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What Is Caberin (Fat-Dissolving Injections)? | A Doctor Explains the Effects, Costs, and Downtime
"Does Kabelline really work?"
"How long is the downtime?"
"I want to improve my double chin and sagging jawline without surgery."
Do you have questions or concerns like these about Kabelline?
Hello. This is Smart Skin Clinic, an aesthetic dermatology practice.
In this article, an aesthetic dermatology clinic performing over 10,000 injection procedures a year offers a careful explanation of Kabelline's effects, safety, the amount needed, downtime, and the treatment process.
*If you already know what you are looking for, you can jump straight to the relevant section using the table of contents below.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What is Kabelline (fat-dissolving injection)?
Kabelline is a fat-dissolving injection designed to reduce fat in areas of concern.
Without a scalpel, it targets localized fat reduction through injections alone, helping to reduce volume in stubborn areas such as around the face and other parts of the body that are hard to slim with conventional dieting.
The Effects of Kabelline
Kabelline achieves localized fat reduction by breaking down fat cells at the injection site.
- Double chin and jawline refinement: reduces submental fat to help create a sharper V-line
- Cheek volume reduction: reduces cheek fat that can create a fuller impression, helping to define a slimmer face
- Targeted body fat reduction: precisely reduces fat in areas of concern such as the upper arms, bra bulge, abdomen, and thighs
The Basic Mechanism of Kabelline
Kabelline is a treatment in which a solution that breaks down fat cells is injected, allowing the destroyed fat to be eliminated from the body.
Kabelline is made up of the following three active ingredients.
- Deoxycholic acid 0.5%
- 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 elimination and is designed to help reduce tissue swelling.
These ingredients work synergistically to support efficient breakdown, metabolism, and elimination of fat, while the formulation is also designed to help minimize post-treatment swelling and pain.
The Function and Safety of the Main Ingredient, 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).
It is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body (in bile), where it helps with the digestion and absorption of fats.
Regarding the effects of deoxycholic acid, the main ingredient in Kabelline, a research paper has also been published comparing objective measurements using 3D imaging with patients' subjective evaluations. This study found that deoxycholic acid treatment "significantly reduced submental fat volume, with a correlated and substantial improvement in patient satisfaction with the appearance of the jawline and facial contours," supporting its efficacy from both objective data and satisfaction perspectives.
What does "dissolving fat" actually mean?
Because of its name—"fat-dissolving injection"—Kabelline may give the impression that fat melts away or disappears with heat. In reality, however, fat reduction occurs through the following process.
- Deoxycholic acid breaks down the membranes of fat cells.
- The contents of the fat cells (fatty acids) are released.
- The fatty acids are broken down and processed by macrophages, then transported to the liver via the blood and lymph.
- They are metabolized as energy and ultimately eliminated from the body through sweat and urine.
This entire process takes several weeks, so it takes time before the effects become noticeable. In addition, because destroyed fat cells do not regenerate, the results are less prone to rebound.
Subcutaneous fat in the face is divided into superficial and deep layers. It is further divided into small compartments by facial area.
By injecting Kabelline into each small compartment, it is possible to target the intended fat.
There is no need to worry that "if it's injected into the face, the solution might spread to areas other than the intended one."
The Difference from Conventional Dieting
| Conventional dieting | Kabelline |
| ・Reduces the size of fat cells ・When you stop, the fat cells grow larger again | ・Reduces the number of fat cells ・The effect is semi-permanent |
Traditional diet methods such as restricting food intake and exercising work by shrinking the size of individual fat cells. As a result, when food intake increases or exercise stops, fat cells tend to grow larger again, making "rebound" more likely.
Kabelline, on the other hand, breaks down the fat cells themselves, reducing their number. This is why it is less prone to rebound. As long as you avoid overeating, the results tend to last semi-permanently.
