As an alternative to standard liposuction, Lipodissolve™ involves a series of injections that liquefy the fat in the targeted areas (usually inner and outer thighs, stomach, arms, and chin). These injections turn the fat into liquid by breaking down the connective bonds between the fat cells, thus creating a smoother appearance. In terms of results, LipoDissolve effects are gradual and take a few months to become evident, but the results of smaller areas become more noticeable in a few weeks.
How Is LipoDissolve Different With Mesotherapy?
Both procedures involve injections, but Mesotherapy is a slower process that requires the use of stronger chemicals. In fact, the procedure requires numerous sessions and is much more expensive than LipoDissolve. On the other hand, LipoDissolve contains a standardized mixture of naturally occurring chemicals, requires smaller injections and fewer sessions, and responds much more rapidly.
What Does LipoDissolve Consist Of?
Depending on the treated area and the doctor, the ingredients used in Lipodissolve may vary but typically includes a chemical cocktail, such as PC/DC or phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate, alpha lipid acid, multivitamins, enzymes, and plant extracts.
To be specific, phosphatidylcholine is a soybean extract, while deoxycholate is a bile derivative. In fact, phosphatidylcholine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to break down blood fats that may increase the risk for heart disease, but it is not approved for injection or any other purpose.
Some doctors may also add nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and hormones to the mixture. Although LipoDissolve is a minor procedure, it should always be performed by a physician. Improper use and use by non-professionals can lead to complications.
What To Expect From This Procedure?
Generally, a brief body exam is done, and all possible areas are photographed and marked. Since the results are gradual, most physicians tend to record the size of the lesions and obtain pre and post-procedure photographs. LipoDissolve breaks down fat, which is later cleaned up by the scavenging cells of the body.
Moreover, this scavenging process takes a few weeks and cleans up the treated area. It is important to note that fat removal is permanent as its surrounding areas become flat and tight. LipoDissolve has often been used to correct the unevenness seen after liposuction and lipoplasty.
Typically, 2-3 large areas are treated in one session. The swelling and tenderness increase with the injection volume, which is a limiting factor for the treatment.
Which Body Parts Can LipoDissolve Treat?
LipoDissolve can treat fat deposits in the following body parts:
- Thighs and hips
- Double chin/neck
- Fat around the cheeks and midface
- Fat deposits of the lower eye pads
- Upper and lower arms
- Upper and lower abdomen
- waist
- Fat deposits on the back
- Knees and legs
Who Is A Good Candidate For LipoDissolve?
As indicated, the LipoDissolve treatment is a minor procedure used to remove small amounts of fat in small or localized areas. The physician will examine the patient and determine if the treatment suits the patient. Unlike liposuction or surgery, LipoDissolve is only meant to remove small pockets of fat in the body.
Is Lipodissolve Permanent?
With the Lipodissolve treatment, once the fat cells are gone, they’re gone, but residual fat cells can still expand, which is undoubtedly very long-lasting. When cells are disrupted in that area, they don’t seem to want to store fat for a very long period. Although it’s not permanent, it’s a matter of years, not months, and if the person gains weight, it tends not to accumulate in that area for some time.
Who Should Not Receive The Treatment?
A 2012 study recommends avoiding a Lipodissolve treatment if:
- Pregnant or nursing.
- Have chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, or infections.
- Currently on aspirin therapy
- Have a soy allergy (the PCDC mixture is soy-based).
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve has little to no downtime after the treatment. However, after the procedure, a patient may experience some redness, swelling, and bruising. Also, there may be some discomfort at the injection site.
On the other hand, serious risks and side effects may include:
- Infection
- Granulomas (disfigurement at the injection site)
- Local necrosis (tissue death)
- Possible death from organ failure
Injecting PCDC into breast tissue could result in prolonged inflammation and likely malignant tumors. Injections around or below the knees could lead to skin breakdown.
What Is The Recovery Process?
The most common side effect of Lipodissolve is swelling, and it’s going to be intense on the day and the next day, but it will gradually start to disappear and go down over the next seven days or so. That said, it is best to clear the schedule for the following week if planning to get the LipoDissolve treatment. Also, the treatment isn’t something that can be done during lunchtime since side effects will be noticeable.
However, it’s not as apparent if only injected beneath the chin, but when along the jawline and jowl area, it does make a face expand. Other side effects can likely be experienced, such as bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and the onset of hard lumps in the treatment area, lasting up to 10 days.
Therefore, avoiding strenuous exercise is best until the swelling and other side effects improve. Also, there is no need to massage the treated area or treat it in any way; just let the enzyme work its magic.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Depending on the fat deposits’ area and size, in most cases, 1-4 sessions may be required, with each session lasting about 30-45 minutes. At least 4-6 weeks are allowed between each session to allow for the full effect of the therapy. The procedure is strictly elective and should be done in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Bottom Line
LipoDissolve has been around for at least three decades and is a procedure that helps dissolve fat. Skintuition Medical Aesthetics offers LipoDissolve, an excellent option for patients seeking a minimally invasive body contouring technique with minimal downtime and mild discomfort. At Skintuition Medical Aesthetics, we offer Lipodissolve treatments for both men and women looking to eliminate fat deposits that they can’t seem to get rid of.
