Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve injections are purported to target adipose fat cells, apparently by inducing rupture and cell death among adipocytes (fat cells). Patients are often led to believe that Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve is a fat melting procedure and can avoid the need for liposuction and body contouring surgery. Since many of our patients ask us about this technology and have many questions, we thought it was important to address the topic with some facts and research.

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, states that Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve, in fact, is not effective.

(See: Effectiveness of Mesotherapy on Body Contouring. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 121(4):179e-185e, April 2008.Park, Seung Ha M.D., Ph.D.; Kim, Deok Woo M.D.; Lee, Min Ah M.D.; Yoo, Sang Chul M.D.; Rhee, Seung Chul M.D.; Koo, Sang Hwan M.D., Ph.D.; Seol, Geun Hye R.N.; Cho, Eun Young A.N)

Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve is traditionally performed in the US in Cosmetic spas and rarely by a physician despite the fact that fairly significant medications are injected into the skin during the procedure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not approved the subcutaneous (below the skin) injection of medications commonly used in Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve.

There are multiple cocktails of medications used in Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve including: phosphatidylcholine, isopterenol, aminophylline, caffeine, L-carnitine, buflomedil, calcitonin, and others. The published scientific study was a randomized, prospective, clinical trial carried out on 20 women. A solution of aminophylline, lidocaine and buflomedil was used in the patient’s thigh area.

The results showed no statistical evidence of loss of fat or improved body contour in the thigh area of these women. In fact, some women had larger thighs after the study.

Despite the many stories of significant fat melting by some cosmetic practitioners and spas as a result of Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve, the plastic surgery community does not feel this is an effective means of body contouring and is certainly no substitute for liposuction.

As with any planned surgical or non-surgical procedure, we recommend you consult with a trained plastic surgeon for advice and answers. We would be happy to discuss Mesotherapy, Lipodissolve, liposuction, Laser Liposuction, Smartlipo, Cool Lipo and other body contouring options with you in our office at anytime. Please contact us with any questions or to set up a consultation.

For more information on plastic surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation visit drseckel.com or call us at 978-369-4499.

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Dr. Sean Doherty

Dr Brooke Seckel

978-369-4499

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Smartlipo and lipodissolve are new laser techniques for dissolving and removing fat. The technique was pioneered by Dr Goldman in Brazil and has become very popular in the US during the past year.

What is new about smartlipo and lipodissolve is that a tiny cannula with a small laser fiber (about the size of a pencil tip) is inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. The laser heats and dissolves the fat into a liquid. The liquid fat is then suctioned out using a small suction tube or cannula. In Brazil, doctors do not remove the liquefied fat but allow the body to resorb the fat-a technique that is much less traumatic but takes longer to see the final result.

The benefits of smartlipo and lipodissolve that are claimed by Cynosure, the company that makes the laser are:

Less trauma

Less bleeding

Improved skin tightening after the fat is removed

Quicker recovery

Smartlipo and lipodissolve are new techniques and we are waiting long term studies of safety and effectiveness in this country, although the experience in Brazil is very promising in the reports I have read.

In my opinion the most promising aspect of this new technology is the skin tightening effect of the laser. One of the major limitations of traditional liposuction has been the failure of the skin to tighten after liposuction. Loose skin left after liposuction has often required surgical skin tightening.

Theoretically the heat produced by the laser during the smartlipo laser “lipodissolve” procedure will also tighten the skin. If this skin tightening component of smartlipo and lipodissolve pans out this will be a revolutionary advance in liposuction. Stay tuned.

For further information on plastic surgery, lasers, and non surgical skin rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.

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Dr. Seckel

978-369-4499

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts