Injection lipolysis is a cosmetic procedure in which
drug mixtures are injected subcutaneously into patient’s fatty tissues with the
goal of breaking down fat. Dr. Rittes, a South-American dermatologist in 1995
developed a procedure during which the substance phosphatidylcholine (PPT) is
directly injected into undesired fat deposits.
Phosphatidycholine is a naturally occurring glycerolphospholipid
composed of glycerol with two fatty acids & choline attached. Phosphatidylcholine
contributes to the proper metabolism of fat & cell membrane integrity,
emulsify blood fats.This is a very safe drug for injection purpose but not yet
approved by US FDA for the fat dissolve.This substance and many other similar
drugs are currently under investigation for efficacy in fat lysis. Pending
approvals by appropriate authorities this is being used as off label for fat
lysis.Minor side effects like swelling and bruising settle in 1-2 weeks time.
Injection lipolysis is a much better used as a finesse non
invasive procedure for body contour correction and can not replace liposuction
which is the procedure of choice for bigger areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lose weight with injection lipolysis?
The therapy is not intended as a means of weight reduction
but is a way of getting rid of unwanted localized deposits of fat, e.g. double
chin, fat on the thighs, belly and upper arms, Under Eye bags, love handles,
Inner side of knees, fat bulges at shoulder-arm-joints
Which regions of the body are especially suited for
injection lipolysis?
Injection lipolysis is best suited for areas of soft fat
on the belly, the face, the inside of the thighs, the back and hips. Injection
lipolysis therapy also achieves good results on cellulite.
Are the deposits of fat that are treated with
injection lipolysis permanently eliminated? How long do the results last?
According to the current state of knowledge, fat cells
that have once been dissolved do not return. This means that the fat deposits
concerned are permanently reduced. Provided your weight remains unchanged, the
results of the lipolysis treatment should also remain constant.
Is injection lipolysis treatment painful?
As there are few nerve fibers in the subcutaneous tissue,
the injections are not painful. Patients only feel a slight initial prick and,
for the first 2 hours, a slight sensation of itching and burning. Only 4% of
all patients need a pain-killing tablet on the first night after treatment.
How many treatments are necessary?
As a rule, 2-4 treatments at intervals of 8 weeks. But
many patients have got the satisfactory result after one sitting also.
What are the special advantages of injection lipolysis?
Injection lipolysis achieves a permanent reduction in fat
deposits, especially in those places that cannot be specifically targeted by
dieting or sport. The treatment is gentle, virtually pain-free, low in risk,
and does not take long. Complicated pre- or post-treatment is necessary. Nor is
ability to work impaired, except perhaps in the case of facial treatment.
What risks does injection lipolysis involve?
Immediately after treatment, slight swelling and
sensitivity to pressure as well as reddening and/or itching may occur and can
continue for up to 2 to 4 days. Massage, sauna visits and sport should be
avoided for about 3 days. In rare cases, some hardening may occur (deep
haematomas, bruises), but these disappear by themselves after 2-6 weeks.
Altogether, the therapy can be regarded as low in side-effects. It therefore
presents no risks if the individual health status and any resulting limitations
have been clarified in advance and if you are treated by a doctor who has
undergone NETWORK Lipolysis training.
How do I decide
whether injection lipolysis or liposuction makes better sense for me?
For a long time, liposuction was the only means for
removing accumulations of fat. But with the aid of injection lipolysis, it has
now become possible to eliminate smallish deposits of fat with minimum intervention
and minimum stress to the body. The main difference is that injection lipolysis
is a non-operative method of treatment, whereas liposuction involves a surgical
procedure. With liposuction, the fat disappears almost immediately. Injection
lipolysis allows a slower change to the body contour, allowing the patients
also to gradually get used to their change in appearance over a period of
several months. Injection lipolysis is also an ideal method of treatment
following liposuction in order to remove any remaining fatty tissue and also
tauten the surrounding skin.
