Lipotherapy - Fat Reduction with Lipodissolve Injections

Non-Surgical Fat Removal with Lipodissolve Injections.

When diet and exercise are not enough, Lipotherapy treatment may be the right solution to reducing localized fatty deposits, leaving your problem areas with a more contoured, toned appearance.

What is Lipotherapy?

Lipotherapy, often referred to as Injection lipolysis, is a non-surgical procedure to get rid of stubborn fat deposits. The technique entails injecting a mixture of fat-dissolving medications, commonly known as Lipodissolve, into the subcutaneous fatty tissue with the aim of giving you a more contoured, toned appearance.

What Do Lipodissolve Injections Used in Lipotherapy Contain?

Phosphatidylcholine and Sodium Deoxycholate, two substances that naturally occur in the body, are the primary active components in Lipodissolve, often with mixed in numbing medication, like Lidocain. Other substances like pentoxifylline, aminophylline, calcitonin, isoproterenol, caffeine, vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts are sometimes added to the mix, but are of questionable value and are not proven to add to the effectiveness of the treatment.

How Does Lipodissolve Work in the Body?

The combination of Phosphatidylcholine/ Sodium Deoxycholate works by disrupting the fat cells and emulsifying the contents. The emulsion is then flushed from the body as waste. The inflammatory response in the process causes new collagen to form beneath the skin. As a result, the skin often becomes firmer and denser. Clinical studies have indicated that sodium deoxycholate, an anionic bile detergent, is the major active substance that causes emulsification and subsequent lipo-lysis.

What is the Lipotherapy Procedure Like?

The procedure involves microinjections of lipodissolve into unwanted pockets of fat through the skin. The number of microinjections, usually a few centimeters apart, is determined by the size of the area to be treated. The pain experienced during the injections is minimal as they are done with extremely fine needles and a numbing medication, Lidocain, is mixed in the solution prior to its administration. In the hours after the injections you should expect some redness, stinging and burning sensations and possibly some itching.

What is the Recovery Like?

Some patients will notice bruising or discoloration that usually fades within a week. All patients experience mild to significant swelling and redness in the treated area. This is normal and expected. The majority of the swelling will subside after 2 days. Although patients can resume normal activities even on the day of the treatment, it is recommended that they schedule their treatment such that they can avoid strenuous activities. Those having the injections on the face or under the chin should be aware that they may experience significant swelling in the area for 2 days and may require some social downtime. The swelling should subside on the third day.

When will I see results?

Lipotherapy treatments are done in monthly intervals. For small fatty deposits one to two treatment sessions are typically required, whereas in mid-size areas 3-4 treatment sessions are more common. Larger areas may need 6 or more sessions. Therefore, a small area may show results a month after a treatment session whereas a large area my need several sessions of treatment before visible results are noticed. Since fat cells are permanently removed from the treatment area, any future weight gain will tend to occur more evenly rather than in focal areas.

Does Lipodissolve Have the Approval of FDA for Use in Lipotherapy?

Lipodissolve has not been approved or intensely tested by the FDA for fat reduction or cosmetic purposes. The application of Lipodissolve for cosmetic fat reduction is considered "off-label" use. Off-label use of a medication; however, does not mean that its use is illegal; unless clearly specificied or banned by the FDA. Most people are surprised to learn that the FDA does not test drugs. Instead, the manufacturer must prove to the FDA that the product is safe and effective. This, of course, is a very costly process, running in the hundreds of millions of dollars. For substances that are commonly used and already in the public domain, and therefore not eligible for exclusive patents, pharmaceutical companies will not incur the expense of FDA testing without the prospect of recouping their investments through the exclusive right to the sales of the product at a profitable sales price. Interestingly, in the area of dermatology, about one-third of all prescriptions written are not approved by the FDA.

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Is Lipotherapy Safe?

Lipotherapy has been used in Brazil and Europe for more than 40 years, and has been used in the United States for about ten years. During this period, the procedure has been performed on millions of patients. Lipodissolve is normally safe, as long as patients are carefully selected and the physician is adequately trained. Dr. R. Dishakjian, the cosmetic surgeon at Nu Vela, has safely performed thousands of lipotherapy treatments without coming across even one case of serious side effects, apart from the known common side effects. Dr. Dishakjian is a member of the International Meso-Lipotherapy Society and has received accredited lipotherapy training. Dr. Dishakjian has been featured on abc channel's Eyewitness News in order to express his expert opinion on the effectiveness and safety of Lipodissolve injections when used for body contouing purposes.

Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate are both naturally found in the human body. In fact, Phosphatidylcholine is a vital substance that is in every cell in the human body. When we are born it is found in very high concentrations in the brain tissue. These levels decline over time as a normal part of aging process. Phosphatidylcholine is also contained in eggs, soybeans, mustard, sunflower, and other foods. Besides its use in lipotherapy, Phosphatidylcholine has many applications in medicine; for example, healthcare providers sometimes give phosphatidylcholine intravenously (by IV) for chest pain, fat globules in the blood (fat embolism), high cholesterol, liver disease, and fatty plaque deposits in arteries. Because the body uses phosphatidylcholine to make a brain chemical called acetylcholine, there is some interest in using it for treating brain-related conditions such as memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, manic-depressive disorders, and a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. Many studies have found Phosphatidylcholine supplements can improve learning, aid memory, help promote healthy skin elasticity, and even support optimal liver function.

Sodium deoxycholate is the sodium salt of deoxycholic acid. The latter is one of the secondary bile acids, which are metabolic byproducts of intestinal bacteria. In the human body deoxycholic acid is used in the emulsification of fats for the absorption in the intestine. It has, in some countries (including Switzerland) been licensed as an emulsifier in food industry, but it is no longer common. It is also sometimes used to prevent and dissolve gallstones.

Click Body Contouring with Lipodissolve to read about the applications of lipotherapy in body contouring or go to

Liptherapy FAQs to find the answers to frequently asked questions.

Questions About Cost of Lipotherapy or the Treatment?

You may reach our Los Angeles medical spa and clinic by clicking the "Contact us" button at the top of the page, or by calling 818-832-4500. Our receptionist will be delighted to assist you with any enquiries regarding cost, additional information, or scheduling a free consultation session with Dr. Dishakjian, a cosmetic surgeon and phlebologist.

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