Lipolysis is a method of melting small to medium-sized unwanted localised fat areas that are not affected by diet or exercise. Lipolysis treatments are non-surgical, effective and fat-reducing treatments.
In the lipolysis procedure, which involves the local application of small injections of a natural medication, the active ingredient called phosphatidylcholine (PPC) is directly injected into the subcutaneous tissue, eliminating local fat deposits, releasing stored fat from the cells, and reducing the treated body area.
Phosphatidylcholine is a natural product found in the human body. Its primary role in the body is to help emulsify and break down fat and cholesterol, which are then naturally absorbed by the body. It is an important component of our cell membranes and high-density lipoproteins. Phosphatidylcholine is widely used worldwide due to its cholesterol-lowering effect and “liver-protective” properties.
What Does Lipolysis Treatment Involve?
After the application area is cleaned with chlorhexidine and alcohol disinfectant, an injection is administered into the application area using a fine needle. Multiple injections are made at approximately 1.5 cm intervals to cover the treatment area. The number of sessions to be performed varies from person to person depending on the area and size of the area. Due to differences in the structure of connective tissue and fat cells, women generally respond better to treatment than men.
Patients can resume their normal daily activities after lipolysis injections, but this may vary depending on the amount of pain you experience, the treated area, and the type of procedure performed. The lipolysis treatment typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Things to Consider Before Lipolysis Treatment
- Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed 48 hours prior to treatment.
- Aspirin, vitamin E, and Ginkgo Biloba should be avoided one week prior to treatment. This may reduce the likelihood of bruising and/or swelling in the treatment area.
- Products/treatments that accelerate metabolism should be discontinued one week prior to treatment.
- Beta blockers and certain thyroid disorders may chemically affect the procedure, so the physician should be informed if such conditions exist.
- Individuals with soy allergies should not undergo lipolysis treatment, as the active ingredient injected contains soy derivatives.
- After treatment, mild itching and burning may be felt in the treatment area for a few hours.
- To localise the injection, ice should be applied to the area for the first 24 hours after treatment.
- Redness, itching, swelling and bruising may occur in the application area after the injection. Cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling.
- If redness, swelling and other reactions do not subside within 7 days, a doctor should be consulted.
- Patients may experience mild pain after treatment. If the pain is bothersome, simple painkillers prescribed by the doctor may be used. Aspirin should not be used as it may increase bruising at the injection site.
- The area should not be touched for 6 hours after treatment.
- It is recommended to minimise movement in the injected area for 48-72 hours.
- Sunbathing, exposure to cold, and outdoor activities should be avoided until the redness and swelling in the application area subside.
- Adequate fluid intake is essential after lipolysis treatment.
- Alcohol should not be consumed for at least 6 hours after the treatment.
Lipolysis is an Effective Body Contouring Procedure
Lipolysis is a method in which solutions containing substances that break down fats in fat cells are injected into the skin using fine needles. These solutions typically contain phosphatidylcholine, a natural substance derived from soybeans and naturally found in the human body. This enzyme breaks down fats into small pieces that are later expelled from the body.
This procedure enhances skin strength and elasticity, but it does not replace traditional liposuction and is not intended for the comprehensive removal of fat deposits. At its core, both lipolysis and liposuction use entirely different approaches to achieve the same results. Indeed, while both procedures result in the reduction of unwanted fat, they each achieve their goals through different means. While lipolysis uses a non-invasive approach, the liposuction procedure involves the surgical removal of localised fat deposits through gentle aspiration via small, discreet access ports. Solutions containing other medications with similar effects, such as Carnitine, which is primarily used for the treatment of cellulite or highly sensitive areas, may also be preferred in lipolysis injections.
Lipolysis treatment is not recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases, soy allergies, diabetic vascular disease, severe liver or kidney disease, acute infections, blood clotting disorders, or obesity. Lipolysis injections are also not suitable for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should consult their doctors about the appropriateness of discontinuing this treatment one week prior to treatment.
The lipolysis procedure is very safe and has been used for many years. The broken-down cells and their components are eliminated by the body’s efficient metabolism without affecting your blood lipid profile, cholesterol, or health. Generally, patients begin to notice the results of local fat reduction after a single lipolysis session.
It is not expected that the fat cells eliminated after the lipolysis procedure will return. However, like those who undergo liposuction, lipolysis patients must also carefully monitor their weight after treatment. If patients monitor and control their weight after treatment, the results of lipolysis treatment will truly be permanent.