LipoDissolve
- What is LipoDissolve?
- Is the procedure safe?
- How is the fat broken down? What happens to it?
- What is the difference between LipoDissolve and Mesotherapy?
- What are the differences between LipoDissolve and Liposuction?
- Is LipoDissolve the right treatment for me?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is there any down time?
- Can LipoDissolve treat cellulite?
- Is LipoDissolve supported by research?
- What is Facial LipoSculpture?
- Is LipoDissolve effective for skin tightening?
- Why choose LipoDissolve at IDinHealth?
What is LipoDissolve?
LipoDissolve is a non surgical, no-downtime procedure designed to reduce superficial fat from different areas of the body. It was developed by Network Lipolysis- a European network of physicians in 2002 and introduced to the United States in 2004 by the American Society of Aesthetic LipoDissolve [ASAL]- which branched off from Network Lipolysis. The procedure utilizes a formulation of natural substances including phoshatidyl choline [PC] - an essential molecule in our cell membranes, and deoxycholate [DC] - a bile salt, both of which are present in our bile to break down the fat cells in ingested meat, and bring about the digestion of fat.
Similarly, when given as micro-injections into superficial body fat, PC + DC break down fat cells, which are gradually removed by natural processes, thus deminishing the amount of fat in a given area.
PC has been used as a dietary supplement for many years. It has been used to improve liver function and cholesterol abnormalities. Intra-venous PC has been used in Europe to cure fat embolism [a dangerous condition caused by globs of fat leaking into the blood stream from trauma to bone], and to remove cholesterol plaques from the arteries.
Is the procedure safe?
The European and United States networks of trained and certified physicians have performed many thousands of LipoDissolve procedures. Dr. Mahmud and his staff have performed over 1000 procedures without significant side effects. Published data on more than 60,000 treatment sessions by trained physcians show no serious complications or side effects. [Duncan and Chubaty, Aesthet Surg J. 2006 Sep-Oct;26(5):575-85. | Palmer, et.al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2006 5(3):218-226].
The most common temporary reactions consist of: swelling, bruising, soreness, and some cramping or burning pain. A few patients complained of lightheadedness, but admit it was likely the result of a fear of needles. Rarely patients may have temporary nausea or vomiting post procedure. Some patients develop temporary tender nodules at the injection site from the infammatory response around the dying fat cells. Long term nodules are possible but rare. A few patients may develop long-term pigmentary changes. Very rarely a patient could develop an ulcer at the site of injection. We have had one such incident out of more than 1000 procedures, and the ulcer healed in approximately 4 weeks.
The main substances injected are present in our bile for the digestion of fat and do not cause damage in the intestine. Therefore we and the ASAL do not anticipate any long-term side effects from 2-4 treatments. Delayed side effects could emerge in the future, yet no such complications have been reported since the inception of the prodecure 10 years ago.
How is the fat broken down? What happens to it?
Deoxycholate [DC] a bile salt, breaks down the fat cells by its detergent action. The dead fat cells are gradually removed by the 'clean up crew' of cells called macrophages, so there can be less fat stored in the area. PC seems to assist the bile salts in their action and may protect the neighboring structures from the corrosive action of the bile salt. Injecting DC without PC causes more severe reaction and pain.
In other words, this is similar to how PC and DC (in our bile) work together to break down the fat cells for appropriate digestion of fat. [Salti, et.al., Dermatol Surg. 2008 Jan;34(1):60-6; discussion 66. Epub 2007 Dec 5.]
What is the difference between LipoDissolve and Mesotherapy?
LipoDissolve evolved from Mesotherapy. It differs from Mesotherapy in the following respects:
A) a more specific formulation of the substances used (Mesotherapy used many different compounds in different formulations with different practitioners)
B) a specific technique
C) results with fewer treatments
LipoDissolve in our hands provides satisfactory results in 2-3 treatments, while Mesotherapy used to require 6-8 treatments.
