Warning about Lipodissolve Products (July 2010)

FDA is cautioning the public about products used in lipodissolve procedures. Lipodissolve is a cosmetic procedure where people are given a series of injections with the intent of dissolving pockets of fat in the body. The process, also known as lipozap, lipotherapy, mesotherapy and injection lipolysis, is usually done in a medical spa. The injections typically contain phosphatidylcholine (PC) and deoxycholate (DC) in various combinations with one another. Vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts and other drugs are sometimes added to the mixture.

FDA has not approved any injectable drug to eliminate fat, and is not aware of any credible scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of these substances in eliminating fat. The safety of these products, used alone or in combination, is unknown.

FDA has received reports of people suffering serious side effects after having lipodissolve procedures, such as permanent scarring, skin deformation, and deep painful knots under the skin at the injection site.

FDA recently warned a number of medical spas against making false or misleading statements about the drugs used in lipodissolve procedures, including claims that these products are safe and effective, that they have an outstanding safety record, or that they are better than other fat-loss procedures, such as liposuction.

Report problems with the use of lipodissolve products to FDA's MedWatch program by calling 800-FDA-1088 or by going to the link below.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Lipodissolve
• Lipotherapy
• FDA
• Serious Side Effects
• Scarring
• Skin Deformation
• Patient Safety