Fat dissolving injections (Aqualyx, deoxycholic acid) are a non-surgical way to permanently reduce stubborn pockets of fat under the chin, along the jawline and in other small areas of the face. At Dr Elif Clinic, a consultant dermatologist-led clinic at 54 Harley Street, London, we are the UK’s most experienced provider of fat dissolving injections: using our patented injection method we have performed over a thousand sessions this year alone, with a 98% satisfaction rate and permanent results.
- Non-surgical – a series of small injections, no cuts, no general anaesthetic
- Permanent – treated fat cells are destroyed and do not come back
- Doctor-led – every session is performed by Dr Elif Benar at Harley Street
- Evidence-based product – we use deoxycholic acid (Aqualyx), which is CE-marked and FDA-approved; we do not offer unlicensed “Lemon Bottle”
What causes a double chin?
A double chin (submental fat) can appear for various reasons – genetics or ageing – but it doesn’t have to define your profile. As we get older, skin loses its firmness and fat can settle under the chin. Some people are naturally more prone to it, while others notice it with weight changes or weakened neck muscles. Whatever the cause, fat dissolving injections offer a way to regain a more sculpted, defined jawline without surgery. Read more about the causes on our double chin page.
How do fat dissolving injections work?
- Injection of deoxycholic acid: a small amount of the product is injected precisely into the area of unwanted fat, such as under the chin.
- Breaking down fat cells: deoxycholic acid disrupts the fat cell membrane, so the fat cells break down and are destroyed.
- Natural removal: over the following weeks your body clears the broken-down fat cells through its normal processes.
- Long-lasting results: once these fat cells are gone they don’t come back, so the results are permanent.
Which areas can be treated?
Fat dissolving injections are most commonly used for the double chin and the fat around the jaw, where they sharpen the jawline and improve the profile. They can also be used for other small, well-defined pockets of fat on the face. For larger body areas we offer our Dr Elif Body Sculpting treatment, and where the main issue is loose skin rather than fat, Endolift laser skin tightening is usually the better option – Dr Elif will advise you at your consultation.
Before and after – fat dissolving injections for double chin
All photos below are our own patients treated at Dr Elif Clinic, Harley Street.
What happens during treatment?
- Consultation: Dr Elif assesses the area to confirm that fat dissolving injections are the right treatment for you.
- Numbing: a powerful topical numbing cream is applied to the area beforehand so the treatment is as comfortable as possible.
- Marking and injections: the treatment area is marked and the product is injected through a series of small injections. The number of injections depends on the size of the area and the amount of fat.
- Sessions: most people need two to three sessions, spaced about 6–8 weeks apart, to achieve the best result.
Are fat dissolving injections painful?
No – comfort is our priority. A strong topical numbing cream is applied before we begin, so the injections themselves are well tolerated. Some swelling afterwards is normal and settles within about a week.
Recovery, side effects and results
- Swelling is the most common side effect and can last for up to a week – this is a normal part of the process as the fat cells break down.
- Bruising, redness and numbness at the injection sites are also common and usually settle within a few days to weeks.
- Results start to become visible within 6–8 weeks, with the full result apparent after your course of sessions.
- Permanent: the destroyed fat cells do not regenerate, so the result is permanent.
Aqualyx vs Kybella vs Lemon Bottle – what is the difference?
Aqualyx and Kybella both contain deoxycholic acid, a synthetic form of a substance naturally found in the body that helps break down dietary fat. Deoxycholic acid has held a European/UK CE mark for medical devices for over 13 years and US FDA approval for over 8 years; hundreds of studies involving thousands of patients show that it is safe and effective, and patients and doctors are fully insured for this molecule. Aqualyx is the version more commonly used in Europe and the UK.
Lemon Bottle, by contrast, contains pineapple extract and no active ingredient. There is no scientific study showing it to be safe or effective, it has no FDA approval or CE mark and no approval from professional bodies, which also means no insurance cover for patients or injectors. As an ethical, doctor-led clinic we do not offer any treatment without scientific evidence, so we do not offer Lemon Bottle. Read our full comparison of Lemon Bottle, Kybella and Aqualyx.
| Aqualyx / Kybella (deoxycholic acid) | Lemon Bottle | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Deoxycholic acid | None (pineapple extract) |
| Regulatory approval | CE mark (13+ years), FDA approval (8+ years) | None |
| Scientific evidence | Hundreds of studies, thousands of patients | No studies |
| Insurance for patients and injectors | Yes | No |
| Offered at Dr Elif Clinic | Yes | No |
Am I a good candidate?
Fat dissolving injections suit people with moderate to severe fat under the chin or around the jaw who prefer a non-surgical approach. They target fat, not sagging skin, so they are not recommended if the main issue is loose skin or poor skin elasticity – in that case Endolift, which melts fat with laser heat and tightens the skin at the same time, is usually more suitable. For a recessed chin or an undefined jawline, chin filler or jawline filler can be combined with or used instead of fat dissolving. Dr Elif will recommend the right option for you at your consultation.
Why choose Dr Elif Clinic for fat dissolving injections in London?
- Consultant dermatologist-led clinic at 54 Harley Street, London
- The UK’s most experienced fat dissolving provider – over a thousand sessions a year with our patented injection method
- 98% patient satisfaction with permanent results
- Only CE-marked, FDA-approved deoxycholic acid (Aqualyx) – never unlicensed products
- Honest advice: if injections are not right for you, we will say so and suggest the right alternative
Press coverage: Dr Elif Benar talks about permanent double chin removal in Vents Magazine.
At Dr Elif’s clinic, it’s not about chasing an ideal beauty standard; it’s about enhancing your natural charm. Our unwavering goal is to provide our clients with results that are not only honest but also authentic.
Frequently asked questions about fat dissolving injections
Fat dissolving injections use deoxycholic acid (Aqualyx) to break down fat cells in a small, well-defined area such as under the chin. The body then naturally removes the destroyed fat cells over the following weeks, and because those cells do not come back the result is permanent.
Most people need two to three sessions, spaced about 6–8 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the size of the area and the amount of fat, and Dr Elif will give you a plan at your consultation.
A powerful topical numbing cream is applied before treatment, so the injections are well tolerated. Some swelling afterwards is normal and can last up to a week.
Swelling is the most common side effect and can last for up to a week. Bruising, redness and numbness at the injection sites usually settle within a few days to weeks.
Results start to become visible within 6–8 weeks of a session, once the body has cleared the broken-down fat cells. The full result is seen after your course of sessions.
Yes. The fat cells that are destroyed do not regenerate, so the result is permanent.
Both contain deoxycholic acid and work in the same way. Aqualyx is the version more commonly used in Europe and the UK.
Lemon Bottle contains no active ingredient, has no scientific studies showing it is safe or effective, and has no FDA approval or CE mark, which also means no insurance cover. We only offer treatments with scientific evidence, so we use CE-marked, FDA-approved deoxycholic acid instead.
Fat dissolving injections target fat rather than skin, so they are not recommended if your main concern is loose skin or poor skin elasticity. In that case Endolift laser skin tightening is usually the better choice.
Prices depend on the area treated and the number of sessions. Please see our price list or contact the clinic for a consultation.
Book a fat dissolving consultation on Harley Street or call / WhatsApp +44 7979 725302. See our price list for current fees.
