Fat-dissolving Injection: how Does it Work – and What Can it Really Achieve?

Björn Frey

From the series: Asked our doctor

“Can you just inject it away?”

– I hear this question almost daily in my practice when it comes to small, stubborn fat deposits. The so-called fat-dissolving injection sounds like a quick, uncomplicated solution – no surgical risk, no downtime.

But it’s not that simple. In this article, you’ll learn when the treatment makes sense, what results you can expect – and why it’s important for us to openly discuss its limitations. Because only then can true satisfaction arise.

What Exactly is the Fat-Dissolving Injection – and how Does it Work?

With the fat-dissolving injection – medically “injection lipolysis” – a special active ingredient is injected into the fatty tissue. There, it specifically dissolves fat cells, which are then broken down by the body via the lymphatic system. The process takes several weeks, so the result does not appear overnight.

In our practice, we use various preparations for this – e.g., Lemon Bottle or Michelangelo. We make an individual selection depending on what your body needs and the condition of your skin and fatty tissue.

A good example is a patient who came to us because of a small double chin – despite exercise and diet, it wouldn't disappear. With two sessions and the right active ingredient, we were able to significantly tighten the area – completely without surgery. She was super happy with the natural result.

Björn Fey

What is the fat-dissolving injection really suitable for?

The treatment is ideal for small, clearly defined fat deposits – for example:

Double chin
Bra rolls
Lower abdomen
Upper arms
Inner knee
Love handles / flanks

Important: You should not be significantly overweight and your weight should ideally be stable.

What are the Advantages of the Treatment?

No surgical intervention
Quick treatment (approx. 20–30 minutes)
Suitable for everyday life – no or short downtime
Precise treatment of small problem areas
Natural results – no “altered” appearance

Many who come to us work a lot and are in the prime of their lives. They don't want surgery but wish for a better profile or a more defined silhouette – that's exactly where the fat-dissolving injection can be a good fit.

Björn Fey

But Beware: It’s not a Miracle Cure!

And this must be stated very clearly:

The fat-dissolving injection is not a solution for large
It does not replace diet changes or exercise
It can happen that the body does not react to the active ingredient as desired

Every body is different. In rare cases, the body does not break down the dissolved fat as expected – this can happen. That’s why we place so much emphasis on honest consultation beforehand. Furthermore, we have summarized other ways to get rid of a double chin here.

I always say: If you set realistic goals, there's a high chance you'll leave satisfied. But if you expect a magic solution, you'll be disappointed. We guide you transparently – even if that sometimes means not doing a treatment.

Björn Fey

Doppelkinn-loswerden-Spritze-Aesthetiqua-Fett-Weg-Spritze-Mannheim

Get Rid of Double Chin – Effective Methods & Fat-Away Injection

A Firm, Defined Chin Signifies Youth and Vitality. However, a Double Chin Can Develop Regardless of Age or Weight.

12. February 2025

Myth Check: 5 Misconceptions We Often Encounter

1. Myth: “One injection is enough.”
Usually, 2–4 sessions are needed – depending on the area and the body's reaction.
2. Myth: “The result is visible immediately.”
The effect builds up over weeks – patience pays off. Immediately after the treatment, the treated area is swollen.
3. Myth: “I can get rid of all my belly fat with this.”
That doesn't work – it's about local, small fat deposits.
4. Myth: “After the treatment, the fat is gone forever.”
Fat cells in that area disappear, but other areas can “compensate” with weight gain.
5. Myth: “The treatment is completely painless.”
Some feel a burning or tension sensation, especially in the first few hours – this is normal.

Conclusion: It works, but it's not a miracle cure!

“The fat-dissolving injection can help you gently optimize your contours – if used correctly. We use it daily in our practice, have had good experiences – but have also learned when it's not suitable. If you are interested in the treatment, take the time for a personal consultation. Because in the end, it's not the promise that counts – but your good feeling with the result.”

ARZT BJÖRN FREY

Doctor

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions from the Treatment Room

I have a small belly after pregnancy – will the fat-dissolving injection get rid of it, or is it useless if there's excess skin?

That depends entirely on the condition of your skin. If the small belly consists mainly of small fat deposits and your skin has retracted well, the fat-dissolving injection can help improve the contour.
However: If the skin is severely lax or there is significant excess skin (e.g., after multiple pregnancies), the method reaches its limits. In such cases, we may discuss supplementary treatments like skin tightening – or recommend a different approach.

I just have this small roll above my bra – but it bothers me in every photo. Is this even a case for the fat-dissolving injection, or is it too minor?

Exactly for such small, locally limited areas is the fat-dissolving injection intended. The “bra roll” is a classic example: it bothers you, affects your daily life, but can hardly be influenced by exercise or diet.
If we see during the consultation that the tissue is suitable, a precise injection can significantly smooth the area – and all without surgery.

I had liposuction years ago, but something suddenly reappeared on my chin – can anything still be done there?

Yes, generally – but it depends on the history. If new fat cells have formed on the chin or the tissue has changed (e.g., due to weight fluctuations or natural aging), the fat-dissolving injection can help redefine this area.
It’s important to carefully check beforehand whether fat is actually present there – or whether it’s more about excess skin or lax tissue. The blood circulation and responsiveness of the area after the previous surgery also play a role.

I find it hard to lose weight, even when I diet – will the injection help at all, or will the fat not go away for me anyway?

If you generally have difficulty losing weight, it’s often due to metabolism – or genetic predisposition. However, this does not mean that the fat-dissolving injection is ineffective.
The treatment targets local fat deposits, not the entire body. If you’re stuck at certain spots despite diet and exercise, the injection can target precisely those areas – regardless of how easily or difficult you lose weight overall. It’s important that your weight is stable and you don’t have unrealistic expectations of the method.