Differences from Liposuction
| Item | Kabelline (Fat-dissolving injection) | Liposuction |
| Treatment Method | Injection | Surgical procedure |
| Anesthesia | Not required; topical anesthesia on request | General anesthesia / local anesthesia |
| Scars | Needle marks (fade within a few days) | Incision of a few millimeters |
| Downtime | Minimal (swelling and bruising for a few days) | Significant swelling, pain, and bruising for roughly 2 weeks to 1 month; compression and immobilization required |
| Risks | Swelling, bruising, firm lumps, and similar | Infection, hematoma, skin irregularities, numbness, and similar |
| Convenience | Short treatment time with minimal impact on daily life | May require hospitalization or an extended time off |
[Liposuction]
This is a surgical procedure in which a tube called a cannula is inserted into the body to physically suction out fat.
While it can remove a large amount of fat at once, it requires general or local anesthesia and involves a longer downtime. There are also risks such as bruising, swelling, and hardening of the skin.
[Kabelline]
The treatment is completed with injections alone and requires no surgery. Downtime is short—usually 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 smaller than with liposuction, multiple sessions are generally required.
It is a treatment well suited to those who prioritize convenience and safety.
The Difference Between Kabelline, Fat X Core, and Other Fat-Dissolving Injections
There are various fat-dissolving injection formulations, each with different 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 | Main ingredient | Strength of effect | Recommended number of sessions | Swelling and downtime |
| Kabelline | Deoxycholic acid 0.5% | Moderate | About 3-6 sessions | Mild to moderate |
| Fat X Core | Deoxycholic acid 1% | Strong | About 3-6 sessions | Moderate to somewhat strong |
| BNLS | Plant-derived ingredients + 0.02% deoxycholic acid | Gentle | About 3-6 sessions | Minimal |
The conventional fat-dissolving injection BNLS is the mildest with the least swelling, but some have found its effects harder to notice.
Fat X Core contains a high concentration of deoxycholic acid, so results can be expected with fewer sessions, though swelling and downtime tend to be somewhat greater. It is chosen for thicker fat layers or when a short, intensive approach is desired.
Kabelline sits in between, offering a formulation that balances effect and downtime. It is well suited to areas such as around the face, where you don't want swelling to be noticeable.
Indications and UsageApproximate amount
The amount of Kabelline injected varies from person to person depending on the thickness and extent of the fat, so the optimal amount is determined after examination. Note that one vial of Kabelline is 8 ml.
[Recommended Amount per Session]
- Cheeks / double chin: 8–16 ml
- Jawline: 8–16 ml
- Entire jawline: 16–24 ml in total
- Nasal tip (bulbous nose) / nostrils: 2–4 ml *only when the indications are met
- Upper arm (one side): approximately 5–10 ml
- Upper or lower abdomen: approximately 10–20 ml
- Thigh (one side): approximately 10–20 ml
Suitability for a double chin depends on the cause
If the cause of a double chin is fat, Kabelline is indicated.
However, if it is accompanied by skin laxity or muscle slackening, sufficient results cannot be expected.
Suitability for 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 fat layer and a dense network of blood vessels and nerves, making it a higher-risk area. In addition, fullness of the nostrils may be due to the shape of the cartilage or muscle rather than fat.
We will confirm suitability during your examination.
We do not recommend treatment on the eyelids
Because this is a delicate area close to the eyeball, the risk is high, and as a rule we do not recommend it at our clinic. We will examine whether puffiness of the lower eyelids is due to fat, swelling, or skin laxity, and propose the appropriate treatment method.
Fat X Core is more suitable for the body
Because the fat layer on the body is thicker, a larger amount is needed compared with around the face.
Thick fat layers can be treated effectively by choosing Fat X Core, which has a higher concentration of deoxycholic acid, or by dividing treatment into several sessions.
Which layer is it injected into?
Injectable formulations differ in both ingredients and purpose from one product to the next. That is why choosing the formulation best suited to each one"layer"and"amount"is very important for drawing out the effect correctly.
