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When it comes to selecting a mesotherapist, remember to select a board certified dermatologist and that "Quality Matters and Experience Counts".
Dr. Crutchfield's credentials include:
- The leading Board Certified Dermatologist in Minnesota providing Mesotherapy and LipoDissolve Ultra
- Mayo Clinic Medical School Graduate
- Member International Meso-Lipotherapy Society
- Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
- Member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery
- Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
- Professor of Biology at Carleton College
- Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School
- "Top 5 Dermatologists for Women" Minnesota Monthly Magazine
- Selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" by his peers (only 4% of all U.S. physicians are selected)
- "Top Doctor" selection, Minneapolis St. Paul magazine.
“LipoDissolve Ultra: A New treatment that melts away fat without surgery”
LipoDissolve Ultra 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 Ultra is a specific type of treatment known generally as ‘Mesotherapy’ that was first developed in France in the 1950’s that 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 Ultra/Mesotherapy throughout Europe, Great Britain and North and South America.
“It’s like liposuction without the suction” 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 Ultra 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) 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, in a manner similar to how the spilled blood in a bruise is resolved. Additionally, the deoxycholate causes a mild inflammatory response that triggers in 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 Ultra (also called liposculpture) because it is not as costly and it does not involve the surgical “down time” or 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 or 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, the treatment sessions 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.
Mesotherapy is generally considered a safe procedure and requires no anesthesia. The injections cause slight discomfort, similar to the pain experienced from waxing. The cost of the procedure varies based on the areas being treated and will be reviewed during the consultation with Dr. Crutchfield. Treatments may run anywhere from 2 to 12 sessions depending on the severity of the problem. On average, most satisfying results take about 4-8 treatment sessions. All of the results pictured on our website were accomplished with 5 or 6 treatment sessions. We exclusively use a natural soy bean extract for our treatment formula. Mesotherapy is a general term used for both cellulite reduction/smoothing and spot fat reduction. LipoDissolve Ultra is a term that describes a specific type of mesotherapy; that of spot fat/adipose reduction. As with any medical procedure there are risks involved and you should discuss these risks with your doctor prior to undergoing any procedure..
Making an appointment for Mesotherapy
Most individuals calling for Mesotherapy information or appointments are curious, skeptical, highly desirous of results, and maybe even a bit nervous. Well-trained staff at a quality office knows this and should work hard to make your first contact feel comfortable and unhurried.
As always, with health care services, you should do your own due diligence on the office to ensure the practitioners are of high quality and caliber. As a patient you must be an advocate for yourself and ask any questions you feel are important. No question is irrelevant if it concerns your health or well being (or pocketbook!). You might ask where the Doctor was trained, or how many procedures they have done. It is nice to know what your expectations should be with the therapy, and a full understanding of the costs involved. Offices offering quality care will spend the time necessary to make you feel comfortable with all your questions. At an appointment you can visit the office and evaluate the staff's disposition and the physical space. This is often a good opportunity to learn more about the practice.
Make certain to get all of your questions answered and don't hesitate to ask anything. A good provider wants you to be informed and as comfortable as possible. If you have any sense that you are being rushed or pushed to make a decision - consider another provider. You want to feel good about the office you schedule your appointment with.
LipoDissolve Ultra can be used in conjunction with liposuction for better body contouring and it can be good way of 'touching up' unevenly treated areas after patients have liposuction. It’s 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. “
Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D. is an internationally recognized, award winning, board certified dermatologist and author. Dr. Crutchfield is one of North America’s leading experts in LipoDissolve Ultra 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.
Here is a helpful article on Mesotherapy and LipoDissolve Ultra written by Dr. Crutchfield
Dr. Crutchfield has treated patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eagan, Edina, Eden Prairie and other areas from around the state of Minnesota successfully with LipoDissolve Ultra.
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