Side Effects, and Risks
Cabellin is a treatment with relatively minimal downtime. In most cases, it does not interfere with daily life, though individual results may vary. If you have an important event coming up, the area around the face...At least two weeksWe recommend leaving it open.
【Main Symptoms】
- SwellingImmediately after treatment to several days afterward. The area under the chin and cheeks are particularly noticeable.
- PainIn addition to the prick of the needle during the injection, you may experience dull pain or tenderness for several days after the procedure.
- internal hemorrhageA bruise may appear at the injection site. It typically turns yellow naturally within 1 to 2 weeks, is absorbed, and disappears. It can be concealed with concealer.
- Hardened lumpIn rare cases, the injection site may temporarily become hard. This typically improves within a few weeks to months.
- DiscomfortDuring the process of fat dissolution, you may experience tightness or discomfort.
These symptoms are a normal reaction when fat cells are destroyed and an inflammatory response occurs.
In most cases, these are temporary symptoms that improve naturally over time.
Allergy and Infection Risk
Allergy
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, but it may rarely cause allergic reactions. If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to medication or injections, please be sure to inform us during your consultation.
Infection
In rare cases, infection occurs when skin flora enters through the needle puncture site.
Our hospital maintains strict hygiene management to minimize risks.
Methods to Reduce Downtime
To minimize downtime as much as possible, the following measures are effective.
- CoolingImmediately after treatment and for several days afterward, applying cold packs to the affected area will reduce swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevatedEspecially when treating the area under the jaw or cheeks, sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce swelling.
Postoperative Instructions
After your treatment, please note the following points.
- Dental treatmentAfter treatment under the jaw, it is advisable to wait approximately two weeks before undergoing dental procedures (especially invasive procedures such as tooth extractions).
- Other beauty treatmentsWe recommend avoiding HIFU, laser treatments, thread lifts, peels, and injectable treatments on the treated area for approximately two weeks after Cabellin treatment. Please consult your physician for details.
Postoperative Care
| (data) item | very day | Next day or later | one week |
| Make | Avoid the treatment area | As usual | As usual |
| Facial Cleansing & Skincare | Gentle is acceptable | As usual | As usual |
| Shower/Bath | Shower only | Baths are also acceptable (avoid long soaks) | As usual |
| motion | not allowed | Light exercise is acceptable. | As usual |
| drinking alcohol (sake) | not allowed | Refrain from doing so for a few days. | As usual |
| massage | not allowed | not allowed | Light massage is acceptable. |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Cabergoline
| Advantages | Demerit |
| ・Reduce fat quickly without using a scalpel ・Minimal downtime and little pain | ・Multiple times required ・Swelling, hardened areas, or areas with external reactions ・My weight won't go down |
Treatments that are effective when used together
Combining Cabelin with other cosmetic treatments can help achieve a more ideal result.
volnema
Volnuma is a high-frequency RF device for treating sagging skin.
Following fat reduction with Kaberin with Voluma can provide a synergistic effect, tightening sagging skin and creating a sharper facial contour.
After Cabellin treatment, it is common to receive Volnuma 2 to 4 weeks later, once the swelling has subsided.
thread lifting
Thread lift is a treatment that involves inserting medical-grade dissolvable threads under the skin to physically lift sagging areas. Since thread lift may be less effective in areas with significant fat deposits, pre-treating with Kavelin to reduce fat can maximize the lifting effect achieved by the threads.
Please discuss the treatment interval with your doctor during your consultation.
Botox
Botox is a treatment that improves jawline prominence and expression lines by suppressing muscle movement. For those concerned about facial size due to developed jaw muscles (masseter), combining Botox injections is effective. By reducing fat with Kabe-rin and muscle with Botox, a more refined, smaller facial effect can be achieved.
Cabelin and Botox can be administered on the same day, but the optimal timing varies depending on the treatment area and symptoms. Therefore, the decision should be made in consultation with your physician.
Flow of treatment
You can easily make reservations with your mobile phone.
You can reserve a convenient date and time through our online reservation system or by phone. Both initial and follow-up appointments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This is a "smart" and easy receptionist service that can be completed immediately by the clinic's IT system by simply providing your name.
When you come to the clinic, simply tell us your name at the reception desk. First-time visitors will be asked to fill out a brief medical questionnaire.
During counseling, feel free to discuss any concerns you may have. Rest assured, there is no high-pressure sales tactics. Next, we evaluate the thickness of your fat and the condition of your skin through palpation and ultrasound examinations to determine the appropriate injection volume and injection sites.
