Lipodissolve FAQs

Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

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Q - What is lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve treatment, a form of mesotherapy, is a non-surgical, office-based procedure using injectable lipodissolve to treat unwanted deposits of excess fat around the face, neck and body. Based on the use of phosphatidylcholine, which has fat dissolving properties, lipodissolve is injected into an area where it begins to directly dissolve unwanted fatty deposits. The dissolved fat is then removed by the body by reabsorption, much the same way that the body removes a bruise. Lipodissolve is commonly used to treat the submental neck (under the chin), the lower face and the lower eyelids. For optimal results, patients usually require a series of lipodissolve injections over a period of several months.

Q - Who is a good candidate for lipodissolve?
The best candidates for lipodissolve are individuals with well-defined pockets of unwanted excess fat. The procedure tends to be most effective on patients who have generally more elastic skin as their skin will tend to recoil and shrink more rapidly after the underlying fat dissolves.

Q - Where is the lipodissolve procedure performed?
Lipodissolve is performed in the office setting.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for the lipodissolve procedure?
Lipodissolve can be performed with topical anesthesia with or without a nerve block to maximize the patient’s comfort.

Q - How is the lipodissolve procedure performed?
If patients desire, a topical anesthetic can be applied over the area of concern or a nerve block can be administered to maximize comfort during the procedure. The areas of concern are then visually identified and marked. A predetermined amount of lipodissolve solution is then injected into the fatty tissue. Several different injections are typically recommended to target the area in a more uniform fashion with smaller deposits of lipodissolve. A cold compress is then placed to minimize the chance of swelling and bruising.

Q - How long does the lipodissolve procedure take to perform?
Lipodissolve usually takes less than fifteen minutes to complete.

Q - What is the recovery like after the lipodissolve procedure?
In our experience, a very small percentage of patients will develop bruising or swelling at the treatment site lasting beyond twenty-four hours. Over the following days to weeks, patients will note that the treated area feels slightly more dense than the surrounding untreated area. This is a normal reaction to the treatment and this feeling will slowly fade within several weeks and is hastened by use of warm compresses applied to the area after three days.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing lipodissolve?
Patients are usually able to return to work and other normal activities within twenty-four hours of the lipodissolve treatment.

Q - When will I be able to exercise after my lipodissolve procedure?
Aerobic exercise may be resumed within twenty-four hours after the lipodissolve procedure.

Q - Are there risks or complications with lipodissolve?
Lipodissolve is generally a very safe procedure. In rare cases, lipodissolve can result in an uneven contour. Fortunately, massage and repeat injections are usually sufficient in restoring a smoother contour.

Q - Does insurance cover the lipodissolve procedure?
Lipodissolve procedures performed for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance.

Read more about San Diego lipodissolve procedures.

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