Injection moulding: the fat dissolving debate

LONDON, Great Britain (July 2005: Vicky Eldridge): Not since the introduction of botulinum toxin has a treatment caused such controversy as injection lipolysis. Otherwise known as Lipodissolve the treatment is being seen by many as the new rising star of the aesthetics industry, but is still being regarded with caution and looked on with scepticism by others.

Under the direction of Dr Franz Hasengschwandtner, the original therapy underwent further development and scientific research and workshops were set up to enable physicians to train to an internationally uniform standard.
Not an alternative to or replacement for liposuction, nor a weight loss treatment, injection lipolysis is more about sculpting the body and modifying body contours by getting rid of small to medium pacthes of fat. However it can be very effective in conjunction with surgery.

"Within the framework of our international network further on-going research, investigation and a worldwide exchange of experiences is taking place," says Dr Hasengschwandtner. "It is of importance that any kind of abuse by those who are not authorized to administer injections must be prevented at all costs. As far as the medical profession is concerned, one can already say that doctors instructed in the technique and who have been able to learn from the experiences made by their colleagues in the network, report satisfied patients."

Ideal candidates for treatment are people of slim to normal build and of stable weight who do not want or need to undergo surgery but who have spot fat resistant to diet and excercise. The combination of medications are directly injected into the fat with treatments taking about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. The treatment then works to initiate the process during which fat is emulsified and then eliminated from the body, via the natural metabolic process.

Lipodissolve offers a mild treatment method for small to medium fat reduction and can in addition be used for positive skin retraction treatment.

The number of treatments needed differ from person to person, depending on body region, type of fat and body size. Between one and four treatments at six to eight week intervals are usually necessary to achieve the desired results.
Results are usually not apparent after the initial treatment, however the majority of patients see a good result after two to three sessions. For small areas such as the chin and jawline one treatment is often sufficient and results can be seen after as little as four weeks.

Most serious or long-term side-effects have not been documented, although these could include infection, nerve trauma and puncturing of an organ if the injection is not administered properly. In order to prevent this good knowledge of anatomy and correct injection techniques are vital. Overdose or intoxications have not been known to occur, according to the network.

Before treatment patients should be advised not to drink alcohol for at least 24 hours and should avoid waxing, laser treatment, sun beds and eletrolysis for at least 48 hours prior to treatment. They should also be advised that pain sensitivity can be increased at certain times such as if they are pre-menstrual or following excessive alcohol.

Dr Franz Hasengschwandtner, administer Lipodissolve treatment for reduction of excess fat from hips and love-handles on a patient in London.