After disinfection and marking, cooling is performed as needed. We will administer the injection while communicating with you throughout the process.
Time required: approx. 10-15 minutes (depending on the site)
We will explain in detail about the care of the treated area and precautions for daily life.
We also offer appropriate home care from the perspective of prevention and maintenance, including oral medications and skin care cosmetics that can be expected to improve your problems.
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some swelling or puffiness, but you can return to your daily routine right away. Makeup can be applied starting the next morning.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time.
FAQ
- Does Cabelin work after just one dose? How many doses are needed? What's the interval?
-
Some individuals experience noticeable results after just one session of Cabelin, but we generally recommend 3 to 6 sessions. The recommended interval between sessions is approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
During this period, fat metabolism and elimination progress to a certain extent, making it an ideal time for your next treatment session. - Does it work for slimming the face and double chin? What about its effects on nasolabial folds and sagging?？
-
Cabelin can help reduce double chins and facial contour fat, promoting a slimmer face. However, since nasolabial folds and sagging involve not only fat but also decreased skin elasticity and muscle weakness, Cabelin alone may not improve these issues in some cases.
- How painful is the Cabelin procedure?
-
The Caberin injection causes a slight pricking pain when the needle is inserted. During the injection, you may feel pressure or a dull ache as the medication spreads, but most people find it tolerable. Cooling the area can help reduce the discomfort.
- Are there people who don't see results?
-
Individuals with low subcutaneous fat and well-developed muscles and bone structure tend to see less effect from fat-dissolving injections. However, if the masseter muscles are tense, Botox is an appropriate treatment option.
- Tips for reducing swelling quickly？
-
To reduce swelling quickly, effective measures include applying cold compresses, sleeping with your head elevated, and avoiding strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption. Also, avoid massage and try not to stimulate the affected area.
- Does Cabrin rebound?
-
Cabrelin destroys fat cells themselves, making it less prone to rebound weight gain compared to conventional diets.
However, skin sagging due to aging can make you appear heavier, and lifestyle-related weight fluctuations can also have an impact.
Those who are not eligible for the treatment
The following individuals cannot receive treatment or require careful consideration:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease
- Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants
- Individuals with infections or skin conditions at the treatment site
- Individuals with allergies to deoxycholic acid or product ingredients
- Individuals with extremely thin fat layers
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are currently taking medication, please be sure to inform your doctor during counseling.
More Information
| (data) item | Contents |
| Treatment Time | Approximately 10 to 15 minutes (excluding counseling) |
| Recommended number and frequency of treatments | 3 to 6 times Approximately every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Down time | Several days to about one week (individual results may vary) |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Possible |
| Make | Recommended after the next morning to prevent infection. |
| Skin care | Possible immediately after the treatment |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | There is a stinging pain when the needle is inserted. |
Legal description
- Cabrelin injections involve procedures using drugs not approved in Japan. The drugs used for treatment are imported through personal import procedures under the judgment of our clinic's physicians.
- For information on pharmaceuticals and other items requiring caution when importing for personal use, please refer to this page.
Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareMedicines and Other Items Requiring Caution in Personal Importation"
For Cabelin, Smart Skin Clinic
Smart Skin Clinic is a cosmetic dermatology clinic with over 10,000 annual injection-based procedures performed.
Our clinic offers two types of fat-dissolving injections: Caberin and Fat X Core. We select the appropriate treatment based on the body area, the condition of the fat, and the patient's tolerance for downtime.
For areas around the face where you want to minimize downtime, use Caberin. For thick fat layers or short-term intensive body fat reduction, Fat X Core is the go-to choice.
Additionally, we offer combinations with other cosmetic procedures such as thread lifts and Botox.
If you're looking to achieve targeted fat reduction or a slimmer face without surgery, please consult Smart Skin Clinic.
Reference and Citation
※Medical information is updated daily. For the latest information, please confirm with your doctor during your consultation.
Clinic List
Jimbocho Institute
〒101-0054
EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception), 3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 7F
Business hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-20:00 / Saturday and Sunday 10:00-19:00
Yokohama Institute of Technology
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Bldg. 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Business hours: 10:00-19:00
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a physician supervised by Smart Skin Clinic.
This page was revised and enacted in June 2018. Medical Advertising Guidelines We produce and provide information based on
- Scope of supervision: treatment description, risks and side effects, price labeling
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025