Injections to Remove Fat
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
March 24, 2008 3:23pm CST
While many of you may be more enlightened on this subject, it is certainly news to me. I received the information in a medical newsletter to which I subscribe. I was not even aware that there was a method for removing fat from the body via injections.
Here is a portion of the item:
Fat-dissolving injections contain chemicals such as phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate that supposedly work by permanently breaking down cells in the fatty layer under the skin. The shots cost about $1,000 to $2,000 per body part (not covered by insurance), and usually there are six injection sessions with two weeks between treatments. Both The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery have issued warnings about this procedure. According to Dr. Kunin, there have been reports of infections following injection, as well as local swelling, bruising, redness, allergic reaction and tender bumps. Elevated liver enzymes have also been reported.
Practitioners like to compare fat-dissolving injections to the early cosmetic use of Botox, but Dr. Kunin notes that Botox was already an FDA-approved product, albeit for a different use. In contrast, fat-dissolving injections utilize chemicals in an unregulated way -- they are compounded by a pharmacist and are not subject to the same regulations as drug manufacturers. These types of procedures are promoted under assorted names including Lipostabil, LipoDissolve, Lipo-zap, Flab-Jab, Mesotherapy, Lipotherapy and Injection Lipolysis, to name a few. No matter the marketing, if and until there is a safe and medically proven method for dissolving fat, Dr. Kunin's advice is clear: Stay away from these treatments.
Source(s):
Audrey Kunin, MD, the founder and CEO of DERMAdoctor, and coauthor of The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual (Simon & Schuster). Visit her Web site at www.dermadoctor.com.
Here is a portion of the item:
Fat-dissolving injections contain chemicals such as phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate that supposedly work by permanently breaking down cells in the fatty layer under the skin. The shots cost about $1,000 to $2,000 per body part (not covered by insurance), and usually there are six injection sessions with two weeks between treatments. Both The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery have issued warnings about this procedure. According to Dr. Kunin, there have been reports of infections following injection, as well as local swelling, bruising, redness, allergic reaction and tender bumps. Elevated liver enzymes have also been reported.
Practitioners like to compare fat-dissolving injections to the early cosmetic use of Botox, but Dr. Kunin notes that Botox was already an FDA-approved product, albeit for a different use. In contrast, fat-dissolving injections utilize chemicals in an unregulated way -- they are compounded by a pharmacist and are not subject to the same regulations as drug manufacturers. These types of procedures are promoted under assorted names including Lipostabil, LipoDissolve, Lipo-zap, Flab-Jab, Mesotherapy, Lipotherapy and Injection Lipolysis, to name a few. No matter the marketing, if and until there is a safe and medically proven method for dissolving fat, Dr. Kunin's advice is clear: Stay away from these treatments.
Source(s):
Audrey Kunin, MD, the founder and CEO of DERMAdoctor, and coauthor of The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual (Simon & Schuster). Visit her Web site at www.dermadoctor.com.4 people like this
14 responses
@asawako48162 (3321)
• United States
25 Mar 08
i HAVE heard that fat was realy a VIRUS and this may be part of the treatment.
I know there must be a better treatment then just diet and exercise as some people do both and still there is an area that resists the fat loss.
I would investigate this for there is too many false claims made in the fat loss/diet industrty.
The United States already spend over 40 Billion dollars on diets and exercises programs that don't have a LASTING result..meaning keeping the weight off for two years or more.
This may or may not work but thre is way to many obese people on this planet for the medical industry to just say "diet and exercise"..yeah right..its a 95% failure rate that cost 40 billion dollars and 95% of the people are worse off then before they start the diet or exercise program.
Thanks for the info..i hope and pray it works..i just have to lose less the fifty pounds but I know of people who are morbid obese and they try so hard and still don't lose. Its sad.2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
You are right, asawako, in that the weight-loss industry rakes in a lot of money and the results from all of these diet aids and exercise equipment is mostly minimal. I would not try this procedure if it wasn't approved by the FDA, and I think that medical research should be able to come up with something better by now.
1 person likes this
@asawako48162 (3321)
• United States
25 Mar 08
even if they came out with a "magic bullet" and could prevent the chronic epedemic of obesity..i think the medical industry would keep it off the market due to the fact they would not like to kill the golden goose...
i have heard that the scientist would not like to cure this weight control problem as you would be spending to much money on the people living longer..longer lives means more money spent on pensions and it may sound cruel but the medical industry is not really interested in vitamins and supplements to lenghten life spans as they can't write a prescription on vitamins and supplements...the docotors know the benefits of a good diet and exercise plans but they make the bulk of their money treating illness ..sickness and disease...and surgery? who would need a doctor if they felt good? or were not suffering from a disease or bad luck..even pregnancy is classified as a disease...lol
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
25 Mar 08
That sounds scary, I don't think I would go that far, putting chemicals directly into my body like that to dissolve fat..
