What is Lipolysis?

Lipolysis (or Lipo Dissolve) is a non-surgical method that is used to remove fat from the body. The main ingredient in Lipolysis is phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is a natural product found in our body. The main purpose of this ingredient is to allow the body to breakdown and emulsify cholesterol and fat in the body. The phosphatidylcholine that is used in lipo dissolve is usually derived from soybeans and is similar in molecular structure to the phosphatidylcholine that is contained in our bodies. The other ingredients that might be included are phosphatidyl choline, alpha lipid acid, enzymes, multivitamins and plant extracts. This is dependent on the area of the body being treated and the doctor performing the procedure. Lipolysis may also include chemical agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and hormones.

The Lipolysis Procedure

Lipolysis is an injection that is used t to stimulate your body to dissolve or melt away your fat. The injection is relatively painless, with no need for anesthesia. A series of injections are given to the body part of the patient that needs to get rid of unwanted fat. The mixture is injected directly into the subcutaneous fat (fat deposits) through multiple microinjections administered over multiple treatment sessions. When injected directly into the fat the Lipolysis helps breakdown and emulsify the fat deposits. Lipolysis or phosphatidylcholine has essentially works like a magnet.  When injected one side works to attract water, and the other end works to attract fat. After injection, phosphatidylcholine  surrounds the fat cell, and because of this property, it allows the fat cells to become emulsified and soluble in the circulation where it is then removed permanently by the liver, bowels and kidneys.
Lipolysis is very effective for the treatment of areas that might be considered a problem. These areas usually are not affected by doing exercise or diet. Benefits from each injection should be evident within three weeks of the treatment. Several treatments, four to six weeks apart, are often required to produce a fully satisfactory result.

Areas Usually Treated By Lipolysis

• upper and lower abdomen
• inner and outer thighs
• knees
• upper arms
• cellulite
• stretch marks
• saddlebags
• fat pads under the eyes or chin
• scars
• residual fat deposits post-liposuction

In addition to possible small areas of fat-loss, stretch-mark, and cellulite reduction, the treatment may improve skin tone, elasticity, and increase collagen production that is impeded through the natural aging process. However, Lipolysis does not stop the aging process. Fat can appear again throughout your lifetime.

Lipolysis and the FDA

Lipolysis has not been approved for cosmetic use in the United States by the FDA. In Europe mesotherapy, another name for Lipolysis, has been used for decades. It has been proven to reduce fat, treat circulatory problems, and much more. The FDA needs much more evidence such as the medication's effectiveness and safety before being approved for cosmetic use.

Who Should Not Get Lipolysis?

Lipolysis should not be used on  certain groups of people. This group consist of pregnant women, nursing mothers, people who have diabetes, people who are overweight, people have vascular complications, autoimmune diseases and other types of infections. Lipolysis should not be used to treat people who are extremely obese or have areas of large amounts of fat. People who are planning on getting Lipolysis should also be on a proper diet and exercise.

Lipolysis Aftercare

Patients will need a properly maintained diet, regulated hormone levels, and an exercise regimen. Doctors typically assist with developing health-related activities. There is no recovery time after Lipolysis treatment.

Complications and Risks of Lipolysis

The risks and complications associated with Lipolysis are minimal. Typically you will only get a slight swelling, bruising, infection and possibly an allergic reaction. These can all be treated by your doctor. Long term risks and complications of the procedure have not been studied.
Different doctors often use different ingredients when they do lipo dissolve. There have been no significant studies that were done to show how the ingredients can affect the body. Also the proper dosage or ingredient requirements have not been studied.