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What is liposonix?
Over the last several years a new procedure has come to light. LipoSonix. The idea behind
the LipoSonix device is for the surgeon to non-invasively select and reduce fatty tissue
in the body. This technology has the ability to revolutionize body sculpting.
LipSonix continues in clinical trials, and the FDA is attempting to define it usage and
application. The device uses ultrasonic energy to possibly disrupt fatty tissue and it is
said that the bodies natural defense systems destroy the loose fatty cells and the rest is
absorbed into your bloodstream. The question remains, once in your bloodstream, where does
the extra fat go? Does the fat that does not get destroyed by the natural defense
mechanisms get absorbed?
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Are there areas on the body that liposonix should not be used on?
It is also unclear whether there are areas of the body that this procedure should not be
used on - can surgeons be able to control the depth of the effects? Although it seems that
the surrounding tissue is not disrupted, are they affected in any way? FDA proceedings
will quantify and qualify many of these questions.
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Are there other alternative non-surgical techniques to dissolve fat?
The ASPS has cautioned patients about claims by products such as UltraShape, and
injections of phosphatidylcholine - or a phospholipid known as Lipostabil. These are being
touted as alternative non-surgical techniques to dissolve fat without the need for
surgery. These have not gone through the proper channels of FDA clinical trials and
approval - and should be dealt with accordingly.
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What should I know before looking into other treatments and products?
Many times licensed physicians may legally offer treatments involving off-label uses of
many pharmacologic products, as long as such the substances have approval by the FDA for
other purposes, and there is no specific prohibition of the intended off-label use.
Currently, Lipostabil is not approved for any use in the USA. The lack of sufficient
scientific and clinical data to substantiate the safety and effectiveness of
phosphatidylcholine (Lipostabil) as a fat-dissolving treatment makes it seem that it may
never come to be an option as a non invasive procedure in the US.
Specific questions should be answered before any of these products can be safely used:
- How are we ensured the desired amount of fat is dissolved?
- How do we know that the target areas are the only ones affected- and not surrounding areas?
- What do side effects include? Short and long term consequences- do they include cell death?
Much of the focus of today's aesthetic plastic surgery focuses on minimally invasive
procedures. The desire to improve a patient's appearance without the painful downtime is
high on the list of advanced research. safety and effectiveness of new procedures is
determined through careful scientific and clinical research to ensure that when the
product/procedure is released for widespread use, all possible scenarios have been
addressed. This type of research is evaluated through publication of results in reputable,
peer-reviewed medical journals - and with presentation of results at medical meetings
sponsored by the ASAPS and other accredited Medical Education sponsors.
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