FDA Warns Against Unapproved 'Fat-Dissolving' Injections

Severe side effects reported, including infections, deformities, and scarring; only one such treatment, Kybella, is FDA-approved.

FDA warns against unapproved 'fat-dissolving' injections, which have caused severe side effects including infections, skin deformities, and permanent scarring.
Unapproved injections are being sold under names like Aqualyx, Lipodissolve, Lipo Lab, and Kabelline, and are commonly used in med spas or clinics, or purchased online.
The injections often contain phosphatidylcholine or sodium deoxycholate, neither of which are FDA-approved for this use.
Kybella, from Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, is the only FDA-approved fat-dissolving treatment, but it is only evaluated for use on excess chin fat.
The FDA advises against self-administration of these injections due to the risk of serious complications and urges consumers to seek treatment from licensed professionals.