Also try: Lipodissolve, weight loss
I stumbled on this site and thought I would share some information as a physician that performs "LipoDissolve" in a large metropolitan city. I have been performing this procedure for over 2 years and have personally performed over 2000 procedures (not delegated to an "assistant" to do). Here is some information I thought I would share:
1. "LipoDissolve" is a marketing term- not a medical term. The medical term is "injection lipolysis". Another marketing term for "injection lipolysis" is "Mesotherapy". Both terms are now used interchangably, with different techniques, medications, and dosages.
2. As a marketing term, not every one does the procedure the same way. There is variability in medications, dosages, technique, and aftercare between practitioners. Therefore, 2 people can go get "lipodissolve" or "mesotherapy" from two different places and have 2 different experiences including side effects and results (good or bad). The American Society of Aesthetic Lipodissolve (ASAL) is the professional association that has trademarked "LipoDissolve" and teaches physicians how to do the procedure. Physicians that are trained by ASAL are listed on their website (www.asal-meso.com). However, this still doesn't mean every person listed performs the same way, uses the same medications, or has the same experience.
3. IN THE RIGHT HANDS, this is a safe and effective procedure. However, it is not a "magic shot" that melts all the fat a way, nor is it a "lunchtime procedure". I will explain more in detail of how the procedure works and some history on how it was developed in a seperate post if there is enough interest from readers of this forum.
4. If you have unwanted pockets of fat (resistant to diet and exercise), you have 3 options:
-- Do nothing
-- Liposuction
-- Injection Lipolysis
-- (There are some "newer" procdures using some medical devices, but with the jury still out).
Please note that I indicated "for fat that is resistant to diet and exercise". LipoDissolve (and liposuction) is not for weight loss, nor is it a substitute for good lifestyle habits. If you are large all over, you may want to start a medical weight loss program and then consider Lipodissolve for any pockets of fat that remain. With this said, Lipodissolve will still work on larger people, but it will take multiple treatments and the overall effect may be disappointing.
5. There is a healing period needed in Lipodissolve and how each person heals may vary. Common side effects are swelling (a lot of it and which peaks at 48hrs and subsides pretty quickly), bruising, and "pain" after the procedure. "Pain" tolerance varys from person to person. Some of patients had to stay in bed for a few days (low pain tolerance) but most resumed regular activites immediately (high pain tolerance). The "pain" is really like muscle soreness and most patients only require extra strength tylenol, while a few require darvocet for a day or two. AFter the initial phase of procedure, there is itching (only in the area of treatment), blotchiness and formation of pea-sized "knots" (dead fat cells that need to cleared through a person;s healing process). For most healthy patients, all of these symptoms are gone within 4- 6 weeks after treatment and by 8 weeks, they are able to start seeing the results of the first treatment and are ready for another treatment in the same area if they desire. Some people do get nauseated, lightheaded, have diarrhea immediately after a treatment because of the stress of the treatment on their bodies or because they don't follow pretreatment instructions such as eating and drinking enough water before having the treatment. Any other side effect such as "hives" is more serious and may indicate an allergic reaction and may be dependent on the actual medications used.
6. Complications are rare if the procedure is being done by an experienced practitioner, but can still occur. Skin breakdown, hyperpigmentation and lingering blotchiness, "knots" and itching may occur as a result of slow healing. It is important to understand that it is a medical treatment with potential complications and that longer than expected healing times and suboptimal results may occur. This is not any different than for liposuction: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/600_flab.html. However, no one has been reported to have died from any injection lipolysis procedure.
In summary, injection lipolysis is a good procedure for anyone that wants to reduce pockets of fat without the costs, risks, or downtime of surgery. It is great procedure if you already have good lifestyle habits. However, since the procedure varies in how it is being done, you should only have it done by someone properly trained and experienced in the procedure.
I hope that the above has shed some additonal information. If you specific questions, post on this site and I will reply.
