Fat-removal injections (injection lipolysis)
The fat-removal injection, technically known as injection lipolysis, is a minimally invasive procedure for treating small, stubborn pockets of fat and an alternative to liposuction.
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Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
The Fat-removal injection, technically correct as Injection lipolysis is a popular, minimally invasive procedure in aesthetic medicine for treating small, stubborn pockets of fat. It offers a non-surgical alternative for anyone who is bothered by localised problem areas but for whom surgical liposuction would be too invasive.
This article explains, on a scientific basis, how the fat-dissolving injection works, which areas it is suitable for, what its limitations are, and how it differs from liposuction.
What is the fat-dissolving injection?
Injection lipolysis is a medical procedure in which a special cocktail of active ingredients is injected directly into a specific, unwanted fat deposit in order to break down the fat cells (adipocytes) there. The body then naturally breaks down the destroyed fat cells and the released fats via the lymphatic system and the liver.
The result is a permanent reduction in fat tissue at the treated site.
The mechanism of action: Inducing inflammation to burn fat
Nowadays, the main active ingredient used in injection lipolysis is almost exclusively deoxycholic acid, sometimes in combination with phosphatidylcholine (PPC). In the EU, deoxycholic acid in particular (e.g. for treating chin fat) is authorised.
- Injection The active ingredient is injected into the fat deposit to be treated using fine needles in a fan-shaped pattern.
- Cell resolution The injected substance triggers a local, artificially induced and intentional inflammatory response . This reaction destroys the membranes of the fat cells, causing them to burst.
- Removal The released fat is taken up by the body’s own scavenger cells (macrophages) and transported via the lymphatic system to the liver, where it is metabolised.
The visible signs of this inflammatory reaction – redness, swelling, tenderness – are therefore not an undesirable side-effect, but rather a Signs that the treatment is working.
The key distinction: fine-tuning, not weight reduction
The fat-dissolving injection is not a weight-loss treatment. It is a means of Small-scale body contouring and sculpting.
A direct comparison of the areas of application:
| Criterion | Fat-removal injections (injection lipolysis) | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Fine-tuning small, localised pockets of fat | Removal of large amounts of fat |
| Method | Injection of an active substance | Surgical removal of fat cells |
| Anaesthesia | No anaesthetic cream, or only a local anaesthetic cream | Usually a general anaesthetic or twilight sleep |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Surgical procedure |
| Downtime | Minor (a few days’ swelling) | Significant (several weeks of compression garments) |
| Result | Gradual reduction over several weeks | Immediately visible reduction in volume |
| Ideal for… | Double chin, ‚hamster cheeks‘, small pockets of fat on the tummy or hips | Larger deposits of fat on the stomach, legs and hips (‚saddlebags‘) |
Typical uses of the fat-removal injection
Face: Double chin (the speciality), jowls, nasolabial folds.
Body: Small pockets of fat on the tummy, hips („love handles“), the inner thighs, „bra fat“ on the back or under the arms.
Risks and the importance of insurance cover
When performed by an experienced doctor, injection lipolysis is considered to be a low-risk procedure. Nevertheless, it is a medical procedure.
Expected side effects:
- Severe swelling
- Redness
- Bruises
- Tenderness on pressure
Lasting for several days is normal and a sign that the treatment is working.
Possible complications:
- Irregular results (denting)
- Granuloma formation
- Inflammation or
- in very rare cases, tissue damage (necrosis) may occur if the injection is administered incorrectly
As this is a cosmetic procedure, the costs of treating any complications not covered by health insurance.
One Consequential Costs Insurance can provide financial security in the event that medically necessary follow-up treatment is required after your treatment – we would be happy to discuss your options with you in person.
Frequently asked questions about fat-dissolving injections
The cost depends on the area being treated and the amount of active ingredient required. A session to treat a double chin usually costs between 250 and 450 euros.
In most cases, 2 to 4 treatments at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks are required to achieve the best possible result.
As the body needs time to break down the destroyed fat cells, the final result is only visible around 8 weeks after the last treatment.
Yes. The fat cells destroyed in the treated area are not replaced by the body. The fat cells destroyed in the treated area are permanently removed. However, any remaining fat cells may grow larger again if you put on weight, meaning that new deposits of fat may develop.
In Germany, injection lipolysis may only be carried out by registered doctors. Alternative practitioners may only carry out injection lipolysis within the legal limits; they are not permitted to use prescription-only medicines. Given the complexity and risks involved, it is strongly recommended that you consult only a doctor with the appropriate qualifications and experience.
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