What is it and how long has it been around?
PPC is a substance derived from the soy bean and has been used for many years for such reasons as: reducing blood lipid levels; treating fatty livers and fat embolism. With respect to these treatments no complications were observed. It has been used cosmetically since 1995 for reducing collections of fat and with over 70,000 treatments being performed.
How does it work?
PPC is injected into the superficial fat layers and is responsible for
breaking the membrane (or skin) of the fat cell. The triglycerides
(fats) stored within the cell are then released and transported away
from the area via the blood stream to the liver where they are
processed. By reducing the number of fat cells in a particular area the
amount of fat stored in that area is also reduced. Thus Lipodissolve
can be used to reduce small areas of fat (eg chins and necks) or reduce
larger areas that are disproportionate compared to other areas, or to
smooth out irregularities.
What does a treatment involve?
PPC is injected just under the skin and multiple injections are
required to get an even effect. This is done using a device that allows
several injections to be done simultaneously. Thus you will only feel
one pin prick for (up to) 5 injections. Each "shot" is only minimally
painful.
What will I feel like afterward?
The area may turn red initially and there will be mild moderate pain
which generally lasts for a few hours. The area will be bruised and
swollen and sore to touch for some days - usually 5 to 7 days. Some
patients experience itch. Generally there is no need to take time off
work. You may notice some mild "diarrhoea" over the next few days -
this is the effect of fat being excreted and is of no concern.
When will I notice some improvement?
It is possible to see some improvement as early as 10 days post
treatment, but most people find this occurs from around the 4 week
mark. Improvements continue up until 8 weeks when further treatments
may be scheduled.
Are there any serious risks?
To date there have been no serious side effects, but theoretically it is possible to develop:
- Infection/abscess
- Nerve damage
- Allergic reactions (asthma, shock)
What minor complications may develop?
It is possible to develop:
- minor allergic responses to the treatment such as a rash,
- breakthrough menstrual bleeding,
- a temporary feeling of light headedness (common, lasts only minutes)
- muscular pain through irritation of muscle
- nodules in the treated area, some of which may be permanent (due to muscle irritation
Does Lipodissolve work for everyone?
Some people do better tham others. There is a huge variation in results even between people who have similarly sized areas to treat. A percentge (approx 6%) have such a small degree of improvement that for practical purposes we say they do not respond at all. Prior to each treatment the area is measured and photographed . These are compared at the 6 to 8 week mark to properly assess results
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on how much of an improvement you have with your first treatment. We cannot predict this in advance and can only really answer the question when we have measured and photographed the area at your followup visit.
Does Lipodissolve work on all body areas?
Some areas respond better to treatment than others. In general this
is related to how fibrous or tough the fat is. For example, upper
tummies do not tend to do as well as lower tummies as the upper area is
much more fibrous. Men have much tougher fat than women and so often
will require more treatments
Will I lose weight with Lipodissolve?
Generally people only lose weight where they make adjustments to their diet and exercise habits.
Lipodissolve should not be used in the following situations:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- User of warfarin
- Severe diabetes
- Certain vascular diseases
- Children
- Certain auto immune diseases - SLE, dermatomyositis, scleroderma
- Acute or chronic infections
- Allergies to B group vitamins, soy beans
How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for Lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve is more a method of "fine tuning." Multiple treatments
can be done where more improvement is required, but in general
Liposuction or Liposculpture is more appropriate for larger areas, or
where a larger volume of fat needs to be removed. Lipodissolve is most
appropriate in the following situations:
- lipomas (fatty tumour)
- small area
- an irregularity
- small reduction of a larger area.
- Where the patient does not want surgery.
Costs
Depending on the area costs range from $250 to $800 per treatment.
Remember, for larger amounts of fat, liposculpture is the most efficient method of removal.
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