BoomerGirl Diary

Somewhere after ab-blasters, carb burners and Thighmasters comes a new agent in the fight against saddlebags and spare tires — Lipodissolve. Is it too good to be true? How does it work? Who is a candidate? How is it administered? Is it safe?

Let’s start with what it is. The main ingredient of Lipodissolve is a substance called phosphatidylcholine (PPC). It is a chemical that is found in all cell membranes, and when mixed with a salt, sodium deoxycholate, works much like your detergent does on greasy dishes. It absorbs into the fat, lysing the cell, which in turn releases enzymes that destroys itself. Eventually the destroyed tissue is replaced with collagen, leaving a tighter, more compact space.

So how did this all come about? In 1959, Russia began using PPC to dissolve fat clots in the bloodstream. It wasn’t until 1988 that it was first used for cosmetic purposes in Europe and in 1995 it was finally used in the U.S. The American Society for Lipodissolve was founded in 2001, which creates a way to standardize the science, educate others and keep records within the field. These records also help keep track of problems with the use of the medicine. To date the drug has been very safe when used in appropriate doses in superficial and mid fat layers. There has also been no toxicity reported, although obviously, there hasn’t been enough time to track it for long-term use.

Candidates for Lipodissolve are not grossly overweight, but those who wish to contour body parts. It is not intended for weight loss, but instead for sculpturing. Thus, uses include under chins, bra fat, arms, love handles, saddlebags, abdominal fat, inner thighs, breast tissue and just about any place a little extra padding might accumulate. Because the lysed fat cells are replaced with a firmer collagen, it also smoothes out the appearance of cellulite. The fat does not return unless the person gains weight and as such are considered permanent.

Lipodissolve is administered by injections into the superficial to mid-fat layers. It obviously is somewhat uncomfortable without either using some ice or a topical numbing medicine on the area to be treated. Afterward, there is a fair amount of swelling, probable bruising, tenderness,occasional skin discoloration, and possible lumps where the injection has been given. Most, if not all of these side effects resolve with time.

Injections are given 4-6 weeks apart and depending on the area to be treated, 2-6 treatments may be needed.

Lipodissolve is not FDA approved for its current use. The FDA approves drugs only as they relate to specific indications and dosages. There are many drugs that are used in “off label” fashion. Therefore, an unapproved usage is not the same as saying a drug can not be used in that manner. A good example is Benadryl. It was developed as an antihistamine but because of its property of being sedative is often used as a sleep aid. This is not an approved indication but is certainly considered acceptable in the medical field, and in fact this is the case with many of the drugs we use today.

How does Lipodissolve compare with liposuction? Whereas Lipodissolve is considered nonsurgical, it carries with it much less risk and a much smaller price tag but it is carried out over several months. On the other hand, liposuction can be used where a much greater fat reduction is needed and has almost immediate results, but at a much greater cost. Both procedures should only be performed by trained professionals. As with any cosmetic procedure, check the credentials of the professional you are considering using, including training and personal references.

I was extremely skeptical when I was first introduced to Lipodissolve some three years ago but have been truly amazed at the cosmetic results obtained. However, it is important that the patient's needs and desires be matched to the appropriate procedure to be considered.