Melting Lipomas with Deoxycholate Injections

Traditionally, lipomas have been surgically removed or debulked by liposuction. Until now, no noninvasive treatment option has existed. In this case series, six patients with . . .

Traditionally, lipomas have been surgically removed or debulked by liposuction. Until now, no noninvasive treatment option has existed. In this case series, six patients with a total of 12 lipomas received intralesional injections of deoxycholate (at concentrations of 1.0%, 2.5%, or 5.0%); treatments were spaced 2 to 20 weeks apart and continued until the patient was satisfied with the response. A half-inch, 30-gauge needle was used; the volume of injected solution was equal in millimeters to half of the greatest diameter of the lipomas in centimeters. Two injections were used for lipomas larger than 1 cm and one injection for smaller lesions. The largest lipoma measured 4 cm in greatest diameter.

After the last treatment (mean treatment dur…

Reviewing Author

George J. Hruza, MD