Lipodissolve - A non-surgical alternative to Liposuction
Lipodissolve (or Lipo Dissolve) is a non-surgical alternative to
liposuction. The main ingredient in Lipodissolve is
phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is a natural product found in
our body. Its main role in the body is to help emulsify and breakdown
fat and cholesterol and is a key constituent of our cell membranes and high density lipoproteins (the good cholesterol). The phosphatidylcholine that is used is derived
from soybeans and has the same molecular structure as the
phosphatidylcholine in our bodies.
When injected directly into fat deposits, Lipodissolve helps breakdown
and emulsify the fat deposits. It uses the body own natural methods
of excreting fat to permanently reduce fat deposits. Lipodissolve or phosphatidylcholine has two ends which act like the ends of a magnet. One end is attracted to water, and the other end is attracted to fat. After injection, phosphatidylcholine surrounds the fat cell, and because of this property, it allows the fat cells to become emulsified and soluble in the circulation where it is then removed permanently by the liver, bowels and kidneys.
It is especially
effective for the treatment of problem areas that may not be eliminated
with diet and exercise alone. The Victorian Cosmetic Institute is proud
to be one of the pioneer centres in Australia to bring this treatment
to you. We use only the highest quality phosphatidylcholine, made by Australian Custom Pharmaceuticals in NSW, who are the largest producer of phosphatidylcholine in Australia. It is made in a sterile laboratory in a nitrogen chamber. This ensures that the product has maximal stability. Also, all our procedures are carried out by doctors or overseen by our doctors.
It has been used for reducing fat deposits for
about 10 years now, but has been used for other medical purposes for
much longer. It has been used intravenously to dissolve atheromatous
plaques in cardiac disease and to dissolve fat embolism. Orally, it has
been used as a liver protective agent.
Before and After Gallery
Click here to visit our lipodissolve before and after gallery.
Lipodissolve Video
Diary of a patient
Click here to view the diary of a patient following lipodissolve treatment.
What areas can be treated?
The most common areas that are treated are;
abdominal bulges, love handles, back fat, saddle bags, thighs (inner
and outer), side of buttocks, lower buttocks, arms, and double chins,
cheeks and jowls. In men, it can be used to reduce chest fat, as long as there are no medical problems
causing the accumulation glandular tissue in this area e.g from abnormal hormonal
disturbances. The female breast cannot be treated as it is mainly
glandular tissue. It can also be injected into Lipomas to dissolve them
non-surgically. Injected more superficially, Lipodissolve can also
remove cellulite - the lumpy, dimpled, orange peel appearance of skin
that usually affects buttocks and legs.
Local anaesthetic cream is applied to the
treatment area for approximately one to two hours under Glad-wrap. This can be done in the clinic, or at home if you wish to save time. We also advise you take Arnica prior to your procedure (Arnica is a
naturopathic medication that helps reduce swelling and bruising). The procedure can be quite painful despite the local anaesthetic cream therefore we advise that you use inhaled anaesthetic
gas, commonly known as 'laughing gas' as this significantly reduces any
discomfort from the procedure. The effect of the inhaled anaesthetic
are usually short-lived, and will last long enough just to cover the
time taken to do the procedure, and wear off quite quickly afterwards.
Before your treatment, you will be measured and photographed (these photos are confidential and are so you are able to see the changes after your treatment). The treatment area
is then systematically injected with Lipodissolve through a fine
needle after cleansing of the area with chlorhexidine and alcohol (disinfectant). There are multiple injections in each area, each injection is spaced by approximately 1.5cm. The process is usually done lying down. Some recovery time is allowed afterwards before you can drive home. One to four treatments per area are required at two
monthly intervals, although most patients require just two to three
treatments.
After treatment with Lipodissolve, it is
important to drink plenty of fluids, and to massage the treated area
every night for about 2 weeks.
Lipodissolve is suitable for those who are seeking
to reduce localised fat deposits that are resistant to dietary changes
or exercise. It is not used primarily for weight reduction, rather it
used for body sculpting.
Lipomas, or benign fatty tumours under the skin, can also be treated with lipodissolve. It is a good alternative to surgery for those who are prone to scarring, or if the lipomas is in an area that is difficult to operate on. It is also a good option for those who don't want to have surgery for lipomas for whatever reason, or if there are a very large number of lipomas on the body. Lipodissolve is injected into the lipomas and this helps them to shrink down to a smaller size. Usually 2-3 treatments are required, and the final result is a significant reduction in the size of the lipoma.
Patients who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning on pregnancy in the next 6 months are not suitable for Lipodissolve treatments. Also patients who have severe liver or kidney problems, auto-immune diseases such as Lupus, or immunodeficiency are not candidates for Lipodissolve treatments.
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Lipodissolve and liposuction are different procedures. They both produce different results with different downtimes.
To find out which treatment may suit you more, click here for a comparison.
What is the difference between lipodissolve and mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve are very distinct treatments. Mesotherapy is a procedure that involves injections of various vitamins, minerals, medicines and amino acids into the skin. It was first founded in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor, a French physician, and is primarily directed at the treatment of various injuries, medical ailments, skin conditions, and cellulite. Lipodissolve also involves a series of injections, however, the key component of Lipodissolve is phosphatidylcholine which is used primarily for the dissolution of fat deposits. The depth of the injection of Lipodissolve is also deeper than mesotherapy as it is injected into the fat, and not the skin.
What happens to the skin over the fat?