In the case of Kabelline, the primary injection layer is the "subcutaneous fat layer."
The skin is structured in layers, from the surface inward: the "epidermis," the "dermis" (comprising the superficial, middle, and deep layers), the "subcutaneous fat layer," and the "muscle layer," each of which plays a distinct role. The subcutaneous fat layer sits beneath the dermis and acts as a cushion between the skin and the muscle layer.
The subcutaneous fat layer is where Kabelline's ingredients and intended effects can be drawn out most fully, and this is the medical rationale behind our clinic's practice of injecting this formulation into that layer.
Recommended for
Kabelline is a treatment well suited to those with concerns such as the following.
- Those concerned about a heavy jawline, double chin, or sagging cheeks
- Those seeking targeted fat reduction in areas such as the nose, nostrils, upper arms, abdomen, and thighs
- Those who want to slim down without a scalpel
- Those looking for a treatment with minimal downtime
- Those who did not notice results with conventional fat-dissolving injections
- Those who want a treatment that is less prone to rebound
When do the effects appear? How long do they last?
When the effects appear
- 1 to 2 weeks after treatment: swelling begins to subside, and you gradually start to notice changes.
- 3 to 4 weeks after treatment: the period when effects are most noticeable. Metabolism and elimination progress, and the change in appearance becomes clear.
Long-Lasting Results
- Effect: semi-permanent
Because fat cells that have been destroyed do not regenerate, rebound is considered unlikely.
However, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge, so it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise.
Regarding how long the effect of Kabelline's main ingredient (deoxycholic acid) lasts, a paper has also been published following patients for three years after treatment. This study found that "the improved submental contour achieved through treatment was maintained in most patients even three years later, with no new safety concerns reported." This supports the expectation of both lasting effects and long-term safety with fat-dissolving injections.
Guidelines for the Number and Frequency of Kabelline Treatments
To make the most of Kabelline's effects, multiple sessions at appropriate intervals are recommended.
- Interval between sessions: approximately 1 to 2 weeks
- Recommended number of sessions: approximately 3 to 6 sessions (depending on the area and amount of fat)
Rather than injecting a large amount of solution at once, injecting an appropriate amount over several sessions can reduce fat effectively while keeping downtime to a minimum.
The number of sessions needed varies depending on the amount of fat and each person's metabolism. The recommended interval between sessions is roughly 1 to 2 weeks.
Smart Skin Clinic Pricing
| Volume | 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
We generally do not consider anesthesia necessary for this procedure.
Since we would like to maintain our current pricing, if you request local anesthesia, we will charge [5,500 yen (tax included) per session].
Downtime, Side Effects, and Risks
Kabelline is a treatment with relatively little downtime. In most cases it does not interfere with daily life, though this varies from person to person. If you have an important event coming up, for areas around the face we recommendat least two weeksallowing a gap.
[Main Symptoms]
- Swelling and puffiness: from immediately after treatment for several days. It is especially noticeable under the chin and on the cheeks.
- Pain: in addition to a slight prick during the injection, you may feel a dull ache or tenderness for several days after treatment.
- Bruising: bruising may appear where the needle was inserted. It usually turns yellow and is absorbed and fades within 1 to 2 weeks. It can be covered with concealer.
- Firm lumps (induration): in rare cases, the injection site may temporarily become firm. This typically improves within a few weeks to a few months.
- Discomfort: as the fat dissolves, you may feel tightness or a sense of discomfort.
These symptoms are a normal response when fat cells are broken down and an inflammatory reaction occurs.
In most cases they are temporary and improve naturally over time.
Allergy and Infection Risk
[Allergy]
Deoxycholic acid is a substance that exists in the body, but in rare cases an allergic reaction may occur. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medication or injection, please be sure to let us know during your consultation.
[Infection]
In rare cases, infection can occur when skin-resident bacteria enter through the needle puncture.
