Q. I'm looking into the cost of fat-dissolving injections in Gangnam. From a Korean medicine doctor's perspective, which method do you recommend?

Many patients ask about fat-dissolving injections, and I completely understand the desire for quick results. The primary advantage is the speed; visible changes often appear within a few weeks. However, there are clear drawbacks, such as unevenness at the injection site, prolonged bruising, or—depending on one's constitution—minimal effectiveness or increased swelling. Most importantly, if the root cause of weight gain is ignored, the 'yo-yo effect' (weight regain) occurs quickly. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we examine the internal environment that allows fat to accumulate. For instance, 'Spleency Deficiency' (脾虛, Bi-heo) impairs fluid metabolism, making the body prone to fat storage. Similarly, 'Phlegm-Fluid' (痰飮, Dam-eum)—a metabolic byproduct—obstructs blood circulation and hinders weight loss. In these cases, using herbal medicine to warm the interior and employing acupuncture and moxibustion to clear the meridians is a more fundamental approach. The greatest advantage is that it has minimal side effects and transforms your constitution into one that is less prone to gaining weight, though this requires more time and consistent management. To summarize, fat-dissolving injections treat the 'symptom,' while TKM treatments address the 'cause.' If you are in a hurry, injections are an option, but I strongly recommend visiting the clinic for a consultation first. Together, we can determine which treatment best suits your specific body type and health needs.