Body Sculpting - LipoDissolve - FAQs

LipoDissolve: Frequently Asked Questions

How does LipoDissolve work?

LipoDissolve is a non-invasive procedure, unlike plastic surgery. At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we use Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) injected into subcutaneous fat pockets to permanently dissolve the fat. PPC is compounded by a state licensed pharmacy and is derived from soy lethicin, and the human body naturally contains several pounds of PPC.

When the PPC is injected into fat cells, it acts as a “chemical can opener” to destroy the cell membranes of fat cells. Your body will naturally remove the left over materials, allowing sculpting of your pockets of fat. This can dramatically reduce the visual impact of areas of unwanted fat.

How long do treatments take?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC the treatments generally take 20 to 30 minutes. Some patients like to have a topical anesthetic applied to the skin first, and this takes an additional 30 minutes. Some may know LipoDissolve as the “lunchtime liposuction”, even though neither surgery nor suction is used.

Does LipoDissolve hurt?

There may be some minor discomfort during the injection, and an itching or burning sensation for a few hours afterward. Since LipoDissolve works through inflaming fat cells, some swelling is expected afterwards. Occasionally there is also some localized bruising at the injection site. Patients find it particularly attractive that they can resume their normal activities immediately after a treatment. Sometimes there are temporary nodules that form at the injections sites. These are in response to the inflammation from the PPC destroying fat cells. They typically resolve in 2 to 4 weeks.

Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) should be avoided around the time of the injections as these medications may diminish the response of LipoDissolve. Ice and Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used if needed. Also, sports or heavy exercising should be avoided for 48 hours afterward, along with anything that increases bruising/bleeding or vasodilatation – such as alcohol, hot tub, or sauna use.

Is LipoDissolve safe?

LipoDissolve has been used in Europe for many years, and close to 60,000 treatments have been done internationally. It is available in other parts of the US, but Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC is one of the first medical spas in Massachusetts to offer this valuable treatment. The Registered Nurses and Physicians administering LipoDissolve at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC are specifically trained and certified in this procedure, and we will strive to answer any and all questions you might have, minimize discomfort and maximize results.

Will I lose inches/weight?

LipoDissolve is more about losing inches and sculpting than losing pounds. People with large amounts of weight to lose are not the best candidates for the procedures.

Is LipoDissolve different than liposuction?

Yes, it is very different. Besides involving no anesthesia and surgical risk, LipoDissolve generally requires no recovery time. The gradual effects of the treatment allow the skin to retract as fat dissolves. In fact, LipoDissolve can be used post liposuction to further sculpt areas that may be lumpy or uneven.

How many treatments will it take?

Results vary from person to person, as everyone’s anatomy and metabolism are different. Some people may be satisfied with their new look after 2 treatments, but at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC we generally find that 4 to 8 treatments are more typical. Also, people who are overweight may require more treatments than those who are in shape, but have remaining problem areas. Treatments are typically done 2 weeks apart, although eye fat pads are spaced further apart.

How many treatments will it take before I begin to see results?

It depends on the patient’s sensitivity to the PPC. Some patients see results after one treatment session, while others may require 4 to 5 treatments to begin to see results. The actual reducing effect of PPC seems to be about 8 weeks, but most of the changes occur in the first few weeks. Often the patient’s clothing will be come looser and friends and family will tell the patient they appear thinner.

Is LipoDissolve permanent?

All components that Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC uses for LipoDissolve are FDA approved for specific conditions. In LipoDissolve, we use these medications “off label” to achieve the above results. Using medications off label is common and legal when used under a physician’s direction.

Are there any contraindications to LipoDissolve?

Yes! Unless you gain weight, the changes are permanent. The LipoDissolve treatments at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC also cause excess skin to be tightened, as LipoDissolve is a gradual process, unlike liposuction. In some cases, inches may be lost - forever.

LipoDissolve is not intended as a substitute for a regular weight loss program but may be used in conjunction with dieting and exercising to control weight. If you have dieted in the past and are at your preferred body weight, but still can’t seem to get rid of unsightly pockets of fat, then the LipoDissolve provided by Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC is for you!

How do I find out more about LipoDissolve?

As always, at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC we offer complementary and private consultations to answer any questions you might have, and to show you before and after photos. If you call us at 978-263-1406 or 978- 627-0233, we can schedule you for a consultation immediately.

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