Lemon Bottle: Aesthetic Breakthrough or Risky Trend?

“The fastest and strongest fat dissolver in the industry with no pain and no swelling!” 

Lemon Bottle fat dissolving is a revolutionary procedure that has been making waves in the aesthetics industry. With over 81 million views on TikTok promoting the product, doctors and professionals among the aesthetic industry are skeptical due to the lack of evidence, long term safety and effectiveness of this injectable solution. Manufacturers have not yet responded to requests for comments despite growing skepticism.  

Lemon Bottle fat dissolving offers a promising solution for those seeking to sculpt and tone specific areas of their body. By injecting a specialised solution into targeted areas, this procedure aims to break down and dissolve stubborn fat cells, promising a more contoured appearance. However, amidst its viral popularity, questions regarding its safety have emerged, prompting discussions among medical professionals. 

Over the last six months the marketing surrounding Lemon Bottle has been going viral, with adverts for treatments starting from as little as fifty pounds for one area of treatment becoming common on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and high street salon windows.  

Despite the fat dissolver being around for over three years now, the growing popularity and ample marketing around this product, Google data suggests that searches in the UK for Lemon Bottle in 2022 were nonexistent. Having surged in popularity in 2023 the searches for this product have overtaken those of ‘liposuction’ as of last September and were rapidly surpassing the interest of other competing fat dissolving injections available on the market. 

This radioactive looking liquid has divided the aesthetic medicine sector, leaving the country's leading medical experts worried due to the lack of published research around the product. In addition to this the way the product is being marketed as a risk-free quick fix with tutorials of how it dissolves fat instantly by being injected into the fat on a rasher of bacon. “As a medical professional I do not feel that this video was appropriate and was also misleading to the public.” says Lucy who is a registered nurse prescriber. 

Lucy is the director of Aqua-Tox based in Hertford. Becoming a nurse back in 2008, she then went on to train within the field of aesthetics around 8 years ago. Lucy says she is passionate about safety within the field and evidence-based treatments.  

Aqua Tox does not provide Lemon Bottle treatment to its customers instead it suggests other alternative established injections for those looking into fat dissolving. Lucy explained “At Aqua-Tox we pride ourselves on researching every product and treatment we offer in detail before offering them to clients in our clinic. We also decide whether we would want to have the treatment ourselves. 

Lemon Bottle does not contain deoxycholic acid like other popular fat dissolvers such as Aqualyx*.  Instead, it utilises substances such as Vitamin B2 and bromelain to break down body fat. We have been unable to find a full ingredients list for the product so it may contain other substances.   

There is very little scientific research, papers or formal clinical research to support the efficacy and safety of fat dissolving using Vitamin B and bromelain. This combined with the lack of full ingredients list were the reasons we as a clinic decided against offering the treatment.” 

Speaking on the popularity of the product she says “We have had so many people ask us if we will offer this treatment due to the popularity that it has gained from social media platforms. We respond by explaining that due to lack of scientific research we do not currently offer the treatment. We usually direct people to alternative treatments and then also to a blog that we ourselves wrote about the product so that they can read the information for themselves.” 

“I think the low cost is a huge incentive for people- I also think that people like to follow a trend and unfortunately do believe a lot of what is seen on social media. It is very easy to get swept along with social media trends, but there is nothing to ensure that the information that is relayed on there is correct it is therefore so important to ensure that research is conducted thoroughly to ensure that the information is factual.” 

“If people are considering Lemon Bottle injections with another clinic or practitioner, we would urge them to do their own research, consider the potential risks involved and consider alternative fat reduction treatments.  This should include looking for medical papers rather than social media.” 

“I believe that any injectables should be carried out by a fully trained professional that is aware of any possible side effects or complications that could occur. This also encompasses any contraindications that there could be to the treatment. This is difficult to assess with a product that is not approved in the UK. Lemon Bottle is manufactured in Korea, a country considered to be a leader in the cosmetics industry. However, Lemon Bottle does not have US FDA approval or a European/UK CE mark for medical devices, both are which are clear indicators of safety and efficacy.” 

“Like any cosmetic procedure, Lemon Bottle is associated with potential common side effects including; localised swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the injection site. Some individuals may also experience redness or itching in the treated area. Side effects are generally temporary however there have been reports of more serious complications, including infections, uneven fat removal, nerve damage and permanent tissue damage. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and the long-term risks that could be caused by the solution itself or the incorrect administration of the solution.” 

“I do not feel that the company is missing out by not offering this treatment, although it can be frustrating trying to educate people as to why we do not and the reasons why we use other treatments as there are so many other companies that are offering the treatment.” 

Reports of safety issues linked to Lemon Bottle have risen according to registered accredited practitioners, SaveFace, which recorded one in 2022 followed by ninety in 2023. Claims included either uneven results or no results at all, prolonged bruising, swelling, infections, abscesses and in one case death of body tissue.  

Made by Sid Medicos, based in Seoul, South Korea, the product is pitched as stronger, safer and more effective than other fat dissolving injections. Rival products contain acids which are safety tested and proven to dissolve fat. Lemon Bottle claims to be made of ‘all natural ingredients. As mentioned by Lucy earlier, a full ingredients list is not available on the company website though ‘key ingredients’ are. Sid Medicos claims the ingredients then work to break down fat cells into fatty acids which are then flushed out naturally when you urinate.  

As we know the marketing boasts impressive results, suggesting fat is eradicated within a few sessions and is promoted for those who claim diet and exercising aren’t enough. Lemon bottle is marketed as quick and painless with results in less than twenty-four hours. As well as this the website claims the dubious product is ‘completely safe’ with ‘no side effects’ delivering ‘instant results’.  

Marketed as an alternative treatment for obesity, the product is currently classified as a cosmetic product meaning there is no need for it to undergo safety testing. This also means Lemon Bottle can be freely administered by non-healthcare professionals with no professional oversight needed.   

Due to the surge of aesthetic treatments in popularity, the government has now passed a law as of April 2022 regarding non-surgical aesthetic treatment which requires a license by practitioners carrying out treatments. Prior to this the beauty industry was unregulated requiring no specific training making this fairly easy for those purchasing a training manual online as boxes of product were openly resold online. 

It cannot be denied that Lemon Bottle is one of the most sought-after procedures in the aesthetics market, with thousands of clinics offering the treatment, although it may fall under a grey area. There is a chance that in the near future, even those who were initially skeptical of the product may grant approval to Lemon Bottle. 

* Aqualyx is a fat dissolver that has been clinically tested and is licensed for use in the UK.