Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been used for the local reduction of fat tissue in the clinical setting. However, its safety and efficacy have not been proven. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PTX on cell lines established from fat tissue. Newly cultured human preadipocytes and adipocytes from subcutaneous abdominal fat in addition to purchased human lung fibroblasts and keratinocytes were treated with PTX at different concentrations. Cell viability was determined using the Cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay and lipolysis was evaluated using an Elisa kit. DNA fragmentation, Western blot analysis, Hoechst and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining and fluorescence activated cell scanning analysis were performed to confirm apoptosis. The viability of adipocytes, preadipocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts was markedly decreased at concentrations of PTX above 20 mM. Apoptosis was induced at concentrations of PTX over 40 mM in all cell lines. Lipolysis was increased by 60% at concentrations of PTX of 20 mM compared to the control. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that 20 mM of PTX induced lipolysis. At concentrations over 20 mM, PTX reduced the viability of all cells studied including: adipocytes, preadipocytes, fibroblasts and keratinocytes, in a non-specific manner.