Lipodissolve - What You Should Know

[shawntamis]

Marketed as an effective, pain-free, minimally invasive fat removal method, lipodissolve is relatively new in the world of aesthetic weight loss procedures. It is popular presumably because the procedure consists of a series of localized injections rather than surgery, making it sound like a mild alternative to liposuction. Clinics and spas that offer the procedure claim that opponents of lipodissolve (also known as lipolysis, lipotherapy, or lipo dissolve) are simply cosmetic surgeons who just don't want to lose the business! What is the truth about lipodissolve? Is it a procedure worth considering?

What is it?

Lipodissolve is a procedure whereby a mixture of chemicals and substances is injected into the body with the goal of removing fatty deposits at the site of the injection. The "cocktail" used is not standardized and varies among lipodissolve providers, however the active ingredient that dissolves the fat is common to all. That is phosphatidylcholine, a chemical produced from the soya bean which is approved by the FDA for breaking down fats in the blood of patients with a high risk of heart disease. It is NOT approved by the FDA for use in cosmetic procedures or for injecting into fat layers of the body. Also included in the lipodissolve cocktail is sodium deoxycholate, a product of cattle bile which is a water-soluble ionic detergent. The other ingredients are determined by the physician who orders the mixture, and might include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, plant extracts or other substances, some of which may not be approved or regulated.

The substance is injected into the body at the location where the fat will be removed. Over a period of several weeks, the chemicals begin to break down the fat cells and they are absorbed into the body. Each session takes between 15-30 minutes. After a period of 6-8 weeks, another series of injections can be given. Typically, patients require anywhere from 4-8 injection treatments to complete their procedure. Lipodissolve is only claimed to be effective for treating small, localized areas of fatty deposits and should not be thought of as a weight loss procedure. Prices vary widely among providers, and can range from $300 per treatment to over $1500 per treatment.