If you haven't heard of Lemon Bottle Fat Dissolving, you have probably not used the internet in the last few years. And you have definitely not been on TikTok. In recent times, videos going viral on social media have gathered millions of views around this yellow liquid from Korea that is said to dissolve fat in just 24 hours. Let's explore all things Lemon Bottle - the claims, the controversy and the truth!
What is Lemon Bottle Fat Dissolving?
Lemon Bottle is a product developed by dermatologists and is owned by Korean company Sid Medicos. Lemon bottle is a solution based on 3 main natural ingredients - riboflavin, bromelain and lecithin, that is used to target and break down stubborn areas of fat.
Sid Medicos claims that Lemon Bottle's precise formulation and injection technique provide patients with a nearly painless experience and minimal swelling or bruising afterward. On their website, they state that its outstanding safety record enables patients to quickly return to their regular activities without significant downtime or interference with work or social commitments. Noticeable body contouring results may be observed as early as the day after treatment, with further enhancements gradually appearing over the following weeks as the treated area clears fatty acids and glycerol. Patients can anticipate enduring yet natural-looking fat reduction effects.
How is Lemon Bottle different to Aqualyx or DesoLab?
Lemon Bottle differentiates itself from other fat dissolving products currently available in the market in the UK such as Aqualyx or DesoLab, because it is based on natural ingredients only.
Lemon Bottle does not contain deoxycholic acid. Therefore, this product is deemed as cosmetic and does not require a medical prescription to be administered in the UK.
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. In cosmetic dermatology it is injected into targeted areas of excess fat where it disrupts the membranes of fat cells, causing them to break down and be eliminated from the body through natural metabolic processes. There is evidence over the years to suggest the deoxycholic acid is effective at breaking down fat - particularly in the chin area in comparison to the body.
Lemon Bottle is a newer product on the market and unlike Aqualyx and Desolab, it does not have as much robust evidence to support how its ingredients break down fat.
What does the evidence say about Deoxycholic Acid (Aqualyx)?
How fat dissolving agents work is yet to be fully understood. Many studies conclude that deoxycholic acid causes fat cells to burst (cell lysis) and then ultimately die - a process called necrosis. Studies consistently show signs of inflammation in the treated area, due to necrosis which is why patients can experience swelling and irritation in the treatment area.
Overall, when doctors examine the effects of deoxycholic acid injections, they often find signs of tissue damage, scarring, and inflammation. While some studies report a decrease in fat cell size or shape, others suggest that deoxycholic acid may affect other types of cells in the area, not just fat cells.
Early studies also suggest that deoxycholic acid triggers a general immune response similar to how the body reacts to foreign substances. Most importantly, these findings hold true across different studies, even when considering factors like the number of injections or how long the study lasts. Overall, it has been found to be effective and generally safe to administer for the purpose of fat dissolving.
Does science support the use of Lemon Bottle?
Unlike Aqualyx and DesoLab, there is no robust evidence to say how - or even if, Lemon Bottle Fat Dissolving works.
One theory to explore may be in the Lemon Bottle ingredient lecithin. Lecithin is a fatty substance that is found in various animal and plant tissues, including egg yolks and soybeans. It's composed of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine (more about this below!), which is a type of fat that is essential for cell membranes and plays a role in lipid metabolism in the body.
Regarding its use in weight loss, there is limited scientific evidence to support the idea that lecithin supplements directly lead to weight loss. While lecithin is sometimes promoted as a "fat burner" due to its role in fat metabolism, studies have not consistently shown significant weight loss effects from lecithin supplementation alone. This has lead many to disregard Lemon Bottle as an effective treatment.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a type of fat molecule derived from soybean lecithin that is used and has been studied in fat dissolving. While we're still figuring out exactly how it works, scientists think that PC might activate enzymes called lipases, which break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids get metabolized by the liver, while glycerol dissolves in water. We know that this substance is usually less inflammatory than deoxycholic acid and it has been suggested that it may not be as effective - but evidence supports that it does indeed work!
Do Lemon Bottle fat dissolving injections actually work?
The golden question!
The short answer is yes - but as with all treatments, there will be some individuals who do not respond to treatment. At Coral Aesthetics, we have lots of experience with fat dissolving and it is one of our most sought after and carried out treatments across our Leyton, Ashford & Liverpool Street clinics.
It's important to note that fat dissolving treatments are not suitable for overall weight loss and are intended for targeting specific areas of stubborn fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise. Additionally, these treatments may carry risks and side effects, including pain, swelling, bruising, and skin irregularities.
Fat dissolving injections should NEVER replace healthy, balanced eating or exercise but can be a great option alongside this for small areas of stubborn fat.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of fat dissolving treatments depends on various factors, including the individual's anatomy, the specific product used, the injection technique, and your expectations. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and realistic expectations before undergoing any fat dissolving procedure.
"Hi! I'm Nurse Coral, an experienced aesthetic nurse who is passionate about providing natural enhancements to help people feel confident and beautiful. My clinics are based in the City of London, Essex & Kent.
You can book in for a consultation with me here, or simply reach out with any queries by emailing info@coralaesthetics.co.uk and I'll get back to you!"
Research papers/literature reviews read to aid in the writing of this blog:
Thomas MK, D'Silva JA, Borole AJ. Injection Lipolysis: A Systematic Review of Literature and Our Experience with a Combination of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate over a Period of 14 Years in 1269 Patients of Indian and South East Asian Origin. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018 Oct-Dec;11(4):222-228. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_117_18. PMID: 30886477; PMCID: PMC6371720.
Muskat A, Pirtle M, Kost Y, McLellan BN, Shinoda K. The Role of Fat Reducing Agents on Adipocyte Death and Adipose Tissue Inflammation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 24;13:841889. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.841889. PMID: 35399925; PMCID: PMC8988282.
Reeds DN, Mohammed BS, Klein S, Boswell CB, Young VL. Metabolic and structural effects of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate injections on subcutaneous fat: a randomized, controlled trial. Aesthet Surg J. 2013 Mar;33(3):400-8. doi: 10.1177/1090820X13478630. Epub 2013 Feb 25. PMID: 23439063; PMCID: PMC3667691.