Aftercare
Lemon Bottle aftercare
Lemon Bottle is a fat-dissolving injectable that uses a blend of riboflavin (vitamin B2), lecithin and bromelain to break down small, stubborn pockets of fat. It's most often used on the chin and jawline, and on areas like the stomach, flanks, thighs and arms. It works gradually over a course of sessions, and it's a contouring treatment rather than a weight-loss treatment.
Your treatment plan
- Most people need a course of 2–4 sessions, spaced roughly 1–2 weeks apart.
- Results build gradually as your body clears the dissolved fat — you'll usually start to notice a difference within a few weeks.
- The number of sessions depends on the area and your goals, so I'll talk you through what to expect at your appointment.
- A balanced diet, good hydration and regular movement all help you keep your results.
Before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fish oil and other blood thinners to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Be well hydrated and eat a meal before your appointment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially for body areas.
What to expect
Straight after treatment the area will usually be swollen, warm and tender, and you may notice some firmness or small lumps under the skin. This is completely normal and part of how the treatment works. Lemon Bottle tends to cause less swelling than other forms of fat dissolving, but some swelling may still occur.
Swelling is often most noticeable in the first few days and can take up to 1–2 weeks to settle — this is more pronounced after Lemon Bottle than after many other treatments, so do plan around that. A cold compress, sleeping propped up on a few pillows, and (after 24 hours, if safe for you) anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can all help.
Bruising can happen and may take up to 2 weeks to settle — Arnica cream can help. Mild itching or a warm sensation in the area is also normal.
Aftercare
- Try not to touch the treated area for the first 6 hours, and avoid makeup over it for 24 hours, to reduce the risk of infection.
- Drink plenty of water — aim for at least 2 litres a day. This is essential for the treatment to work, as it helps your body flush out and clear the dissolved fat.
- Keep gently active. Light movement and walking help lymphatic drainage.
- Only massage the area if, and in the way, I've specifically advised you to.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking for 48 hours.
- Avoid blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours, as they can worsen bruising (if these are prescribed by your GP, check before stopping them).
- Avoid strenuous exercise and anything that makes you sweat heavily for 48 hours.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds, swimming and extremes of hot and cold until the redness and swelling have settled.
- Protect the area from strong sun and use SPF once any broken skin has healed.
Seek help if…
- Signs of infection — skin that is hot, increasingly red, shiny or painful, possible pus, a fever or feeling generally unwell — need medical attention. Contact me as soon as possible.
- Severe allergy symptoms — widespread rash, facial swelling or any difficulty breathing — need emergency medical attention (999).
- Pain that is severe, spreading or getting worse rather than easing, or any reaction you're unsure about — contact me as soon as possible.
Follow-up
Please attend any follow-up appointments, even if healing seems to be going perfectly. We'll review how the area has responded and plan any further sessions. If anything in this aftercare is unclear, just ask.