LipoSculpt

More than 90% of women have cellulite, but now there's a way to get rid of it. LipoSculpt treatments are a great alternative to liposuction surgery because in addition to treating cellulite, they can also reduce fat deposits in the skin.

What is LipoSculpt?
LipoSculpt is a natural, non-surgical treatment protocol that combines an injection technique called mesotherapy or lipodissolve, along with FDA approved Triactive Laserdermology. Injections plus laser combine the most effective fat loss in a shorter amount of time, with additional toning and tightening not available with other treatment protocols. Radiance Medspa is the only medical facility to provide this dual approach of melting fat plus facilitating its loss to tone and tighten.

What is lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve is a form of mesotherapy that is used to provide targeted fat reduction through micro-injections of a natural solution. Pharmaceutically compounded substances such as Phosphatidylcholine are injected into the dermal layer of skin, where fat and cellulite accumulate. The combination of substances lyses (or destroys) the fat cells and transports the cells through the lymphatic system where they are naturally eliminated from the body.

This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that is currently being performed on the eyes, chin, jowls, arms, bra handles, love handles, abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. The treatments are virtually painless in that they are delivered with micro-needles smaller than those used for acupuncture. Although results vary by individual, up to 4 inches of fat reduction is possible. Treatments are typically performed in 2-4 week intervals, with results seen in as little as 2 weeks – and best results seen after only 4-6 treatments.

What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is widely used in Europe and elsewhere to treat various injuries and medical conditions. This medical specialty targets problem areas with microinjections of conventional or homeopathic medicines, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Tiny "medicinal bullets" are delivered directly into the mesoderm (middle layer of skin) that is highly specific to the condition being treated. These injections are tailored to your body's specific needs, consisting mostly of soy proteins, enzymes, and vitamins.

Among its many applications, Mesotherapy's cosmetic uses include eliminating cellulite and promoting weight loss (LipoSculpt), providing anti-aging benefits (Mesolift), and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. All of these cosmetic procedures of mesotherapy are performed at Radiance Medspa Fairfax.

Mesotherapy's medical uses include treatment for anxiety, insomnia, bone spurs, muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and osteoarthritis.

What is the difference between cellulite and fat?
The fact is cellulite is different than fat. Cellulite appears when fat cells become trapped in the dermal area (or mesoderm) of the skin. These cells then swell, resulting in the "orange peel" or dimpling effect. 90% of post-pubescent females will develop cellulite, which is believed to be caused by several factors including heredity, smoking, lack of exercise and poor diet, and lactation. Liposculpt can be performed to eliminate or reduce both cellulite and fat.

How is LipoSculpt performed?
There are two steps including lipodissolve and laserdermology by Triactive laser. In lipodissolve, pharmaceutically compounded substances such as Phosphatidylcholine or enzyme based products are injected into the dermal layer of skin, where fat and cellulite accumulate. The combination of substances lyses (or destroys) the fat cells and transports the cells through the lymphatic system where they are naturally eliminated from the body. When tailored to weight loss, injectables oxidize fat, shrink cells, weaken connective tissue and increase cell production. Fat released into the body is metabolized in exercise or excreted. Triactive Laserdermology sessions can facilitate the loss, tone and tighten. These sessions are done in between the lipodissolve sessions.

LipoSculpt sessions are used alongside exercise and diet regimens rather than as an alternative to them.

How does the treatment feel?
Needles are small, about the size of an eyelash. The smallest possible micro-injections are used, causing minimal discomfort. The multi-pricking therapy is even less noticeable and can hardly be felt at all.

Will I need multiple treatments?
Generally, the average patient requires approximately 2-4 treatments for treating fat; however this will depend on the individual client and the amount of fat to be treated. Treatments are done several weeks apart, and include laserdermology in between sessions.

How long does a LipoSculpt treatment last?
A session typically lasts about thirty minutes

Will I lose weight?
LipoSculpt is not a weight loss program; however, the treatment can spot reduce cellulite and fat that diet, exercise and even surgery can not help.

How soon will I see results?
Results vary depending on your body type and the condition being treated. On average, clients start noticing visible improvement from any particular treatment session about 2-6 weeks after that treatment. However, in some patients, it is not unusual to see the end result 12 weeks after the treatment.

What are the results?
LipoSculpt is a permanent solution that eliminates dimpling and extra fat under the skin. After LipoSculpt, a patient's skin appears significantly smoother. Most patients lose anywhere from two to four inches where their cellulite was treated. On specific targeted areas, some patients can lose up to six inches.

How long do the results last?
The results from LipoSculpt will last permanently in the area treated. When fat cells are dissolved, they will no longer be in that area. However, new fat cells can be generated in the area treated and in other areas if a client adopts unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as poor eating and lack of exercise. Maintenance sessions performed once or twice a year will prolong results.

Is LipoSculpt safe?
LipoSculpt has no serious side effects. All injected substances such as vitamins, antioxidants, phosphatidycholine or hyaluronic acid are FDA approved.

Are there any possible side effects?
You may experience tenderness, swelling or redness for a few days after your session. In some cases, a nodule will develop and recede on its own over the next couple of months. Rare allergic reactions to injectables may occur.

Will there be any downtime?
No, you may return to your daily routine immediately.

What are the benefits of LipoSculpt over other treatments?
LipoSculpt is a targeted, non-invasive way to achieve instant results. It has a high (80-90%) success rate. LipoSculpt can be used to treat very specific or deep areas. Should you regain weight lost through Liposculpt, it will not appear in odd and unpredictable places, as it often does in liposuction.

What can be expected post-treatment?
After treatment, you may return to your daily schedule. There may be some tenderness, redness or swelling which will diminish over the next couple of days.

Who should avoid LipoSculpt?
You should avoid LipoSculpt if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have serious medical conditions. Certain skin diseases may disqualify you from treatment.

What are the alternative treatments?
Laser skin resurfacing can be used for minor sculpting, whereas liposuction can be used for larger areas. If you wish to reduce fine lines or wrinkles, there are other injectables and fillers such as Botox(r) and Restylane(r).

What are the limitations of LipoSculpt?
LipoSculpt is designed for small areas only. Dramatic results require many treatments.

Instructions for before treatment:
To reduce bruising, avoid blood thinners for a week before treatment.

Instructions for after treatment:
It is important that you exercise, drink lots of fluids and eat healthy. For 3 days following you will want to follow a low carbohydrate, high protein diet. Otherwise, fat released into your system may reappear.

All pictures courtesy of NetWork-Lipolysis. The NetWork-Lipolysis is an international organization of physicians representing 42 countries who offer Lipo-dissolve treatments to patients' in their practice. Physicians in the network share patient outcome data for the purpose of adopting best practices.