Lipodissolve for body sculpting: safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction

Lipodissolve, to reduce superficial deposits of fat, has gained popularity in recent years. A simple solution of phosphatidylcholine in deoxycholate evolved around 2004 and has been used by two collaborating physicians in Minnesota. Their experience encompassing 1,616 patients receiving a total of 15,122 treatments is described. Relatively modest volumes of injections produced satisfactory and smooth results in 74.5 to 86.5 percent of the patients in the two practices. No serious complications developed. Minor and rare side effects included pain, lightheadedness, tender nodules, pigmentation, and ulceration in two patients. The authors offer useful tips to enhance safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction with the procedure.