Lipodissolve and Liposculpting
Lipodissolve is a non surgical medical procedure that involves the injection of a compound called phosphatidylcholine into small localized fat deposits to dissolve fat. Phosphatidylcoline (PPC) is a naturally occuring enzyme and is the main component of soy lecithin. Lecithin has been medically proven to have the ability to break down fat and reduce cholesterol. PPC has been used for fat removal by lipodissolve physicians for several years now as a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures such as liposuction. Lipodissolve treatment works best on small to medium pockets of localized fat. That stubborn area that bulges over you bra strap, love handles, the small extra belly pooch, saddlebags, and fat above the knees respond very well to Lipodissolve.
Liposculpting involes reduction of fatty deposits closer to the face, usually under the chin and jowls. Liposculpting typically requires only one or two treatments.
The compound is delivered directly into the subcutaneous fat through multiple microinjections administered over one to four treatments spaced two to three weeks apart. The treatment is meant to remove fat and shrink fat cells. The fat is then eliminated from the body through normal waste removal. The desired end result is precise body contouring in localized areas.
LipoDissolve Procedure
A combination of medications are injected directly to small localized fat deposits, causing the fat to break down. These targeted fat deposits are then naturally excreted out of the body. The injections are relatively painless, althought topical numbing cream is available. The procedure will take about 30-60 minutes depending on the areas treated. There is minimal bruising and swelling and the patient can return to his/her daily activities immediately after the procedure. There will typically be some temporary swelling and itching which resolve in a few days.
For a video of the treatment and a thorough explanation of Lipodissolve, please enjoy the following video link, if you have trouble opening the link, copy and paste this address into your browser:
Are there any complications associated with Lipodissolve?
Complications are quite unusual. However, expected side effects may include bruising, swelling and discomfort.
How will I know if I’m a candidate?
Lipodissolve works well on small to medium pockets of localized fat. Saddlebags, under the chin and jowls, belly pooches, upper back over the brastrap, the area of thigh above the knees, and inner thigh bulge are all good candidate areas. Lipodissolve will not work well in large areas, it is not indicated for overall weight loss, and because of the way your body deals with the dissolved fat, it is not recommended in diabetics or people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) much over 30. To calculate your BMI go to http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
Will the treatment hurt?
Each person has a different threshold of discomfort. The treatments consist of multiple small injections through the skin and we do use local numbing cream. You may experience a “burning” or “itchy” sensation when the medication is injected. An ace bandage or a compression garment may help with any discomfort or swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to alleviate any discomfort.
What are the long term effects?
The effects of Lipodissolve are long lasting. However, subsequent body changes may occur as a result of aging, weight loss or gain, pregnancy or other circumstances not related to Lipodissolve.
How long is the recovery period?
Another advantage of Lipodissolve is that there is no downtime, so that patients can go back to work, immediately after treatment. However, you will feel some discomfort, which is normal, in the areas treated for about 3-5 days.
How does Lipodissolve differ from Liposuction and Mesotherapy?
Liposuction:
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat cells from the body. Liposuction is a very effective means of removing large amounts of fat from an area. Liposuction, however, can not improve cellulite. The recovery period following liposuction is usually two to four weeks. The cost for liposuction is considerably more than for Lipodissolve.
Mesotherapy:
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical technique that involves the injection of combinations of medications into the mesoderm (skin), not the underlying fat. This technique can be used to deliver medications to treat cellulite, or aging skin. Because Lipodissolve treats the underlying fat; a more dramatic improvement in skin contour can be achieved with Lipodissolve than with Mesotherapy.
How long does Lipodissolve last?
The treatment itself can last about 30 minutes. The lasting effect of lipodissolve can be “kept up” with a good exercise regimen. The treatment is permanent as long as patients do not gain more than 5 to 10 lbs.
Where does the fat go?
The fat is carried through the bloodstream and absorbed by the kidneys and liver and is excreted in the urine and feces. This process is much smoother and effective for your body if you follow our "Lipodissolve Diet", see that section for more.
