Treatment of lipomas with cooled sodium chloride injections
Official title: Lipomas Treated With Subcutaneous Injections of Cooled or Warmed Sodium Chloride: an Exploratory Study
Run by West Virginia University · NCT06820164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if cooled saltwater injections can shrink lipomas, which are harmless fat lumps, as a non-surgical option for people looking for cosmetic improvement or symptom relief.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | West Virginia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Morgantown, West Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06820164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals with at least one clinically diagnosed subcutaneous lipoma who meet the inclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with lipomas on the face, larger than 10 cm, or those exhibiting rapid growth or abnormal ultrasound findings may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of subcutaneous injections of cooled normal saline as a treatment for lipomas, which are benign tumors made of fat tissue. The approach aims to provide a non-surgical alternative to existing treatments, particularly for patients seeking cosmetic improvement or relief from symptoms caused by lipomas. The study will compare this method to traditional fat-freezing devices, assessing comfort and efficacy in reducing lipoma size. Participants will receive injections directly into their lipomas to determine if this technique can effectively reduce their presence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a more comfortable and non-invasive option for patients seeking to reduce or eliminate lipomas.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is exploratory, similar non-surgical methods for fat reduction have shown promise in other studies, though this specific technique is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least one clinically diagnosed subcutaneous lipoma Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to give informed consent * Participant has a lipoma on the face * Lipomas located subfascial or within deep tissue (e.g., intramuscular lipomas) * Lipomas larger than 10 cm in diameter (fat deposits exceeding 500 mL in volume) * Rapidly growing lipomas * Lipomas exhibiting abnormal ultrasound findings (e.g., complex hyperechoic patterns, internal heterogeneity, or multilobulated appearance) * Pregnant women
Where it's running
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica Patterson, MD — West Virginia University-Dermatology
- Study coordinator: Jessica Patterson, MD
- Email: jpatter5@hsc.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304-598-4865
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Intralesional Ronkyla Plus injection for superficial lipomas and submental fullness
This trial tests whether a new injectable hydrogel drug called Ronkyla Plus can safely shrink superficial lipomas or reduce submental fullness in adults aged 18–65.
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Embella (deoxycholic acid) injections to shrink superficial lipomas
This will test whether injections of Embella (deoxycholic acid) can shrink small, superficial lipomas in adults aged 18 to 65.
-
Treatment of superficial lipomas using radiofrequency ablation
This study is testing if a new heat treatment called radiofrequency ablation can safely remove small fatty tumors called lipomas without causing scars for adults.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.