The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

Lipodissolve in Detail - Friday, June 20, 2008

Several weeks ago we talked briefly about injection lipolysis, sometimes commonly referred to as "lipodissolve," but the subject merits a more detailed discussion. Although not yet FDA-approved, it continues to be practiced by many doctors, who tout its benefits.

In panic about swimsuit season, and finding themselves without time to diet or have liposuction to try and get their swimsuit-ready body right away, people are turning to quick-fixes. However, there is reason to regard this treatment with skepticism as it may not be effective and may be dangerous.

No Standard Formulation

During the period of snake-oil salesmen, there were no limits on what a drug contained. It was a case of caveat emptor, and the consequences of insufficient caution could be drastic. Taking a drug that has not been FDA-approved is like voluntarily taking a step back to that time when cough syrups contained opium, pep pills cocaine, and diet pills held tapeworm eggs.

Injection lipolysis has no standard formula. Most variations include phophatidylcholine (PPC) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC). PPC is the chemical usually considered responsible for the destruction of fat, since it includes choline, a vitamin B amine with a role in the regulation of cell membranes. However, most doctors using a form of injection lipolysis custom-mix their own cocktails designed to increase the effectiveness of the formula.

Does it work?

The FDA has not seen clinical data that it is an effective treatment. The majority of researchers who have investigated its effects own a share in the patented formula being tested or otherwise have a vested interest. They claim that it is very effective: one supporter published a study saying that as many as 99 % of candidates injected with her personal formulation had some reduction of fat, and many experienced significant increases in skin tautness.

Is it dangerous?

Again, most of the research has been conducted by investors, who claim the side effects are very minor, consisting of only pain and swelling at the injection site, no worse than Botox or soft tissue fillers. In rare cases, complications are hyperpigmentation and persistent pain beyond 2 weeks following the injection, which occur in less than 1/20th of 1 percent of patients.

But the chemicals used have not shown any specificity for fat. According to tissue culture studies, injection lipolysis formulas cause general cell death, meaning the formula is potentially dangerous. Essentially, the formula could just as easily dissolve muscle or nerves as fat because you are injecting a toxin into your body to kill cells.

We do not practice injection lipolysis or any other form of mesotherapy because it is untested and potentially dangerous.

If you would like to learn about safe, effective treatments for fat, cellulite, or other cosmetic concerns, contact the Centre, P.C. today for a consultation.