Lipolysis or liposuction?
The injection is no replacement for surgery – and surgery is often too much for small deposits. An assessment without sales interest: VIVA DERM offers only one of the two.
Fat-dissolving injection or liposuction: for small deposits such as a double chin the injection is often enough
Small versus large.
Injection lipolysis dissolves the membrane of fat cells in the treated area with deoxycholic acid; the body clears the remains over weeks. Suitable for small, clearly defined deposits: double chin, jowls, small pads on the abdomen or inner thigh. Two to four sessions, each outpatient in 20 minutes, marked swelling for one to two weeks.
Liposuction mechanically removes larger amounts of fat through small incisions, under local or general anaesthesia, in one session. It can change contours over large areas and be combined with skin tightening if needed. Downtime one to two weeks, compression garments for weeks, surgical risks as with any operation.
What neither can do: replace weight loss, tighten slack skin (lipolysis not at all, liposuction only to a limited extent) or keep the result with weight gain.
Decision: deposit smaller than a palm, good skin elasticity, no wish for surgery – injection lipolysis. Larger amounts, several zones, skin excess, wish for a single appointment – liposuction with plastic surgery. VIVA DERM performs lipolysis and refers for liposuction.
At a glance.
| Criterion | Injection lipolysis | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | small deposits (chin, jowls) | larger amounts, several zones |
| Procedure | injection, outpatient | surgery, local/general anaesthesia |
| Sessions | 2–4 | 1 |
| Downtime | 1–2 weeks swelling | 1–2 weeks, compression longer |
| Risks | swelling, numbness, rarely nerve irritation | surgical risks, dents, scars |
| Skin | not tightened | limited, combinable with tightening |
| Guide price | from €190 per session | usually €2,000–5,000 (external) |
| At VIVA DERM | yes | no, referral |
Simplified comparison. Which method suits you follows only from examination and consultation. Prices are guide values under the GOÄ; the individual amount is stated in writing before treatment.
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Important note.
This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I have lipolysis on the abdomen?
For small pads yes; for the whole abdomen it is too laborious and expensive – liposuction makes more sense there.
Is the lipolysis result lasting?
Treated fat cells do not form anew. With stable weight the result lasts long; with weight gain remaining cells can grow.
Sources and further reading.
- DGPRÄC – German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
- BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- Medical Association North Rhine – patient information
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
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Or start with a consultation only: consultation appointment (€50, credited against a treatment)