Compositions and methods useful in the non-surgical removal of localized fat deposits in patients in need thereof using pharmacologically active detergents are disclosed. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions can additionally include anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, dispersion agents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients but do not contain phosphotidylcholine. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions are useful for treating localized accumulations of fat including lower eyelid fat herniation, lipodystrophy and fat deposits associated with cellulite and do not require surgical procedures such as liposuction.