Aqualyx
What Is Aqualyx?
Jun 23, 2025
Fat is more than just an energy reserve in our bodies—it’s a crucial component of our biological functions, supporting everything from hormone production to cell membrane integrity. The European Food Information Council highlights the indispensable role of fats in maintaining overall health. However, when fat accumulates excessively, particularly in those stubborn areas, it can lead to both health concerns and aesthetic frustrations.
With growing interest in non-surgical fat reduction, many are turning to innovative treatments like Aqualyx, a compound specifically designed to target and break down localized fat deposits. While not intended for overall weight loss, Aqualyx has gained attention for its ability to subtly contour the body, offering before-and-after results that have caught the eye of many seeking a slimmer, more sculpted silhouette.
In this article, we’ll dive into what Aqualyx is, how it works to reduce stubborn fat, and what you can expect from the treatment, including a closer look at its results and effectiveness in contouring problem areas.
Key Takeaways
- Aqualyx is a non-surgical fat-dissolving injection designed to target localized fat deposits, offering a gradual contouring effect without the need for surgery.
- The primary ingredient, deoxycholic acid, breaks down fat cells, which are naturally eliminated by the body, resulting in targeted fat reduction in areas such as the chin, abdomen, thighs, and arms.
- Aqualyx is CE-marked and approved for use in Europe and other non-U.S. countries, but it is not FDA-approved in the U.S.
- Ideal candidates are those close to their ideal weight who seek contouring in stubborn areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
- Treatment involves multiple sessions (2–5) spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with results typically visible after the second session.
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Aqualyx Composition & Mechanism: Deoxycholate in Gel Matrix
Aqualyx contains deoxycholic acid, a bile salt that plays a crucial role in breaking down fat. Suspended in a gel-based matrix for stability, it ensures a gradual release of the active ingredient. Once injected into subcutaneous fat, deoxycholic acid disrupts fat cell membranes, causing them to break down. These damaged cells are naturally eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system, resulting in a gradual reduction of fat in the treated area.
The gel matrix helps slow the release of deoxycholic acid, which not only reduces the risk of tissue irritation but also allows for a more controlled breakdown of fat. This formulation distinguishes Aqualyx from other fat-dissolving injectables, offering a more gradual and tolerable treatment experience. Practitioners inject Aqualyx using a technique called intralipotherapy, ensuring even distribution within the fat tissue for optimal results.
Aqualyx History & Regulatory Status in Europe
Aqualyx was developed in Italy by Professor Pasquale Motolese and introduced to the European market in the early 2000s. It quickly gained recognition as a minimally invasive solution for patients seeking targeted fat reduction without the need for surgery. Since then, Aqualyx has become widely adopted in aesthetic practices across Europe, particularly in countries like the UK and Germany.
Aqualyx is CE-marked, meaning it complies with the European Union’s health, safety, and environmental protection standards for medical devices. Although it has not received FDA approval in the United States, the CE marking permits its use in European countries under the supervision of trained medical professionals. The regulatory approval in Europe reflects Aqualyx’s strong safety profile and its growing role in non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Aqualyx Indications: Chin, Flanks, Abdomen, Thighs, Arms
Aqualyx is best suited for localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is not intended for general weight loss or the treatment of obesity. Instead, it’s designed for patients who are close to their ideal weight but seek to target specific problem areas.
Common Treatment Areas
For the chin or submental area, Aqualyx chin treatment reduces the appearance of a double chin and sharpens jawline definition.
Aqualyx can also target the flanks (love handles) or the fat on the sides of the waist for a more sculpted silhouette.
When used in the abdomen, Aqualyx helps to flatten the lower and upper belly areas, smoothing out bulges for a firmer appearance.
In the outer or inner thighs, Aqualyx smoothens bulges and enhances the overall shape of the legs.
Aqualyx can also target the arms and improve the appearance of “bat wings” by reducing underarm fat.
It’s essential that a medical provider assesses the patient’s anatomy and goals before deciding on treatment areas. Aqualyx is generally not recommended for individuals with severe skin laxity or large fat deposits.
Aqualyx vs Kybella: Formulation & Regional Approvals
Both Aqualyx and Kybella (known as Belkyra in some regions) are fat-dissolving injections, but they differ in several important areas. While both use deoxycholic acid as the active ingredient, there are notable differences in their formulations, consistency, and approval status.
Key Differences
- Formulation: Aqualyx includes a buffered gel matrix that moderates the action of deoxycholate, while Kybella is a purified synthetic version of deoxycholic acid without the gel base.
- Approval Regions: Aqualyx is CE-marked and used widely in Europe and other non-U.S. countries. Meanwhile, Kybella is FDA-approved in the U.S., primarily for treating submental fullness (double chin).
- Treatment Scope: Aqualyx is used off-label for various body areas, depending on practitioner discretion. On the other hand, Kybella is approved by the FDA for use on submental fat, but it may be used off-label for other areas.
Practitioners typically choose between Aqualyx and Kybella based on regional regulations, patient goals, and individual tolerances to each formulation.
Conclusion
Aqualyx offers a non-surgical solution for targeted fat reduction in stubborn areas, such as the chin, abdomen, thighs, and arms. The active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, works by breaking down fat cells, which the body naturally eliminates over time. While Aqualyx is not a weight-loss treatment, it provides a gradual, effective method for contouring and refining body shape without the need for invasive procedures like liposuction.
Though Aqualyx should not be used as a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices or significant weight loss, it can be an effective tool for patients seeking subtle, aesthetic body contouring. It’s important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified provider to determine if Aqualyx is the right fit for your goals, ensuring both safety and satisfaction with the results.
FAQs
1. How many Aqualyx treatments are usually needed?
Most patients need 2 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve optimal fat reduction results.
2. Is Aqualyx safe?
Yes, Aqualyx is considered safe when administered by a trained medical professional following proper technique and dosage guidelines.
3. How long does it take to see results from Aqualyx?
Results are gradual and typically visible after the second session, with full effects appearing after 6 to 8 weeks.
4. What is the downtime after an Aqualyx session?
There’s minimal downtime, though patients may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a few days post-treatment.
5. Can Aqualyx be used on the face?
Yes, Aqualyx is commonly used on the chin area to reduce a double chin and improve facial contouring.
6. Who should not get Aqualyx?
Aqualyx is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with severe allergies, infections, or medical conditions affecting the liver or lymphatic system.
7. How is Aqualyx different from liposuction?
Unlike liposuction, Aqualyx is non-surgical, requires no general anesthesia, and has significantly less recovery time, though results may be more gradual.
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References
The functions of fats in the body. European Food Information Council. https://www.eufic.org/en/whats-in-food/article/facts-on-fats-dietary-fats-and-health
Cleveland Clinic. What Is Fat? Why You Need Fats. Cleveland Clinic. Published December 9, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/fats
Nall R. About Aqualyx Fat-Dissolving Injections. Healthline. Published December 12, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/aqualyx
