Around the world, the use of phosphotidylcholine and deoxycholate has been common practice for decades. In the United States, this only recently caught on once a pharmaceutical company patented a specific formulation as the drug Kybella, which is indicated for removing submental (under the chin) fat. More dermatologists have jumped on the bandwagon and started using Kybella off label in all of the same areas that the generic version made in compounding pharmacies has been used for the past few decades in Europe and South America. While in Miami, I was introduced to the technique, which migrated to that area with many of the clientele and practitioners that moved there from abroad.
In my current practice I take this practice one step further by doing injections under ultrasound to target small pockets more completely and even monitor the progression of fat loss by looking at the quality and depth of fat 1-2 months after injections. I have been able to remove Lipoma (benign fatty growths), fat build up in love handles, inner and outer thighs, under arms and armpit creases, over the back of the neck and many other small pockets that are not easily addressed through weight loss.
Patients can expect to notice subtle changes after one treatment but usually a series of 3-5 treatments is necessary to achieve the desired effect. Small pockets of fat can be removed in one treatment in many cases.