Fat-Dissolving Injections
Lipodissolve is an injectable solution to dissolve stubborn areas of fat
How Lipodissolve works
Lipodissolve, aka PC/DC, is a compounded, injectable solution that destroys fat cells. Composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and deoxycholic acid (DC), the solution is injected into areas with subcutaneous fat that are often not amenable to diet and exercise.
Lipodissolve is similar to the commercially available injectable, Kybella®. Kybella® is the only FDA approved injectable to dissolve fat, specifically in the submental area. It is composed of deoxycholic acid, without phosphatidylcholine. Though Lipodissolve is not FDA approved, it has been used in other countries for decades for the same indications. In fact, studies show that by combining phosphatidylcholine with deoxycholic acid, adverse events are less severe, and the treatment is better tolerated.
Lipodissolve is not a substitute for diet and exercise. For patients with BMI > 30, the only area suitable for treatment may be the jawline and chin. It is not suitable for other areas of the body. You can calculate your BMI here.
To see if you are a good candidate for treatment, book a consult with Dr. Tyler.
Commonly treated areas include:
Submental area aka “double chin”
Lower abdomen aka “muffin top”
Flank aka “love handles”
Arms aka “bat wings”
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Prior to Arrival
Photos
Dr. Tyler does photos with each visit. Not only does it show progress through your aesthetic journey, it also helps to understand and tweak subsequent treatments, based on outcomes from each encounter.
Preparation
The skin will be cleansed and marked for injection.
Injections
Depending on the area being treated, Dr. Tyler may use a sharp needle or a cannula to inject the solution. Oftentimes, on the first treatment, a cannula is used to evenly distribute the product. On follow-up visits, a needle may be used to target specific zones that are still showing fullness due to fat.
Complications/Side Effects
PAIN
There is often pain at the area injected. This is due to inflammation and pressure for the medication being injected
SWELLING
Swelling is to be expected after treatment. Not only from the solution injected, but also the trauma to the tissue from injection and the chemical process of breaking down the fat cells.
BRUISING/HEMATOMA
As with any injection, there is a risk of bruising and hematoma formation.
SKIN NECROSIS
More often seen when using isolated DC and when external pressure is applied. Skin necrosis is a very rare complication.
INFECTION
The infection risk is similar to any other injectable procedure.
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Day 1-3: Pain and significant swelling are expected for the first 48-72 hours.
Some clients have described that their face goes numb after about 48 hours. So don’t be scared if this happens. This can sometimes last several weeks.
Day 4-7: Pain should be mostly resolved. However, swelling will still be present as the medicine starts to dissolve the fat cells.
Day 7-21: It can take up to 2 weeks before the swelling is resolved. Some treated areas heal more quickly than others.
The fat is slowly dissolving and being metabolized by the body. As the swelling decreases, you will notice that the area treated is smaller.
Day 21-60: The fat is still being dissolved and metabolized during this time, but you’ll start to see results. In addition to lipolysis, the skin will also start tightening in the area, as fibroblasts are recruited and start building new collagen.
Day 61 and onward: It’s time for retreatment. You may notice that there are isolated areas of fat that need targeted injection. Or you may still have overall fullness that needs repeat treatment.
Oftentimes, it takes up to 3 treatments to get the desired aesthetic result.
Instructions + Forms
Prepare for your appointment and learn how to take care of your treated area after your procedure for the best results in a reasonable amount of time based on the treatment received.
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Do NOT use the following products 2 days prior or 2 days after your treatment (or until pinkness has subsided): RetinA, retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products, or bleaching creams (unless instructed otherwise by your provider).
Gentlemen: Shave the treatment area one day before your scheduled treatment (unless instructed otherwise by your provider).
Do not apply any creams, lotions, perfume or makeup etc. to the treatment areas prior a to be treated, prior to treatment.
To decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment, ensure you have had a recent meal, including food and drink, before your procedure. Please warn the provider if you have a history of fainting.
Schedule your Lipodissolve appointment at least 2-4 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation (due to bruising and prolonged swelling).
Reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance if you have a severe rash, cold sore, or blemish in the treatment area.
Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications 10-14 days prior and 3-4 days post treatment. Medications such as: Aspirin, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil Supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages 1 week prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).
Consider taking Arnica tablets beginning 1 week prior to injections to prevent bruising.
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Avoid extreme temperatures of heat for 72 hours post treatment (i.e. Jacuzzi, hot showers etc.).
Do NOT consume alcohol or sodium for 3 days post treatment to avoid excess swelling.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 72 hours post treatment.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated to decrease swelling.
Increase your water intake. Try to drink at least a gallon daily for the first 3-5 days to help support your immune system as it metabolizes and moves the dissolving fate away from the treated area.
You can take acetaminophen 1000 mg every 8 hours for discomfort.
At 48 hours, your face may feel numb. This is expected and due to the swelling.
Do NOT use compression on the areas treated.
Liberal use of arnica gel is encouraged as it helps with swelling and bruising, but is also soothing.
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Science + Education
Deoxycholic acid (DC) is a component of human bile acid, which plays a vital role in emulsification and digestion of fat in the intestine. Deoxycholic acid physically disrupts the cell membrane of adipocytes causing cell death. Fat, a relatively protein-poor tissue, is more sensitive to the cytolytic effects of deoxycholic acid than skin and muscle, relatively protein-rich tissues.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most important and essential phospholipid in the human body. It facilitates the emulsification of fat into the tiniest particles within the nanosphere, enabling the absorption and transportation of fat. After subcutaneous injections of phosphatidylcholine into fat tissue, the adipocytes burst and phosphatidylcholine increases the secretion of triglycerol-rich lipoproteins.
Essentially, deoxycholic acid bursts the fat cells and phosphatidylcholine breaks down the particles, making it easier for the body to absorb.
In addition to dissolving fat, the process itself also stimulates collagen in the area injected, effectively tightening the tissues and improving skin laxity.
Holistic Aesthetic Approach
Fat-dissolving injections are corrective for areas with excess subcutaneous fat. To further define the area being treated, consider adding regenerative therapies such as EXION™ or hyperdillute Radiesse® .