Introducing a less invasive alternative to liposuction:- Intralipotherapy
Targeted injectable method using Sodium Deoxycholate, a natural bile salt to break down and destroy fat cells.
One injectable treatment slowly breaks down fat over a 6 week period. Waste products are absorbed into the lymphatic system and excreted in urine.
A course of 2 – 4 injectable treatments at 6 week intervals may be required. Price per session, per area £400.
Ultrasound and/or radiofrequency is required 24 hours after injection, followed by weekly sessions. Price for a course of 6 x 30 minute ultra sound sessions £325, or for a combined 30 minute ultrasound and 30 minute Radiofrequency treatment package for skin tightening, £650 for a course of 6 x 1 hour sessions.
Areas suitable for treatment:- abdomen, inner thighs, inner knees, flanks, back rolls, hips, saddle bags, double chin, arms.
Elasticated compression garments (e.g. Spanx) must be worn day and night for 7 days. For under the chin, an elasticated bandage is worn every night for 7 nights.
Could I benefit from this treatment?
Intralipotherapy is best suited for people who are not excessively over weight, but have specific problem areas of fat, localised adiposity. During the treatment period (from the time of injection until 6 weeks later), the active ingredient is continuing to break down fat cells in the targeted treatment area. It is therefore important to assist the body in getting rid of the waste products, by drinking 2 litres of water per day and taking 20 minutes of exercise daily, plus daily dry body brushing to aid lymphatic drainage. Results in our own case study patients, has demonstrated avoiding drinking alcohol helps to maximises the results.
If a patient puts on weight during the treatment period, fat will be deposited in other areas of the body. It is common for patients’ weight to remain stable, but still loose fat in the targeted treatment area.
Weekly Ultrasound sessions enhance the breaking down of fat through cavitation, and fat reduction is more even and smooth. Our case study models reported feeling warmth during the ultrasound treatments and a sensation of skin tightening the day after. Both models noted improvement in skin smoothness and texture, in addition to fat reduction by the end of the first 6 week treatment cycle.
Does it hurt?
The injected solution contains local anaesthetic, and a very fine flexible Intralipotherapy needle is used. Some patients may notice a stinging sensation and tenderness afterwards, which can be relieved by taking paracetamol.
What are the side effects?
Immediately afterwards it is normal for the skin to look pink/ red over the treatment area. Maximum swelling occurs within 6 – 24 hours after the treatment and that is why it’s important to wear the compression garments.
Stinging, tingling and numbness or a change in sensation can occur.
It is normal to have some bruising following treatment, if the skin looks mottled or becomes increasingly red, hot or painful in the first 24 hours notify your practitioner as soon as possible, or if you develop any boils or blisters.
Occasionally there can be “lumps” and firm “bumps” noticed as the fat begins to break down. This is only temporary and will improve over the treatment period with ultrasound.
When treating a double chin, the swelling afterwards can cause a feeling of nausea, which settles over 24 hours as the swelling reduces.
As fatty tissue is broken down, it is possible for the skin to look more lax and saggy and it can look worse. Discuss with your practitioner skin tightening options once the desired level of fat reduction has been achieved.
What our models say
“I noticed a stingy sensation after the treatment. I took some paracetamol and by the next by the next day it was fine”. “The area did feel tender, not painful, but I was aware that I’d had something done”.
“Within a week I started notice a difference, the fat gradually reduced week by week – by week 6 there was a real difference, in fact I don’t need a 2nd treatment on my tummy.”
“I have noticed by not drinking alcohol, I’ve had a much more noticeable improvement within a week of the second treatment. The hardest thing is to remember to drink the 2 litres of water per day and fit in the 20 minutes of exercise. I’m so happy with the results so far and we’ve still got another 4 weeks to go (in cycle 2)”.
Who isn’t suitable?
Anyone with endocrine conditions affecting hormonal balance, including diabetes and thyroid conditions
Patients with active skin conditions or infections
Patients with underlying significant health problems e.g. affecting the heart, circulation, liver or kidneys or specific allergies to the active ingredients.
Patients with impaired immunity.
For more information, please book in for a free consultation with Caroline Mertens our aesthetic nurse practitioner and independent nurse prescriber.
