Lipotherapy FAQs

What is Lipotherapy? - Lipotherapy is a safe, non-surgical alternative to liposuction without the surgical risks, downtime and expense. The procedure uses a mild, safe, proven chemical solution that is injected directly into the fatty deposits below the skin. The fat is dissolved gradually and eliminated by the body through urination.

Is Lipotherapy safe? - Lipotherapy chemicals have been used in various medical applications since the 1950s and for cosmetic purposes since the mid 90s. In more than 100,000 reported treatments worldwide, no significant adverse affects have been reported when treatment is administered by a trained physician. There are no surgical risks because the need for surgery is eliminated.

What is the procedure? - Dr. Dishakjian performs multiple micro injections of the fat-dissolving medication, prepared by a reputable, state-licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy - directly into the fat layer under the skin. A mild, local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site where a very fine needle is used to inject the Lipotherapy chemicals. The Lipotherapy chemicals dissolve the molecular bond between the fat cells, causing the fat to become liquid. The body's natural waste-filtration systems flushes the fat out through urination over a period of a few weeks to a month. The procedure is done in our office and takes only about 15 to 30 minutes.

When will I see results? - Typically, patients experience improvement in about four months, and the best results usually occur after about four treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart. It will dissolve fat, permanently removing fat cells from the treatment area. Any future weight gain will tend to occur more evenly rather than in focal areas.

Who are the best candidates? - The best candidates for Lipotherapy are men and women who have been unsuccessful in losing unwanted fat with diet and exercise. Lipotherapy is most effective in reducing small to medium fatty areas. Body changes are gradual, and should be combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. Lipotherapy is not suitable for morbidly obese individuals.

Preparation - Although there is very little formal preparation, patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water prior to the procedure to reduce bruising or swelling. Certain medications that may increase your chance of bruising, including many herbal preparations, vitamin E supplements and other anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin should be stopped well before your procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Dishakjian will examine the target areas and discuss your best options and answer any questions you may have about the actual procedure. He will give you an estimate of how many treatment sessions will be needed to achieve the desired results.

Recovery - Recovering from a lipotherapy treatment is usually very brief, and may depend upon the areas treated and the amount of medication required. For most patients, the initial discomfort period lasts about 36 hours and is well tolerated with the help of mild pain medication. Normal activity can then be resumed, you will probably not need to take any time off from your regular schedule.

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