Our clinic maintains thorough hygiene management to keep this risk to a minimum.
Ways to Reduce Downtime
To reduce downtime as much as possible, measures such as the following are helpful.
- Cooling: from immediately after treatment for several days, applying a cold pack to the area helps reduce swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevated: especially when the area under the chin or the cheeks has been treated, sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce swelling.
Aftercare Instructions
After treatment, please note the following points.
- Dental treatment: after treatment under the chin, it is advisable to allow about two weeks before undergoing dental treatment (especially invasive procedures such as tooth extraction).
- Other aesthetic treatments: we recommend avoiding treatments such as HIFU, lasers, thread lifts, peels, and injectables on the treated area for about two weeks after Kabelline treatment. Please consult your physician for details.
How to Care for Yourself After Treatment
| Item | On the day | From the next day onward | One week |
| Makeup | Acceptable if the treatment area is avoided | Acceptable as usual | Acceptable as usual |
| Facial cleansing & skincare | Acceptable if done gently | Acceptable as usual | Acceptable as usual |
| Shower / bath | Shower only | Baths are also acceptable (avoid long soaks) | Acceptable as usual |
| Exercise | Not permitted | Light exercise is acceptable | Acceptable as usual |
| Alcohol consumption | Not permitted | Refrain for a few days | Acceptable as usual |
| Massage | Not permitted | Not permitted | Light massage is acceptable |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Kabelline
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| ・Reduces fat in a short time without a scalpel ・Very little downtime and minimal pain | ・Multiple sessions required ・May involve swelling, firm lumps, or areas that are not suitable ・Does not reduce body weight |
Treatments That Work Well in Combination
Combining Kabelline with other aesthetic treatments can help you aim for a more ideal result.
Volnewmer
Volnewmer is a radiofrequency (RF) device for treating sagging skin.
Performing Volnewmer after reducing fat volume with Kabelline can offer a synergistic effect, tightening skin laxity and helping to create a sharper jawline.
It is common to receive Volnewmer 2 to 4 weeks after Kabelline treatment, once the swelling has subsided.
Thread Lift
A thread lift is a treatment in which dissolvable medical threads are inserted under the skin to physically lift sagging areas. Because a thread lift can be less effective when there is a lot of fat, reducing fat with Kabelline first can help maximize the lifting effect of the threads.
Please discuss the interval between treatments with your physician during your consultation.
Botox
Botox is a treatment that improves a heavy jawline and expression lines by limiting muscle movement. If facial width caused by developed jaw muscles (the masseter) is a concern, combining it with Botox injections is effective. By reducing fat with Kabelline and the muscle with Botox, you can achieve a more refined, slimmer facial effect.
Kabelline and Botox can be performed on the same day, but the optimal timing varies depending on the area and symptoms, so this is decided in consultation with your physician.
Treatment Flow
You can easily book from your smartphone.
You can book a convenient date and time through our online reservation system or by phone. Both first-time and returning patients can book anytime, 24 hours a day.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
When you arrive, simply give your name at the reception desk for a smooth check-in. First-time visitors will be asked to complete a brief medical questionnaire.
During your consultation, please feel free to raise any concerns. Rest assured, there is no pushy sales. Next, we assess the thickness of the fat and the condition of the skin through palpation, ultrasound examination, and the like, and determine the appropriate injection volume and sites.
After disinfection and marking, cooling is performed as needed. We carry out the injection while checking in with you throughout.
Time required: approx. 10–15 minutes (varies by treatment area)
We explain in detail how to care for the treated area and precautions for daily life.
From the standpoint of prevention and maintenance, we also suggest appropriate home care, such as oral medications and skincare products designed to help address your concerns.
Immediately after the procedure there may be some swelling or puffiness, but you can return to your daily routine right away. Makeup can be applied from the next morning.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time.