Unlike liposuction, the skin tightens over the treated area as the fat is removed, so that there is no looseness of skin. Furthermore, Lipodissolve can improve the appearance of any surrounding cellulite in the treated area whereas liposuction can often worsen the appearance of cellulite by destroying the circulation to that area. Lipodissolve has also been known to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by direct injection into the stretch mark itself, although the results from this are usually variable.
The fat cells are permanently removed from the treated area by Lipodissolve. They are then processed by the liver and excreted through the bowels and kidneys. The fat cells do not return.
If there is weight gain after treatment, the area treated does not tend to increase in size as quickly had the treatment not been performed. Fat distribution is directed elsewhere (as in liposuction), and this achieves a better balance in body shape as usually only disproportionate areas area treated.
Generally, this depends on the individual.
Results are usually first seen after six to eight weeks and continue to
improve with further treatments.
The fat cells are permanently removed from the
area treated. Ongoing treatment is not required once you have achieved
your goal. As we are only born with a certain number of fat cells and
they do not divide after a certain age, the results are permanent once
the cells are removed. There are long term studies that show the
results from Lipodissolve treatments have remained 7 years after the
treatment was performed.
Commonly, people experience temporary soreness,
swelling, and bruising of the treatment area that lasts around one week on average. You can go straight back
to work immediately after treatment, but this will depend on the amount
of soreness you have, the area you have treated, and the type of work
you do. In general, we advise patients to do it after work or on a
rostered day off. Going back to work the next day is the most common
scenario. The only exception to this rule is for facial/chin treatments. The swelling is usually significant in this area and not concealable. Therefore, you may need approximately 4 days off work and social activities. Uncommon side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, infection (rare), and prolonged bruising. There is rarely an allergic reaction to Lipodissolve and no true anaphylactic reactions have ever been recorded. Occasionally, there can be some residual mild sensitivity over the area that is treated for some weeks. Lumps are also sometimes felt in the area, and these are transient and can be massaged out.
We suggest the use of Arnica before and after treatment with Lipodissolve. Arnica is a naturopathic medicine that helps reduce swelling, bruising and speeds recovery.
Generally, only one body part can be
treated in one session. This limitation is due the maximum dosage of
lipodissolve that can safely be administered per session.
Scientific studies have shown that 2500mg of phosphatidylcholine
(lipodissolve) is the maximum dosage that can be administered safely in
one session. It is analogous to taking 8 tablets of paracetamol per day
(the safe maximum dosage). Each session must be separated by 2 months.
One area may be considered to be (approximate cost in brackets);
chin ($495)
chin + facial area e.g jowls, jawline ($495+ $165 per facial area)
chest (male) ($495 to $660)
arms ($495 to $660)
upper abdomen ($495)
lower abdomen ($495)
upper and lower abdomen ($660)
upper abdomen and hips ($660)
lower abdomen and hips ($660)
upper,lower abdomen and hips (only in smaller people $660)
inner thighs ($495 to $660)
outer thighs/saddle bags ($495 to $660)
outer thighs and under buttock area ($495 to $660)
cellulite treatment front thighs ($495 to $660)
cellulite treatment for back thighs ($660)
back/under bra area ($495)
lipoma treatments ($165 - $660 depending on the number and size of lipomas)
top of knees ($330)
side of knees ($330 - this is a resistant area to lipodissolve)
(all prices inclusive of GST)
An average of 2 - 3 sessions are required per area.
Lipodissolve is a safe and effective method of fat reduction. Unlike liposuction and surgery, it is not associated with the risks of general anaesthesia or sedation, and the other complications of surgery.
Why should I choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider of Lipodissolve injections?
As one of the pioneer centres of this treatment,
we are highly experienced in the application of this treatment.
Currently, we are the largest provider of Lipodissolve in Australia.
Our doctors are highly experienced in Lipodissolve treatments and have
worked with international experts on Lipodissolve. Our doctors are also
a part of a worldwide network of doctors who collaborate results and
treatment regimes to improve the safety and efficacy of Lipodissolve
treatments. Also, The Victorian Cosmetic Institute is located inside a modern and large medical centre, ensuring your treatment is being performed in an up-to-date facility.
We recommend that you arrange a consultation so that we can properly
explain Lipodissolve to you and assess your suitability for the
treatment. You generally need 2 to 3 treatments, once every 2
months.After careful assessment, we will be able to provide you with
the best advice for treatment. Our holistic approach also means that
our doctors will look at any other factors including medical factors,
diet and exercise, that may be contributing to the problem.
The first step is simply contacting us for your
initial Lipodissolve consultation, where we will discuss with you what
is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your
treatment. Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure
can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling
out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you and gain an
understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure
the treatment is appropriate. as easy as clicking either of the buttons
below and completing the provided form.
Otherwise, you can phone us directly
on (03) 8850 0655 (Templestowe) or (03) 9707 0888 (Berwick).
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On this page:
• Lipodissolve - A non-surgical alternative to Liposuction
• What is Lipodissolve?
• Before and After Gallery
• Lipodissolve Video
• Diary of a patient
• What areas can be treated?
• What does treatment with Lipodissolve involve?
• Am I a suitable candidate for Lipodissolve?
• Should I choose lipodissolve or liposuction?
• What is the difference between lipodissolve and mesotherapy?
• What happens to the skin over the fat?
• Are the results permanent?
• When will I see the results?
• What are the side effects?
• How many areas can I treat at one time? How much does it cost per session per area?
• Are Lipodissolve injections safe?
• Why should I choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider of Lipodissolve injections?