Lipodissolve Injections to Safely and Predictably Dissolve Fat and Improve Contours

By, James J. Romano, M.D.

Lipoodissolve is the name applied to a new technique where a viscous liquid is injected into the subcutaneous fat to dissolve the fat and improve contour. Although regarded as a form of mesotherapy, it is not strictly speaking to be considered the same process. Lipodissolve injections reduce the size of localized fat deposits and cause skin retraction in body regions containing small deposits of localized fat, cellulite, or contour irregularities (especially after liposuction). It is safe and predictable and permanent.

Many have unfairly confused this with mesotherapy. They are not at all the same. Historically, mesotherapy is the generic term applied to the practice of injecting substances (mostly vitamins) into the skin. It could be said to have its origins in France where injections of pharmaceuticals directly into and through the skin began years ago in the treatment of over 200 diseases. The main product in Lipodissolve used for fat dissolving phosphatidylcholine (PPC), had its origins in 1959 when it was isolated and used intravenously in Odessa, Russia for the treatment of fat in the bloodstream (fat embolism). Then in 1988 Sergio Maggiore first reported the use of PPC injections into the fat for cosmetic purposes. Other products soon surfaced such as Lipostabil which is used in Europe primarily for the treatment of coronary artery plaques, and is now also used to inject into fat. Lipostabil comes in many different forms and is not at all standardized for this use. Since 1995 numerous physicians have reported in their peer review literature the use of PPC injections to successfully reduce fat accumulations. Therefore, mesotherapy is the generic name given to the procedure where any number of different and numerous products are injected into the body on any one occasion with very little standardization. Here the results are difficult to evaluate and the effective ingredients are hard to isolate. Many non physician practitioners have embraced this practice and, accordingly, many problems and complications have been uncovered. The problem with mesotherapy is that the whole technique is shrouded in mystery. Lipodissolve is totally different.

With Lipodissolve, on the other hand, both the injection formula and the technique have been standardized. This is taught to only a select group of doctors worldwide through which techniques, products and protocols are established and shared. The injection solution is very highly purified and prepared in the United States according to strict FDA standards. It contains PPC, deoxycholate and benzyl alcohol. The mechanism of action of the injected solution is well-known. It works by first causing breakdown of fat cell walls and release of the fatty acid contents, which are then removed safely through the liver. This reduces the volume in the injected areas. Secondly, through death of the fat cell some inflammation and ultimately, contraction and shrinkage occurs in the tissues of the target area.

PPC is the first major component of Lippodisolve solution and can exist in three different forms each with a different mechanism of action, so it is important to utilize the best one. PPC is used to increase the solubility of cholesterol and mobilize cholesterol out of the cell. During this process triglycerides are also mobilized out of the cell. What this means is that PPC is the dominant player in the metabolic pathway for the mobilization of fatty acids that are released from the fat cells. This has a mild beneficial effect on the body since HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) levels in the blood can increase after Lipodissolve. Since its introduction years ago, many conditions have been improved by the oral administration, intravenous administration, or direct injection of PPC. Benefits of treatment have been reported in the treatment of fat embolism, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, fatty liver and cirrhosis due to alcohol, gallstones, and others.

Deoxycholic acid is the second major component of Lipodissolve. This is a bile salt and exactly like that which is secreted by our gallbladder to aid in digestion. Depending on the true form present when mixed with PPC during an injection, it can either act to mildly mobilize fat out of the cell, or in its other form, actually to cause fat cell necrosis and death. In our mixture it is used to break open the cell walls so that PPC can enter and have its effect. Since this mechanism of action is not specifically targeted toward any one cell type, great care must be taken in the injection to not get into or near other structures such as the muscle or nerves.

The third component of Lipodissolve is benzyl alcohol and this is used only to keep these products in solution and allow for its ability to be injectable.