Written by Dr. Adriene Chee, LCP-certified aesthetic physician and Medical Director, Verve Clinic, Petaling Jaya. Published 6 October 2026. Last updated 6 October 2026.
You eat sensibly and stay active, yet a soft pad under the chin, a pocket on the lower tummy or dimpling on the thighs refuses to shift. For others, it is stretch marks from pregnancy, a growth spurt or weight change that bother them most. These are some of the most common reasons patients come to see us, and they share one thing: diet, exercise and skincare rarely change them much.
In short: PB Serum (pbserum) is an injectable treatment that uses recombinant enzymes to reduce stubborn fat, smooth cellulite and soften stretch marks. It is made by Proteos Biotech in Spain. At Verve Clinic in Petaling Jaya, it is given by injection or mesotherapy over 3 sessions, 1 month apart. Most patients notice changes 2 to 4 weeks after treatment, and in our experience fat reduction lasts a year or more.
In this article, I explain what PB Serum is, how its enzymes work, how it compares with conventional fat-dissolving injections, what a session involves and who it suits.
What is PB Serum?
PB Serum is an injectable treatment that uses recombinant enzymes (collagenase, lipase and lyase) to break down stubborn fat, remodel collagen and reduce fluid retention in the treated area. It is made by Proteos Biotech, a biotechnology company in Albacete, Spain, which is part of the Moehs Group. “Recombinant” means the enzymes are produced through biotechnology rather than extracted from animal tissue.
Each formulation combines several enzymes, and each enzyme has a specific job. The main ones are:
- Collagenase, which breaks down old, disorganised collagen fibres so the skin can lay down new, better-organised collagen. This is the enzyme most relevant to stretch marks and the fibrous bands behind cellulite.
- Lipase, which acts on the fat stored inside fat cells, helping the body break down and clear localised fat.
- Lyase, which acts on the gel-like material between cells, helping to reduce fluid retention and allowing the other ingredients to spread evenly through the tissue.
Some versions also contain hyaluronic acid for hydration. PB Serum comes in three strengths, Low, Medium and High. I select the strength, depth and technique according to the area and the concern being treated.
Why do stubborn fat, cellulite and stretch marks form?
Localised fat. Where we store fat is largely set by genetics and hormones. Pockets under the chin, on the abdomen, flanks and inner thighs can persist even at a healthy weight, because exercise reduces overall body fat rather than fat in one chosen area.
Cellulite. Cellulite is not simply excess fat. Fibrous bands, called septa, tether the skin to the deeper tissue. When fat cells push upwards between these bands while the bands pull down, the surface takes on a dimpled, orange-peel look. Fluid retention and thinner skin make it more visible. It is very common in women, including slim women.
Stretch marks. When the skin stretches faster than it can adapt, during pregnancy, a growth spurt or rapid weight change, the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis) tears. The body repairs it with collagen laid down in a dense, disorganised pattern, which shows first as red or purple lines and later fades to silvery-white. The result is skin that looks and feels different from the skin around it.
In each case there is a structural element, whether fat, fibrous bands or disorganised collagen, that creams and serums cannot reach. PB Serum is delivered directly into that tissue.
Is PB Serum good for fat, cellulite and stretch marks?
Yes, for the right patient. PB Serum can reduce small pockets of stubborn fat, smooth the dimpling of cellulite and soften stretch marks, provided you are near a stable weight and expect a gradual, visible improvement rather than complete clearance.
For localised fat, PB Serum suits small, stubborn pockets such as a double chin, the jowl area, bra line, lower abdomen, flanks or upper arms. It is not a weight-loss treatment, and it does not replace liposuction where there is a large volume of fat.
For cellulite, the aim is a smoother surface and less visible dimpling. Because cellulite has several causes, the realistic goal is a visible improvement rather than complete clearance.
For stretch marks, collagen remodelling can soften texture and improve the look of the skin over the course of treatment. Newer red or purple stretch marks tend to respond more readily than older, silvery-white ones, which may do better when it is combined with other treatments.
PB Serum vs fat-dissolving injections: what is the difference?
The main difference is scope. PB Serum combines enzymes that act on fat, collagen and fluid, while deoxycholic acid injections, approved in the US for fat under the chin, destroy fat cells only. Both have a place, and the right choice depends on your concern, the area and your medical history.
| PB Serum | Deoxycholic acid injections | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Recombinant enzymes (collagenase, lipase, lyase), with hyaluronic acid in some versions | Deoxycholic acid, a molecule the body naturally produces to digest fat |
| How it works | Enzymes act on stored fat, fibrous tissue and retained fluid | Disrupts fat cell membranes on contact |
| Concerns addressed | Localised fat, cellulite and stretch marks | Fat only; approved in the US for fat under the chin |
| Skin tightening | Can help: collagenase supports collagen remodelling, which helps the skin tighten as fat reduces | Not its intended role; loose skin after fat reduction may need a separate treatment |
| Delivery | Injection or mesotherapy | Injection |
| Typical course | 3 sessions, 1 month apart (Verve protocol) | Up to 6 sessions, at least 1 month apart |
| Common after-effects | Redness and mild swelling | Swelling, bruising, pain and temporary numbness |
Deoxycholic acid details: US FDA prescribing information for Kybella. Treatment details: Verve Clinic protocol and the manufacturer.
