Lipodissolve
What is Lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve is a non-surgical method of body contouring and an alternative to minor liposculpture. It is the first, clinically proven, non-surgical therapy for melting away small-to-medium fat deposits on the face, neck and body. It offers remarkable body-sculpting results in as little as a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the required treatment.

Lipodissolve originated in Europe and was developed further in the U.S. and Latin America. Injections are based on a mixture of standard medications, including vitamins, enzymes and phosphatidylcholine, a natural substance derived from soy. Medication is administered directly into the fat to initiate the breakdown of fat accumulation.

The main component of Lipodissolve is phosphatidylcholine, which is a natural compound produced from the soya bean. The body uses the same substance in a number of chemical pathways, including fat metabolism. Lipodissolve has been scientifically proven to break down fat cell walls. The fat is dissolved into liquid and eliminated from the body through natural means.

What does treatment involve?
Prior to treatment, you will have the procedure plan explained, which will include where the injections will be made as well as how many injections you will need before the treatment commences.

To ensure a smooth reduction of the unwanted fat deposit, it is important to achieve the necessary concentration of phosphatidylcholine in every part of the treated area. This requires a specific multi-injection technique. At the time of consultation, the required dosage per area will be calculated. The amounts of phosphatidylcholine injected into one fat deposit will range according to your individual needs.

The Lipodissolve procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes and depends on how many areas you are having treated per session. The number of required treatments differs from person to person, depending upon body region and body size. As a rule, two to four treatments in intervals of six to eight weeks apart are necessary to successfully complete the treatment and produce the best results.

The effect of the treatment session becomes apparent roughly in six to eight weeks as the active ingredients work on breaking down the fat cells in the injected area. You can resume normal activity and there are no special requirements after this procedure. You may continue to experience some mild discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal for just one to three days.

Who are the best candidates for treatment?
Both women and men who have pockets or areas of stubborn fat that is concentrated. It is particularly beneficial in areas such as the double chin, abdomen, pecks, "love handles," thighs and legs.

Treatment is not recommended for minors or children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, diabetics with vascular concerns or who are taking insulin injections, persons with autoimmune diseases, people who have liver disease, persons who are severely obese or anyone with an acute or chronic infection.

What are the benefits?
Mild, non-surgical procedure that reduces pockets of fat of the face and body without dramatic surgery. Unlike Liposuction, where uneven “dents” can occur in the areas where fat has been removed, new or future weight gain after Lipodissolve treatment is accumulated evenly.

Extremely safe and effective. No downtime. Immediately resume normal activity. Phosphatidylcholine gives excellent results on collagenase and smoothes the "orange peel" effect. Results remain permanent unless there is new weight gain.

Back to top


Liposuction
If diet and exercise have failed to reduce areas of unwanted fat, then liposuction may provide the results you are looking for. The procedure is designed to improve body shape and remove unwanted fat from facial and body areas. Liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercising, and it is not a weight-loss procedure. But it is very effective in removing fat in areas that simply do not respond to traditional weight reduction methods.

How is the procedure performed?
Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is the removal of unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Using a straw-like tube called a cannula, the fat is drawn out of the body. Tiny incisions are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, but rather a way to change what heredity may have dealt you in regard to your proportion. Several variations of the procedure exist, and by assessing your health, features, and the desired result, your surgeon will decide which technique is best for you.

The Tumescent Technique is performed by injecting the treatment areas with a liquid solution, generally comprised of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine, prior to the surgery. This combination employs anesthesia and constricts blood vessels, making the fat easier to remove.

Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) is performed by utilizing ultrasound energy to liquefy the fat prior to its removal via the cannula. It can be quite beneficial for removing large volumes of fat or in areas that are especially fibrous or contain scar tissue.

What will I look and feel like afterward?
The first day there will be some bruising, swelling and soreness. You are encouraged to be up active (without exertion) as soon as possible. Your surgeon will be able to prescribe medication to control any discomfort.

During the first 5-10 days, the bruising will reach its most dominant stage and begin to fade. Any stitches will dissolve or be removed, and you may resume me light activities. You may have some bandages covering the incision marks and will most likely be dressed in a special compression garment, which you will be expected to wear for up to 2 to 4 weeks.

After 2 to 3 weeks, you may resume light exercise. Puffiness or swelling may still be present, and you might experience numbness or itching as the nerves and tissue regenerate. You will immediately notice a difference and see the effects of the liposuction, but 6 months may elapse before the swelling vanishes completely and your new look takes its final shape..

Back to top


Collagenase Mesotherapy (for cellulite)
A new form of mesotherapy used to reduce cellulite. The process does not involve injecting lipodissolve, therefore does not cause disruption of the fat cells, but rather lyses the collagen bands that create the dimples in cellulite. 5-10 sessions are required, depending on the site treated, with no downtime necessary.

Back to top


Medical treatment photos courtesy of Candela® Corporation, Sanofi Aventis, and Allergan®.