FAQ
- Does Kabelline work in a single session? How many sessions are needed? What is the interval?
-
Some people notice a degree of effect after just one session of Kabelline, but in most cases we recommend about 3 to 6 sessions. The recommended interval between sessions is roughly 1 to 2 weeks.
During this period, fat metabolism and elimination progress to a certain extent, making it a suitable time for the next session. - Does it work for slimming the face and the double chin? What about nasolabial folds and sagging??
-
Kabelline can help slim the face by reducing fat in the double chin and along the jawline. However, because nasolabial folds and sagging involve not only fat but also reduced skin elasticity and muscle decline, there are cases where Kabelline alone does not improve them.
- How painful is the Kabelline procedure?
-
A Kabelline injection involves a slight prick when the needle is inserted. During the injection, you may feel a sense of pressure or a dull ache as the solution spreads, but most people find it tolerable. Cooling the area helps reduce the discomfort.
- Are there people who don't see results?
-
People with little subcutaneous fat and well-developed muscles and bone structure tend to see less effect from fat-dissolving injections. Note that if the jaw muscles are tense, Botox is the appropriate option.
- Tips for reducing swelling quickly?
-
To help swelling subside quickly, measures such as cooling the area, sleeping with your head elevated, and avoiding strenuous exercise and alcohol are effective. Also, avoid massage and try not to stimulate the treated area.
- Does Kabelline rebound?
-
Because Kabelline breaks down the fat cells themselves, it can be said to be less prone to rebound than conventional dieting.
However, skin sagging due to aging can make you appear heavier, and you may still be affected by weight changes due to lifestyle factors.
Those who are not eligible for the treatment
The following individuals cannot receive this treatment, or require careful consideration.
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those with serious liver or kidney disease
- Those with a bleeding disorder or taking anticoagulants
- Those with an infection or skin condition at the treatment site
- Those with an allergy to deoxycholic acid or the product ingredients
- Those with an extremely thin fat layer
If you have a pre-existing condition or are taking oral medication, please be sure to inform your physician during your consultation.
Details
| Item | Contents |
| Treatment Time | Approximately 10 to 15 minutes (excluding consultation) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | About 3 to 6 sessions; recommended roughly every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Downtime | Several days to about one week (varies from person to person) |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | Recommended from the following morning onward to help prevent infection |
| Skincare | Possible right after the treatment |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. |
Legal Notices
- Kabelline injections include treatment using medications not approved in Japan. The medications used for treatment are imported under personal importation procedures at the discretion of our clinic's physicians.
- For information on medications and other items requiring caution when importing for personal use, please refer to this page.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare,Medicines and Other Items Requiring Caution in Personal Importation"
For Kabelline, choose Smart Skin Clinic
Smart Skin Clinic is an aesthetic dermatology clinic with a track record of over 10,000 injection-based procedures per year.
Our clinic offers two types of fat-dissolving injections, Kabelline and Fat X Core, and selects between them according to the area, the condition of the fat, and how much downtime is acceptable.
As a rule, we use Kabelline for areas around the face where you want to keep downtime low, and Fat X Core for thick fat layers or short, intensive body fat reduction.
We also offer combinations with other aesthetic treatments such as thread lifts and Botox.
If you want to aim for targeted fat reduction or a slimmer face without a scalpel, please feel free to consult Smart Skin Clinic.
References & Citations
*Medical information is updated daily. For the latest information, please confirm with your physician during your consultation.
Physician Who Supervised This Page
Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
Clinic List
Jimbocho Clinic
〒101-0054
3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception) / 7F
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00 / Sat & Sun 10:00–19:00
Yokohama Clinic
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–19:00
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a Smart Skin Clinic supervising physician.
This page was produced in accordance with the Medical Advertising Guidelines Medical Advertising Guidelines revised and enforced in June 2018, under which we produce and provide this information.
- Scope of supervision: treatment descriptions, risks and side effects, price display
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025