Lipotherapy, also called Lipodissolve, is an effective way to reduce small, stubborn fat deposits like midriff bulge, love handles, double chins, saddlebags, etc. that defy diet and exercise. And, unlike liposuction, there's no scars, hospital stay, or high expenses. It's also useful for smoothing out the dimpling of cellulite or irregular areas of fat left over after liposuction.

Before and after 3 Lipodissolve treatments to love handles. Photo by C. Elliott, M.D.

Before and after Lipodissolve to Jawline, Photo by C. Elliott, M.D.

What is Lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve consists of deoxycholic acid, an acid that's found in bile that your body uses to digest fat, mixed with anesthetic.  It's injected through tiny needles into those areas that are resistant to exercise and diet. Over the following weeks the dissolved fat is reabsorbed and processed by your body like the fatty acids in your diet. Lipotherapy was first described in the medical literature by Brazilian dermatologist Dr. Patricia Rittes in 2001. She has treated thousands of patients successfully and was one of the instructors for Dr. Elliott.

Shown Above: Dr. Cynthia Elliott with the top international authorities on Lipotherapy at the International Lipo-Mesotherapy Seminar in January 2005. From Left, Dr. Jacques Le Coz, MD of France, Dr. Patricia Rittes of Brazil, MD, Cynthia Elliott M.D., and Dr. Roman Chubaty of North America.

What to expect?
Tiny, almost painless injections of the medications are done over the area you would like to reduce with each treatment taking only about 15 minutes to do. Treatments are repeated up to every 2 weeks for the face and 4 weeks for the body for an average of about 4 sessions.

Immediately after the treatment the skin becomes red and a burning sensation develops which is uncomfortable but tolerable. Compression garments like shapers help with this phase which usually lasts for up to 2 days.

Bruising is common after a lipodissolve treatment on the lower body and the areas treated may remain sore when touched for the first week or two. Swelling is prominent for the first day or two but then disappears over about a week.

When do I see results?

When Lipodissolve is used on the face most people will notice improvement a week or two after the first treatment. Results on the rest of the body occur slower and most people will begin to notice that their clothing starts to feel loose over the treated areas several weeks after the first or second treatment. On average, after a series of 4 sessions to the abdomen or thighs, most people will see a 1/2" - 1" reduction in size.

Endermologie treatments done at the same time as Lipodissolve will increase the amount of fat lost, speed up the improvement seen, reduce swelling and further smooth out your contours. We offer combination packages of Lipodissolve with Endermologie at a discount because we want you to get your best shape yet.

Come into our Tampa office soon for a free consultation to learn more about how we can use Lipodissolve to help you achieve the look you want.