“Crutchfield Dermatology reports continued success with LipoDissolve: A New treatment that melts away fat without surgery”

LipoDissolve is a minimally invasive medical procedure that breaks down fat cells in specific areas of the body. Small amounts of lecithin, a soy bean extract (commonly used as an emulsifying agent in chocolate bars), are injected into unwanted areas of fat, such as the tummy, love handles, double chins and saddle bags. The fat cells then dissolve and the body’s natural cleansing system metabolizes and eliminates the waste products out of the patient’s system. The technique has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past few years. LipoDissolve is a specific type of treatment known generally as ‘Mesotherapy’ that was first developed in France in the 1950’s. LipoDissolve has evolved over the decades and has been utilized for cosmetic treatments since the mid 1990’s. Mesotherapy was given formal recognition by the French Academy of Medicine in 1987. Presently, over 15,000 medical practitioners provide LipoDissolve/Mesotherapy throughout Europe, Great Britain, and North and South America. LipoDissolve is also known as Liposculpture.

“It’s like liposuction without surgery,” comments Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “There are many formulations and cocktails that have been injected during the evolution of the Mesotherapy/LipoDissolve process and many of these formulas are not safe. It’s important for anyone considering this procedure to consult a qualified, trained, board certified dermatologist. I exclusively use a combination of two medications; phosphatidyl choline (a soy bean extract and emulsifying agent found in most chocolate bars commonly known as ‘lecithin’) and sodium deoxycholate (a stabilizing bile salt found naturally in the body). The FDA has not officially approved this treatment but it’s currently under investigation. I employ this formula on unwanted areas of fat, especially those that have not responded to diet and exercise. The lecithin causes the fat cells to rupture and their remains are metabolized by the body. This is similar to how the spilled blood in a bruise is resolved. Additionally, the deoxycholate causes a mild inflammatory response that triggers an increase in collagen production which can produce skin tightening. A modified version of the Mesotherapy technique can also be used to smooth out cellulite; the dimpled cottage cheese look often seen, to some degree, on the thighs and buttocks of 95% of women. The technique works about 50% of the time for cellulite, one of the most difficult of all cosmetic dermatology conditions to treat.
Patients love LipoDissolve because it is not as costly and it does not involve the surgical down time nor the wearing of tight garments for weeks, associated with traditional liposuction or abdominoplasty. The minimal disruption of one’s daily agenda is another reason that patients find this treatment so ideal. The procedure is also very well tolerated. Side effects include stinging, burning, redness, swelling and discomfort. This can last from a day or two, up to a few weeks. The lower part of the tummy, just under the belly button, is the most commonly requested area. I have many patients who develop a small tummy pooch after having a baby that they just can’t get rid of, even after doing 100 sit-ups per day. I also commonly treat love handles, inner thighs, saddle bags, back-fat (bra fat) and double chins. The treatment program involves a series of 2-8 micro-injections performed about every 2 weeks. While each treatment session may involve dozens of small injections, they typically take only minutes to complete. The success rate in our clinic approaches 90%. There are still significant changes that can occur for up to 12 weeks after the last treatment. Once you dissolve the fat cells they don’t return.

LipoDissolve can be used in conjunction with liposuction for better body contouring. It can also be a good way of 'touching up' unevenly treated areas after patients have liposuction. LipoDissolve is a terrific treatment for localized areas of unwanted fat. Just like liposuction, it is not a substitute for diet, exercise and overall weight reduction. The results can be very, very impressive. “Before and after photos of patients Dr. Crutchfield has treated can be viewed at: http://www.crutchfielddermatology.com/treatments/mesotherapy/

Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D. is one of North America’s leading experts in LipoDissolve and Mesotherapy. Dr. Crutchfield is a graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and Medical Director of Crutchfield Dermatology in Minneapolis/St. Paul (Eagan), Minnesota. He has written over 100 scientific and medical articles and has co-authored a textbook of dermatology. Dr. Crutchfield has been selected as one of the “Best Doctors in America” by his peers, an honor bestowed on only 4% of all practicing physicians.

For additional information and to view before and after photographs please visit www.CrutchfieldDermatology.com
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