Las Vegas (May 1, 2006) - Dr Barry Lycka, is one of North America's foremost authorities on cosmetic surgery, skin cancer surgery, reconstructive surgery and laser surgery of the skin. He is asked frequently to share his knowledge of cosmetic surgery at international symposia such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology And Aesthetic Surgery (ASCDAS). The latter in which he served as a vice president from 2004-2005. In here Dr Lycka describes his positive use with Lipodissolve in his surgical practice.

Lipodissolve, a treatment some doctors believe to be a form of mesotherapy, is evolving to be highly effective for treatment of post-liposuction irregularities and cellulite, but the therapy is not a replacement for liposuction and proper training is essential, according to Barry Lycka, M.D., speaking at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. Lipodissolve specifically involves the injection of phosphatidycholine and a standardized mixture of other compunded pharmaceutical agents into the subcutaneous fat, with the sodium
deoxycholate being the active ingredient.
By itself, the phosphatidycholine, made of soy products, has no effect on the fat. The sodium deoxycholate, found in bile salts, is the active ingredient that is clinically effective at concentrations of at least 1 percent in breaking down fat cells. While lipodissolve is used in various areas, Dr. Lycka says he has found the technique to be best suited specifically for post-liposuction irregularities, cellulite, the neck, the "buffalo hump" on the back of the neck, the back and other small fat deposits.

Optimal with ultrasound
In the 300 or so patients Dr. Lycka says he has treated with lipodissolve, the procedure has been very well tolerated, and he says results are most optimal when combined with endermologie and a new ultrasound model.
"I'll do the treatment and then two weeks later will do an endermologie treatment," says Dr. Lycka, an assistant
clinical professor at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
"I've just started adding ultrasound after the procedure, as they're doing in the new protocols," he adds. "And the results are even further enhanced."

Data review very positive
Dr. Lycka describes a review of data on 470 patients treated in 1,061 therapy sessions, conducted by ASAL and their affiliates, a group of 394 physicians. The study found that primary side effects were bruising and sensitivity to touch and patient satisfaction levels were high, with 74.9 percent reporting to be "very satisfied," 18.1 percent "satisfied" and 7 percent "less satisfied." In another study of 3,500 lipodissolve injections on 1,500 patients between 2003 and 2005, researchers found an average abdominal response of 4 cm. Fourteen percent of patients reported satisfaction after a single injection, and 87 percent were satisfied after three injections (Aesthetic Surgery Journal;25:5;530-543).
And in a recent small study looking at the effect of only deoxycholate injections on lipomas among six patients, researchers saw an average of a 75 percent reduction of the lipoma, with patients receiving an average of 2.2 treatments.
The study found no relationship between lipoma dissolution and the deoxycholate concentration used, however they warned that an increase in deoxycholate concentration may not offer additional benefit, but may indeed contribute to adverse effects, such as pain and burning (J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;53:973-978).

Skilled technique important
One of the most important caveats with lipodissolve is perfecting the technique. This is a specific injection done a specific way, and learning the technique is as important as learning technique when injecting Botox, Dr. Lycka says. "So it's important to get some training." Injections should be made at the right depth, and the the right protocol to be effective. Authentic training is recommended and to avoid third-hand sources.

Eyelid treatment ineffective
One area that some doctors have suggested lipodissolve could be used for is lower eyelid fat pads. However, Dr. Lycka says he has not had success in that area and does not recommend lipodissolve for that purpose, unless there are special circumstances.
"I've tried it on lower eyelid fat pads and did not find it very useful because it was too unpredictable and inconsistent for this particular use, which reports from the developers (ASAL) has confirmed " Dr. Lycka says.
He added that the treatment is mainly only be used as an adjunct to liposuction, and not necessarily a replacement for it.