SJ
Submitted by SJ on September 10, 2007 - 12:10pm. Viewed 4590 times
9/8/07
Thank you for the very thorough information. I would be interested in reading the separate post on how the procedure was developed. Your input is much appreciated.
9/8/07
Thank you Dr. My Dr. explained the procedure to me perfectly in tune with you. He also does the injections, no assistant. I just finished my 3rd treatment the other day, so I'm hoping to see results in the upcoming weeks.
9/9/07
Thank you so Very much Dr. It is very refreshing to find a physician that has extensive knowledge in this field commenting on these treatments. I also would very much like and appreciate if you were to provide us with additional information as to how long it can actually take for the nodules to completley dissolve/be expelled by ones body.
Thanks again for taking the time for posting the info.
9/10/07
I had lipodissolve on Oct. 31st of last year at 11 am and at 5 pm I was in the ER due to tachacardia and shortness of breath. It was determined by CAT scan that I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism. I spent two days in the hospital and 6 months on Coumadin therapy. I take 7 different medications and believe an interaction may have occurred, but doctors should know which ones. I did almost die, and for what an "easy" way to lose 10 pounds.
9/11/07
Sebrina...
I am sorry for what happened to you. It's horrible but if the people at the Lipodissolve center you were treated at did not tell you that there were risks involved and that Lipodissolve is NOT a wheight loss tool. It is formulated to reduce inches.
Anyhow, I am sorry for your pain and I wish you a complete recovery. I would recomend that you read The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Its a great tool for someone who needs to heal.
Best wishes
Aymee
9/17/07
Looking for true stories of negative results from lipodissolve {edited}. Please help us make the entire country aware of the false and misleading advertising fig. provides as well as the dangers of lipodissolve.
Editor note: removed link to another website given that the intent of RealSelf is to host conversations about treatment experiences, including Lipo dissolve. Additionally, your site fails to state more about you and whether you have any affiliations. Please suggest a forum topic if you feel one is missing from RealSelf.
10/4/07
Sebrina,
I too almost died. It has been 2 months since my procedure. I am now under the care of a local reconstructive plastic surgeon here in Atlanta. I go to see him twice a week to be monitored closely, I have nerve damage and only time will tell if it is permanant. My legs are lumpy and uneven by 3cm's, and I suffer in pain everyday. My challenge now is to find a medical malpractice lawyer who is familiar with this procedure to take the case. The FDA has to step in and these "fake med spa's" have to be held accountable.
1/3/08
Thanks for the information, I have also had a terrible experience with lipodissove in Overland Park, Kansas. I have serveral fat pockets and I never had the knots they kept talking about. I was told I maybe the one percent that it does not work for, but I would be denied a refund because I gained 8 lbs. I only gained the pounds from the multiple fat pockets. I would like to know more about what can be done to help my deformed figure....HELP!!!
4/1/08
I had one lipo dissolve treatment on my outer and inner thighs in August of 2007. It is now nearly April of 2008 and I still feel those lumps or knots you described. I am getting worried. Can you tell me if there is still a chance they will go away or are they there for good? Also, am I going to have to get them removed by lipo suction or some other surgery?
4/1/08
Is lipodissolve not recommended for people who take armour thyroid? I also read somewhere about potential hair loss, is that true?
4/12/08
I hade lipodissolve one week ago on my lower stomach.It feels hard is this normal and how long will it be this way?Im getting worried.
4/14/08
Your comments were very helpful! I just got the lipodissolve done last Tuesday and my pain is still pretty bad-hurts to touch my skin. I went to the website you listed ASAL and my doctor was listed-THANK GOD-Dr. {edited} in TN. My question is can i workout hard and start back doing Hot Yoga-100 degree room for one hour of yoga? I am not overweight but just had come cellulite and wanted to decrease size of inner thighs. I am obsessed and already workout 7 days a week so this procedure was to just help the unwanted fat i cannot get rid of no matter what i do. How many times do you think i will need to do this procedure and will it really help my cellulite? My legs are really tender-is this normal? I found wearing medical leggings really helps the pain and swelling.
Thanks,
Megan
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4/14/08
Megan, It depends on how much fat is there to take off and how your body responds to riding the fat as to how many shots you need. I have always had thick arms reguardless of exercise and diet so I did my arms last month. The first shot round for me was fine and the swelling went down in a week. I already saw a little result after the third week. I have had my second shot a week ago so I am anxiously waiting the results. Definately people need to go to an accredited doctor, make sure they have no alergies and make sure the doctor does it him or her self. Let us know how your legs turn out!
4/16/08
hi, i had my 2nd treatment of lipodissolve 2 and a half weeks ago and am having them in my outer thighs. i am still 2 inches bigger than before i started the procedure and my legs are sore to touch and also still really hard. i am wondering if this is normal?? i am really freaked out because i just started hearing bad things about this a couple of days ago when it was already to late and i have payed for 6 treatments. i dont know who to trust. i am having my treatments at the gateway laser institute in salt lake city utah. have you heard anything about them?? also i was reading that some doctors do ultra sound to break up bumps my doctor does not. is that a bad sign? please please please get back to me asap i am so worried. thank you
4/16/08
Hi,
I just read a review about someone having convulsions, fainting, and almost dying from 100cc's. Which she has deemed as an overdose. What do you recommend as the maximum number of cc's to use for a treatment. Also, is it safe for three different body areas to be treated within a two-week period? That is what my doctor has recommended.
Thanks,
4/16/08
Hi,
I just read a review about someone having convulsions, fainting, and almost dying from 100cc's. Which she has deemed as an overdose. What do you recommend as the maximum number of cc's to use for a treatment. Also, is it safe for three different body areas to be treated within a two-week period? That is what my doctor has recommended.
Thanks,
4/18/08
I was interested in getting lipodissolve as well. My question is regarding pharmacological contraindications.
I currently take 100 mg/day of immuran (an immunosuppresent for AIH).
Can this in any way interact with having lipodissolve? Could it slow down healing or impede the ability of it to work?
The area I am wanting treated is the fiberous back fat around the bra. I have seen surgeons regarding lipsuction, but none will do it because they feel there isn't enough fat to make it worthwhile (apparently my skin is thick, and the area is fiberous...meaning they don't think they will be able to get enough out to make it worthwhile).
Can this be treated with lipodissove, and more importantly, could it be an issue with my immuran?
Thank you so much for any assistence.
4/19/08
I guess I am one of the lucky ones, I lost about 100lbs over a few years and had some extra skin removed. There were a few spots after several years of toning up that had little pockets of fat and they have responded perfectly to lipodisolve. I go to a medically supervised place and have been seen by the doctor three times, the nurse does the injections and she is well qualified so from that standpoint I am not concerned. It is expensive, but it is nice to finally get rid of the lines that were lumpy from my surgery.
4/23/08
Hi, I wouldn't worry about not using ultrasound. That's just a new thing people are getting into, there isn't anything scientific about it, some think it will help. I have had lipodissolve twice and I really like my results. It is painful and you swell really large at first, but after the first week or so you should be back to your normal size. Then traditionally you start to shrink for the next two weeks. Treatments on the same area should not be done less than 4 weeks apart. It's already tender as it is! Rub it, massage it, loosen up the stiffness and bumps. It really helps and drink a LOT of water to flush it out. My doctor did mine, I don't trust when they use an assistant to do it.
Good luck, sounds like you are doing fine. It takes time.
4/23/08
Hi PJ - Please share your experience by writing a Lipodissolve review. Our members love to read reviews by real people when researching their options and alternatives.
