Lipo-dissolve/Mesotherapy
What is Lipo-dissolve?
Lipo-dissolve is an exciting treatment specifically designed to reduce the size of localised fat deposits on the body. It is ideal to treat the fat deposits that will not disappear despite maintaining proper diet and exercise regime such as “love handles”. Lipo-dissolve is an injection technique that uses a naturally occurring substance Phosphatidylcholine (PPC), which is found naturally in every cell of the body. PPC has been shown to break down fat and destroy the fat cells. The broken down fat is then metabolised by the body, turned into energy, is used by the muscles or is excreted in the form of bile in the digestive process, assisted by the liver.
PPC is a wonderful alternative to costly and invasive surgical techniques such as liposuction and the results can be impressive. It is best suited for targeted bulges rather than to shrink entire body parts or as a means of weight management.
How often are the treatments?
Each area needs a 6-8 weeks “rest” for the fat dissolving process to complete but other areas can be treated during this time. Longer interval will not reduce the effectiveness.
How many treatments does it take?
Usually, most patients will reach their their goal within 3-4 treatments per area (average size love handles). More treatments can be done if required for more reduction or to target larger volumes. It is a low cost, effective, and walk-in-walk-out technique. It is a great alternative to liposuction for small areas.
When will I see the results?
Initial results usually become apparent after completion of the first or second treatment. It takes 6 weeks for each session to reach its full effect. The results accumulate over time with each additional treatment.
Is it painful?
A very small gauge needle is used to inject the medicated solution into the treated area.
The treatment is not painful but the inflammation the following few hours can be uncomfortable. The sensation is likened to a bruise combined to a burning sensation.
Is it permanent?
The destroyed fat cells in each area don’t regenerate. New fat cells are never produced over one’s lifetime after childhood. However, due to ageing, lack of exercise and poor diet, residual fat cells on any body part still have an infinite capacity to expand. The treated areas will have less fat cells remaining and therefore will have a lesser tendency to bulge first like they used to. People may want further treatment over the years. Lipo-dissolve shouldn’t used instead of a proper weight management program.
Who can get treated?
Lipo-dissolve is not recommended for minors, pregnant or lactating women, insulin dependant diabetics with vascular concerns, persons suffering an auto-immune disease, severe liver disease, anyone obese/gaining weight or anyone with acute or chronic infection.
How long is the recovery period?
The treatment requires no downtime although it is recommended that minimal activities be planned for the rest of the day after the treatment, as it may be uncomfortable/distracting to function normally. Approximately 20 minutes post injection, the patient will notice some redness, swelling, and experience a stinging sensation that will persist for the first few hours to then gradually diminish over the first 48 hours. The next day, the area will remain visibly swollen (minor residual swelling can take weeks to resolve fully) and tender. Some mild bruising may appear soon after the treatment, near some injection sites. Discomfort may be felt if wearing tight clothes or under a belt (if waist treated) as well as during the night if sleeping on the treated area especially for the first 3 nights. By one week, most of the skin changes (bruising/redness/tenderness) reduce and rarely require more than 2 weeks to resolve completely, however, some mild tenderness can persist for several weeks as the fat continues to melt.
Are there any side effects?
Lipo-dissolve treatments are extremely safe. There have been reports of minor skin colour changes and very rarely a sore that requires healing (these are reports from overseas). This treatment has been used successfully in Europe and South America for over 10 years. Some temporary lumpiness may be experienced from time to time. This is totally normal and resolves spontaneously within 6-8 weeks. Deep tissue massage one oneself (not for the first 48 hours) will assist preventing this side effect and speeding up the breaking down of those lumps. A temporary alteration in sensitivity or itchiness of the skin over the area(s) treated sometimes occur and will subside within a few weeks.
Is it the same as mesotherapy?
Lipo-dissolve is a type of mesotherapy focused on dissolving fat specifically. It is a specialised form of mesotherapy. By definition, mesotherapy is the practice of using micro-injections of conventional or homeopathic medication and/or vitamins into the middle layer of the skin (mesoderm) to deliver healing or corrective treatment to a specific area of the body.
Will it get rid of cellulite?
The medical term for cellulite is dermatomyoliposclerosis (DMLS). Cellulite is a skin condition affecting over 90% of most post-pubescent women. Even those with slim figure often complain about cellulite’s external visible symptoms – it’s lumpy, dimpled appearance. Cellulite commonly appears on the hips, buttocks and legs, but it is not caused by being overweight, as many believe. Fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by connective tissue called septae (fibrous bands). As water is retained, fat cells held within the perimeters of this area expand and stretch the connective tissue. Eventually this connective tissue contracts and hardens (sclerosis) holding the skin inwards, while surrounding tissue continues to expand with weight, or water gain. This results in areas of the skin being held down while other sections bulge outward, resulting in a lumpy appearance. Lipo-dissolve melts the fat that is bulging through whilst endermology helps breaking down the hardened connective tissue.
AFTER TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
1. No exercise for the first 48 hours as this may increase swelling
2. Take anti-inflammatory tablets (such as Nurofen or Voltaren) or Arnica for a natural alternative.
3. Wear loose fitting clothing to reduce discomfort and hide swelling
4. Ice area on/off for the remainder of the day after the treatment to minimise swelling.
5. 5 days after treatment, begin deep massage of the area for 2 weeks (will be tender)