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
And you have to wonder, carmelanirel, just how this dissolved fat is then eliminated from the body! It is very scary.
2 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
25 Mar 08
Oh yes, it didn't go into that did it? Even dissolved, fat has to go somewhere, it doesn't just disappear, just dissolves...Very scary.
1 person likes this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
24 Mar 08
If this procedure is not FDA approved, it shouldn't be offered as a successful way to remove fat. There are too many other ways that work such as simple at home remedies that are safe. I am talking about the basic things such as drinking water, exercise and eating only healthy foods. I do think gastric bypass surgery is a good, effective procedure that works well. I think the statistics are low where a patient didn't survive the surgery. If I was overweight and needed to alter my diet or had a medical condition that kept the weight on, I'd definitely look into bypass surgery.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I think I would worry more about the possible ill effects, subha, than the cost. The article did state that there is a risk of getting infections from the injections, and a thousand dollars per shot is just way over the top.
1 person likes this
@whittby (3072)
• United States
24 Mar 08
Oh, the Las Vegas TV station here is always telling us about new procedures and stuff. So many of the casino employees like or need to look good I guess. I heard about the bad results from this procedure not too long ago. I can't understand why someone would have this procedure without fully investigating it. If it's too good to be true....
,,whit
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
You are exactly right, whittby. When it comes to something as important as your body it pays to do your homework.
1 person likes this
@jeanniemay (1798)
• Philippines
24 Mar 08
Good to know about this. It was something new to me. I just heard and read about liposuction. Basing it on your posts. I would say, it is really not a good choice for those who are really desperate to eliminate fats from their bodies.
Sometimes, taking charge of our body is still our own responsibility. Prevention as they say is always better than cure. Well, it we have to cure some few things, going back to the basics is still the safest and most appropriate health precautions.
Thank you for this informative link!
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
If there's one thing that I've learned over the years, jeanniemay, it is that some people are willing to try anything to lose that extra weight -except eating a sensible diet.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I have learned to live with mine also, weemam, but I am trying to lose a few pounds at the moment.
2 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
25 Mar 08
I would never have the money for it unless it was covered under medicare,
I am afraid of anything like that in case something goes wrong.
1 person likes this
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
25 Mar 08
Sounds too risky for me. I am struggling with my weight, and I learned that all that really works is diet and exercise. The part that especially scares me about the injections is the liver enzymes can be elevated. Not a risk I'm willing to take. I'd rather be fat.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I would have to agree with you, Shaun, as I don't believe some of these quick cures have been tested enough.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
25 Mar 08
Argh I don't like the side effects that come with it nor do I like getting pricked with injections. I have a lot of fat I want to lose but I don't think I would ever try this method. Doesn't sound safe to me. I'll keep plodding along and cutting down on fatty foods and exercise and I'm sure I'll lose some eventually!
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
25 Mar 08
Sadly, there will be many who will jump on this treatment, in spite of the dangers, thinking they've found a way to be slim without diet and exercise. The fact is, there is no safe way to do that! Sure, there are supplements you can take without too many risks to suppress the appetite and increase metabolism, not to mention replace the nutrients you may lose by dieting but there is no magic wand to get the perfect body.
Annie
@a1intnet (248)
• Mauritius
25 Mar 08
When I first read the title of your discussion I got all excited worldwise1!! I want to lose weight NOW - I know dieting and exercise is really the only way to go but it takes so long......!! Thanks for the info though - I probably would have tried something like this just for the instant gratification - now I will think twice!
1 person likes this
@Deea48 (1166)
• United States
24 Mar 08
Well this is something new, I had not hear of yet.
I am a bigger girl. I am ok with who am, for me it has always been watch what I eat, get more exercise, and drink lots of water. Since I am older now, it just takes a bit longer. I thought Botox was scary this sounds real scary. but folks are always looking for the easy way, so I guess I am not surprised. No thanks I shall stick to the old slow way and loose it. I will be healthier in the long run I am sure.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Mar 08
Yes, Deea, it does make more sense to eat right and get some exercise rather than grasping at every straw that happens to come along.
1 person likes this