4/28/08
Ok-it will be three weeks tomorrow since my lipodissolve, and I am getting very worried. My legs are so tender it hurts to still sit down and it hurts to touch them too. I still have bruising in my inner thighs and there are a lot of knots. Is this normal? I try to massage the areas with arnica but it hurts so bad to touch them. Is the tenderness normal and is there a chance the knots will not go away? My doctor used a sharpie to mark all my areas and then used 15 syringes for each leg to treat inner, outer, and under butt of my thighs. I feel like she really knew what she was doing but I never imagined the tenderness would still be this bad. Any advice or suggestions for tenderness and knots?
Thanks!
4/30/08
Ok-it will be three weeks tomorrow since my lipodissolve, and I am getting very worried. My legs are so tender it hurts to still sit down and it hurts to touch them too. I still have bruising in my inner thighs and there are a lot of knots. Is this normal? I try to massage the areas with arnica but it hurts so bad to touch them. Is the tenderness normal and is there a chance the knots will not go away? My doctor used a sharpie to mark all my areas and then used 15 syringes for each leg to treat inner, outer, and under butt of my thighs. I feel like she really knew what she was doing but I never imagined the tenderness would still be this bad. Any advice or suggestions for tenderness and knots? I also still have a lot itching.
5/3/08
I've read some of the claims on this page with bewilderment. The description of strange adverse reactions attributed to Lipodissolve simply cannot be accurate or real [fake posts].
Perhaps mesotherapy, which contain a whole list of medications, could give odd reactions some describe on here but it would be extremely rare with Lipodissolve. Lipodissolve has a standard protocol that has been stable for several years, and this is the first time over the years these kind of claims are suddenly appearing as if they are 'common' with this treatment.
There is a lot of information about what actually Lipodissolve is. Lipodissolve became very popular a few years ago for the simple reason that it really gave good results on reducing smaller fat deposits painless and easy, without any surgery required. After that, the name was being borrowed by companies and used for any new and odd treatment where injections were being used to reduce fat but that was not the actual lipodissolve treatment. There are over 50 years of studies on soy-lecithin (soy bean) and there simply are no complications serious enough over the years even in very large volumes to send people to the ER with breathing problems, excrutiating pains and so on.... Soy lecithin is nothing else but a micronutrient that is absorbed in the body very quick, within 90 minutes, meaning it is expelled fast. Therefore it cannot cause odd reactions hours or days later. The pulmonary embolism someone had simly cannot originate from the lecithin and would be contrary to all international studies. Lecithin has been safe for use even to infants. So, some of these claims are either fake, or these people have been provided other treatments under the name lipodissolve that contained unknown medications. It is necessary that clinics that provide fake versions of this treatment must be stopped. Not only do they put peoples safety at risk, but they ruin a perfectly gentle and good medical treatment.
And just to add: Lipodissolve does not require more than 1-4 treatment sessions (not 16 as someone had stated) and costs only $300-600 per session. Clearly the bad experiences some have had, or obvious fake posts, has been some form of imitation procedure. The treatment gives quite a bit of swelling, some soreness that lasts for 3-7 days, a slight burning sensation at the time of injection which goes away fast, and sometimes bruising. In rare cases 'lumps' can be felt to occur which are deep seated bruises and can take several months to dissolve. But as I mentioned, this is very rare and they do eventually dissolve.
5/21/08
Do you have a website????
6/16/08
Hi Doctor
I had lypolisis injections in my inner thighs about 1 month ago. I am a professional dancer so I am very flexible. The first 2 weeks after the treatment I was a bit sore and stiff but still had my full flexibility. However, by the third week I was so stiff I could not get into the splits or extend my legs fully (when dancing not just standing)and seem to have lost all my hard-earned flexibilty. 2 things that concern me are firstly, why am I getting stiffer and worse with time instead of getting better and secondly, even though I had the injections in my upper inner thighs, the stiffness is not there, it is in my lower inner thigh are, about midway down the inner thigh untill just above the knee. I did go see my doctor after about 3 and a half weeks and he assured me that I have nothing to worry about but since dancing is my passion, my life and my job, I am naturally extremely worried. Is this normal? Am I ever going to get my flexibility back and when?