Aqualyx

Aqualyx is an injectable fat-dissolving treatment containing sodium deoxycholate — a synthetic version of a naturally-occurring bile acid that emulsifies and disrupts fat-cell membranes. When injected into a localised pocket of subcutaneous fat, the molecule destroys the fat cells in that pocket; the cellular debris is then cleared gradually by the body's lymphatic system over several weeks. The fat cells destroyed are permanently removed — the result is local and selective fat reduction, not weight loss.

Aqualyx is a CE-marked medical product manufactured by Marllor Biomedical in Italy and is widely used in licensed UK aesthetic practice for localised fat reduction. It should only be administered by a medically trained practitioner. Important regulatory note: Aqualyx is NOT FDA-approved in the US — the FDA-approved equivalent for the submental (under-chin) area in the US is a different deoxycholic-acid product called Kybella (Allergan). Both work by similar mechanisms.

Aqualyx is most often used for localised, stable fat deposits that resist diet and exercise: the submental area (double chin and jowls), the flanks ("love handles"), the abdomen (lower stomach), the inner and outer thighs, the bra-fat region, and knee fat. It is NOT a treatment for whole-body weight loss, for large-volume fat reduction (which still requires liposuction), or for visceral (deeper, internal) abdominal fat. Patients should be at or near a stable target weight before starting Aqualyx for best results.

Most patients need 2–4 sessions per treated area, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Results from each session build over 4–6 weeks as the body clears the dissolved fat. Smaller areas (chin, jowls) often respond in fewer sessions; larger areas (abdomen, thighs) typically need more. Your practitioner will agree a treatment plan in consultation including the realistic number of sessions for your specific area and concern.

Expect swelling, redness, tenderness, and sometimes mild bruising at the injection sites — typically peaking at 24–72 hours and resolving over 7–14 days. A warm or burning sensation in the first few hours after injection is normal as the product activates. Most patients return to work the next day if treating discrete areas (e.g. chin), though larger treatment fields (abdomen, thighs) may be more uncomfortable for the first 48–72 hours and benefit from a day off. We give detailed written aftercare at each session.

Yes — sequencing matters. Aqualyx targets fat cells specifically; other body treatments target different layers. Common combinations: Aqualyx for the fat layer + Morpheus8 Body or SkinTyte for any overlying skin laxity once fat reduction is complete; HYAcorp body filler for volume restoration in different areas (e.g. cheeks of the buttock when overall flank fat is reduced). Sequencing is critical — Aqualyx is typically done first, with skin-tightening or volumising staged afterwards once the fat-dissolution result has stabilised.

The specific fat cells destroyed by Aqualyx are permanently removed by the body. However, the remaining fat cells in the area (and elsewhere in the body) can still grow if you gain weight. So the result is permanent ONLY at your treatment-time weight. Maintaining a stable weight after treatment preserves the contouring effect; significant weight gain after treatment will redistribute fat back through the remaining cells, including in the treated area. This is one reason we recommend Aqualyx at a stable target weight rather than as a substitute for weight management.

Treatment is contraindicated for: pregnancy or breastfeeding; known allergy to deoxycholic acid or soy-based products (the formulation contains soy phosphatidylcholine); active infection or inflammation at the injection site; lipodystrophy or other fat-metabolism disorders; uncontrolled thyroid conditions; severe liver or kidney disease; current anticoagulant therapy without medical clearance; and significant weight instability (active gain or loss). The full contraindication list on this page reflects the safety screen we apply at consultation.