In practice, this means PB Serum can address contour, skin tightness and texture in the same area, which suits patients who have both fat and cellulite on the thighs or abdomen. Deoxycholic acid, on the other hand, reduces fat only and does not treat cellulite or stretch marks, although it has a larger body of published clinical trial data for the chin.
What is the PB Serum treatment like?
A PB Serum session takes about 30 to 45 minutes in the clinic, with little downtime. Every treatment begins with a consultation, where I assess the area, review your medical history and discuss whether this treatment, another one or a combination would serve you better.
On the day, the area is cleansed and the enzymes are delivered in one of two ways. With injection, small amounts are placed directly into the target layer, which is typical for localised fat. With mesotherapy, many tiny, shallow injections are spread across the area, which suits texture concerns such as cellulite and stretch marks.
Afterwards, the usual after-effects are redness and mild swelling at the treated area. You will receive aftercare advice before you leave, and you are welcome to WhatsApp us if anything concerns you.
| Treatment time | About 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the area |
| Comfort | Fine needles; numbing can be applied for sensitive areas |
| Downtime | Redness and mild swelling |
| Course | 3 sessions, 1 month apart |
| Results | Visible 2 to 4 weeks after treatment, building over the course |
| Longevity | Fat reduction: a year or more in our experience. Cellulite and stretch marks: long-lasting, unless affected by weight gain or lifestyle changes |
PB Serum works well on its own, and it can also be combined with other treatments when that adds something for you. For older stretch marks, for example, it may be paired with Matrix RF microneedling or PicoWay laser. I will only suggest a combination if it genuinely suits your goals.
Is PB Serum right for you?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- have small pockets of fat that persist despite a healthy lifestyle;
- are at or close to a stable weight;
- have cellulite on the thighs, buttocks or abdomen;
- have stretch marks you would like to soften;
- prefer a non-surgical approach with little downtime;
- are comfortable with results that build gradually over a course.
The treatment is generally not offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or where there is active infection or inflammation in the treatment area. I will go through your health history in detail at your consultation.
A note from Dr. Adriene Chee: “PB Serum suits patients who are close to a stable weight and want to refine a specific area, such as a double chin, the abdomen or the thighs. I usually plan 3 sessions a month apart, and most patients notice a change 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.”
Frequently asked questions
What is PB Serum (神奇针)?
PB Serum is an injectable treatment made by Proteos Biotech in Spain. It uses recombinant enzymes, including collagenase, lipase and lyase, to target stubborn fat, cellulite and stretch marks. At Verve Clinic in Petaling Jaya, it is delivered by injection or mesotherapy.
Is PB Serum a weight-loss treatment?
No. It is designed for small, stubborn areas of fat and for skin texture concerns. It suits people who are at or near a stable weight. For significant weight loss, lifestyle changes or medical weight management are more appropriate.
How many PB Serum sessions will I need?
Our usual protocol is 3 sessions, spaced 1 month apart. The exact number depends on the area, the concern and how your skin responds, and I will confirm a plan at your consultation.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Most patients notice changes 2 to 4 weeks after treatment, with results building over the course. In our experience, fat reduction lasts a year or more, and improvements in cellulite and stretch marks are long-lasting, unless affected by weight gain or lifestyle changes.
Does PB Serum hurt, and is there any downtime?
Most patients find it comfortable: fine needles are used, and numbing can be applied for sensitive areas. Downtime is usually minimal, and redness and mild swelling at the treated area are the most common after-effects.
Is PB Serum safe?
PB Serum is registered for use in Malaysia and, at Verve, is administered only by a medical doctor after a full consultation. As with any injectable treatment, side effects such as redness, swelling or bruising can occur, and your suitability will be assessed beforehand.
Can PB Serum be combined with other treatments?
Yes. It can be used alone or alongside other treatments, such as RF microneedling or skin boosters. Any combination is tailored to your goals and discussed with you first.
How much does PB Serum cost in Malaysia?
The cost depends on the area, the strength (Low, Medium or High) and the number of sessions you need, so we give a personalised quote after assessing you. WhatsApp us for a quote.
Ready to talk about your concern?
Stubborn fat, cellulite and stretch marks are common, and they are nothing to feel self-conscious about. If any of them bother you, a conversation is a good place to start. At Verve, we will listen, assess your concern honestly and recommend only what suits you, whether that is PB Serum, another treatment or nothing at all. If you are also curious about skin quality, you may enjoy our articles on the Juvelook skin booster and Deusaderm LIDO for dark circles.
WhatsApp us to arrange a consultation or to request a personalised quote.
About the author
Dr. Adriene Chee is the Medical Director of Verve Clinic in Petaling Jaya and an LCP-certified aesthetic physician with over 10 years of experience. Her qualifications include an MD from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), a Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology (Bangkok) and an LCP in Aesthetic Medicine, with affiliations to the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM, USA), the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and the Society for Anti-Aging, Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine Malaysia (SAAARMM). Meet our team.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results, downtime and suitability vary. Any aesthetic procedure carries risks that should be discussed with a qualified medical practitioner before treatment. Please arrange a consultation for personalised advice.
