Mesotherapy is a technique that has been used in France for over 50 years, where small amounts of medication, vitamins and supplements are injected into fat and connective tissue of the skin (called the mesoderm) for many cosmetic and medical purposes. For our purpose of discussion, these injections focus on reducing fat and is termed LipoDissolve.
LipoDissolve involves a series of injections administered into the mesoderm causing an increase of blood flow to the treated area resulting in the lysis (rupture) of fat cell walls. This allows the fat that is being stored in the cell to be released and is taken by the body's lymphatic system to the liver where it is metabolized and excreted in the urine.
LipoDissolve may be an alternative to liposuction for some individuals as it is a less costly and non-surgical technique for eliminating fat from heavy thighs, abdomens, hips and buttocks. LipoDissolve is not considered to be a weight loss procedure, but more so a body sculpting treatment. Patients still have to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
The above diagram depicts cellulite and fat before LipoDissolve on the left, and after on the right.
What ingredients are used in the injections?
The main ingredient is Phosphatidylcholine which actually causes the fat cells to rupture. Vitamin B complex is added to help support the liver in breaking down the liquid fat so it can be excreted into the urine. The only prescription medication used in the injections is Trental which is an FDA-approved medication for poor circulation. It is used during the procedure to help the fat cells break down faster. All of these ingredients are precisely mixed into a saline solution.
How does LipoDissolve differ from traditional mesotherapy?
In mesotherapy, medications are injected into the skin in small amounts, whereas, in LipoDissolve the medications are injected deeper into the fat pockets and more medication is used. The main difference is that results are more certain with each treatment with LipoDissolve.
Is LipoDissolve painful and what are the after effects?
The injections are administered with very small needles and most people are able to tolerate the procedure without any difficulty. A mild pain reliever and/or topical anesthetic can be used if you are sensitive to needles. The discomfort level is commonly compared to that of a waxing procedure.
The medications are designed to bring blood flow into the treated area while the fat cells are being destroyed. This process; therefore, results in pain, slight bruising, swelling and warmth to the treated area. These normal reactions to the procedure typically peak at about 48 hours and subside within 10 to 14 days. The procedure should not require any downtime from your normal activities.
Although rare, undesirable side effects can include hyperpigmentation and unevenness.
What are the contraindication for LipoDissolve?
Patients with the following conditions are not advised to undergo LipoDissolve treatments:
The average patient typically requires approximately 1 to 3 treatments per area. The primary goal is to lose at least 1 inch of fat with each individual treatment. These results are based upon the individual patient and how much fat is to be treated. Treatments are performed 8 weeks apart until the desired reduction is attained.
How long will it take until I can see the end result?
Results will depend on your body type and the depth and consistency of the fat to be treated. On average, patients begin to notice visible improvement from any particular treatment session approximately 4 to 7 weeks after the treatment (hence why treatments are performed 8 weeks apart). In some patients; however, it is not unusual to see the end result until about 12 weeks after the treatment.
A note to consider: Although LipoDissolve works for everyone in that there is loss of fat, how well it works for any particular individual depends on how well the medications used during the procedure performed on that person. LipoDissolve is a treatment indicated for spot fat loss and is not designed to be a treatment for weight loss or obesity, nor is it a substitution for proper diet and regular exercise.
What is the cost of a typical LipoDissolve procedure?
LipoDissolve is one of the most cost-effective methods for spot fat reduction. If you are already leading a healthy lifestyle, LipoDissolve can refine the areas on your body which are difficult to tone. The cost of treatment is a fraction of the cost of more invasive fat removal procedures. LipoDissolve can cost anywhere from $300 to $800 per area being treated with the price mainly depending on the size and depth of the area to be treated.
The main ingredient is Phosphatidylcholine which actually causes the fat cells to rupture. Vitamin B complex is added to help support the liver in breaking down the liquid fat so it can be excreted into the urine. The only prescription medication used in the injections is Trental which is an FDA-approved medication for poor circulation. It is used during the procedure to help the fat cells break down faster. All of these ingredients are precisely mixed into a saline solution.
How does LipoDissolve differ from traditional mesotherapy?
In mesotherapy, medications are injected into the skin in small amounts, whereas, in LipoDissolve the medications are injected deeper into the fat pockets and more medication is used. The main difference is that results are more certain with each treatment with LipoDissolve.
Is LipoDissolve painful and what are the after effects?
The injections are administered with very small needles and most people are able to tolerate the procedure without any difficulty. A mild pain reliever and/or topical anesthetic can be used if you are sensitive to needles. The discomfort level is commonly compared to that of a waxing procedure.
The medications are designed to bring blood flow into the treated area while the fat cells are being destroyed. This process; therefore, results in pain, slight bruising, swelling and warmth to the treated area. These normal reactions to the procedure typically peak at about 48 hours and subside within 10 to 14 days. The procedure should not require any downtime from your normal activities.
Although rare, undesirable side effects can include hyperpigmentation and unevenness.
What are the contraindication for LipoDissolve?
Patients with the following conditions are not advised to undergo LipoDissolve treatments:
- Pregnant
- Breast feeding
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy or radiation within the last 6 months for cancer
- AIDS
- Allergy to eggs or soy products
- Diabetes or on insulin
- Poorly controlled hypertension (blood pressure)
- Currently taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
The average patient typically requires approximately 1 to 3 treatments per area. The primary goal is to lose at least 1 inch of fat with each individual treatment. These results are based upon the individual patient and how much fat is to be treated. Treatments are performed 8 weeks apart until the desired reduction is attained.
How long will it take until I can see the end result?
Results will depend on your body type and the depth and consistency of the fat to be treated. On average, patients begin to notice visible improvement from any particular treatment session approximately 4 to 7 weeks after the treatment (hence why treatments are performed 8 weeks apart). In some patients; however, it is not unusual to see the end result until about 12 weeks after the treatment.
A note to consider: Although LipoDissolve works for everyone in that there is loss of fat, how well it works for any particular individual depends on how well the medications used during the procedure performed on that person. LipoDissolve is a treatment indicated for spot fat loss and is not designed to be a treatment for weight loss or obesity, nor is it a substitution for proper diet and regular exercise.
What is the cost of a typical LipoDissolve procedure?
LipoDissolve is one of the most cost-effective methods for spot fat reduction. If you are already leading a healthy lifestyle, LipoDissolve can refine the areas on your body which are difficult to tone. The cost of treatment is a fraction of the cost of more invasive fat removal procedures. LipoDissolve can cost anywhere from $300 to $800 per area being treated with the price mainly depending on the size and depth of the area to be treated.