- Top of page -
What are the differences between LipoDissolve and Liposuction?
| LipoDissolve | Conventional Liposuction |
| Non-invasive. No surgery or general anaesthesia. | Invasive. Risks of surgery and anaesthesia. |
| Minimal bleeding, pain, and bruising. | Possibility of bruising, pain, and bleeding. |
| No down time. Rapid return to work and normal activities. | Down time. Time off work required. Recovery time may take weeks. |
| Minimal pain during and after procedure. | Pain from a surgical procedure. May require prescription medications. |
| Tiny puncture points. No stitches. | Larger puncture points, stitches. |
| No hospital or overnight stay. Procedure done in less than an hour. | May need hospitalization. |
| Wear loose fit clothes after procedure, usually for a couple days. | Wear restricted tight fitted prescribed garments after procedure for weeks. |
| Fat reduced evenly, leaving the skin smooth and often tightened. | May leave area uneven. Does not smoothen or tighten the skin. |
| May be effective for cellulite. | Not effective for cellulite. |
| Lower cost. | Generally more expensive. |
- Top of page -
Is LipoDissolve the right treatment for me?
LipoDissolve performed correctly is effective for reducing stubborn areas of superficial fat. It is not a weight-loss treatment, nor a treatment for obesity. It is not suitable for patients with liver dysfunction, kidney disease, immune problems, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain other active disorders.
LipoDissolve should NOT be the treatment for breast tissue reduction for males or females. Theorectically, inflammation could promote the growth of cancer cells in the breast. LipoDissolve should NOT be performed close to any joints to prevent inflammatory change in a joint or bursa.
At IDinHealth, we have strict criteria for patient selection, and Dr. Mahmud is directly involved in the process of patient consultation and selection. Patients will any possibility of complications or unrealistic expectations are excluded.
How many treatments will I need?
Every patient has a different anatomy and a different concept
of ideal body shape. Each patient responds differently. We have
observed between ½ to 2 inch circumference reduction in one
treatment, depending on the area treated. On average, our patients
achieved satisfactory results in only 2 treatments per area. It may take until the 3rd or 4th treatment for some. We will
customize a program for you at the time of your consultation.
Is there any down time?
No. This is a non-surgical procedure.
95% of our patients return to work the next day. Side effects [pain, swelling, bruising, etc.] require ice packs on the day of the treatment, but begin to subside after one day. Patients can perform their normal daily activities, although at a slightly lower pace for a couple of days. Vigorious excersise may have to be delayed for 7-10 days.
Can LipoDissolve treat
cellulite?
What about Lipomas?
Yes, LipoDissolve can be effective for cellulite when associated with excess fat. We have seen the procedure reduce the size of Lipomas, however the experience with this therapy is quite limited.
Is LipoDissolve supported by research?
Yes, the technique is supported by several studies reported in peer-review journals in both Europe and the United States.
In particular, the following studies have important safety & effectiveness information:
- Duncan and Chubaty, Aesthet Surg J. 2006 Sep-Oct;26(5):575-85.
- Palmer, et.al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2006 5(3):218-226
- Duncan et.al., Aesthet Surg J. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):530-43.
- Hasengschwandtner F., J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005 Dec;4(4):308-13.
- Rittes et. al., Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2006 Jul-Aug;30(4):474-8.
- Duncan and Palmer, Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008 Nov;32(6):858-72. Epub 2008 Jul 9.
- Salti, et.al., Dermatol Surg. 2008 Jan;34(1):60-6; discussion 66. Epub 2007 Dec 5.
What is Facial LipoSculpture?
Facial LipoSculpture is the shaping the face and neck, reducing jowls
and neck fat. The formulation is different and the technique is
different in every patient depending upon the desired outcome. It is
just as much art as science.
Is LipoDissolve effective for Skin Tightening?
Yes, however the technique is different for Skin Tightening
than LipoDissolve for fat reduction. We have seen significant
tightening of lax skin on the neck. The inflammatory response leads to more collagen formation, thus tightening the skin. However the experience with skin tightening is limited compared to fat reduction.
Why chose LipoDissolve at IDinHealth?
Credible LipoDissolve is performed by physicians trained and certified by the American Society of Aesthetic LipoDissolve [ASAL] or Network Lipolysis. Dr. Mahmud was the first Minnesota physician trained and certified by the ASAL, and has the most experience with the procedure. He also served as a ASAL instructor to train other physicians for several years. IDinHealth has many happy, satisfied patients.