Smart Lipo Vs. Lipodissolve

Kansas and Nebraska are contemplating a ban on Lipodissolve until it achieves approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Likewise, Nevada is considering a similar ban, but the Brazilian FDA has already banned phosphatidylcholine-based products like lipodissolve; whereas, Smart Lipo has enjoyed FDA approval in the U.S. since 2006.

Liposuction

• The removal of body fat from specific body areas is sometimes done surgically through a procedure known as liposuction. This procedure, once only performed in a surgical setting by a surgeon, is becoming available through other technological means: ultrasound waves, laser beams, and most recently---injections. And while it is used to be done only after individuals had tried diet changes and exercise to remove their body fat, it is now done without such prerequisites.

Smart Lipo and Lipodissolve

• Two of the most recent liposuction-type procedures to appear on the fat removal scene of late are Smart Lipo---approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006---according to the online website Smart Lipo.com, and Lipodissolve, which does not have FDA approval---and does not appear likely to get it anytime soon.

Method of Fat Removal

• Lipodissolve uses drugs injected into the body to dissolve fat.

  One of the key differences between the Smart Lipo and Lipodissolve fat removal techniques is the method of fat removal. Smart Lipo liquefies the body fat by use of a laser beam about the size of a pen. Then, using another small hollow-type tube, the liquefied fat is removed from the body through a small incision that accommodates both the beam and the removal tube.

  On the other hand, Lipodissolve does not remove the fat through any known means at all. In fact, the concern is that no one knows where the fat goes that is dissolved through the use of this injected mixture of chemicals and drugs, according to the website Your Plastic Surgery Guide.com.

Important Difference

• An important difference between Smart Lipo and Lipodissolve is what happens to the fat that is dissolved. With Smart Lipo the majority of the fat is removed from the body, eliminating any potential for complications in that regard. But none of the fat is physically removed from the body during Lipodissolve. It is left to actually roam the body's blood stream, liver, and other organs, potentially.

  This poses a great health concern, since the fat could overtax the liver and result in a fatty liver, possibly causing liver failure. And it could also travel to the blood stream and join other plaque, potentially resulting in heart disease or attack, according to the website Your Plastic Surgery Guide.com.

Side Effect Differences

• Lipodissolve does not follow a standard or FDA approved drug treatment process.

  According to Online Surgery.com, common complications or side effects from liposuction procedures can include blood loss, bruising, pain, allergic reactions to drugs and local anesthesia, as well as skin irregularities. These side effects are all possible with Smart Lipo and Lipodissolve.

  However, since Lipodissolve does not have a standard cocktail of chemicals and drugs used for these treatments injections---and instead can be made up of many differing drugs and ingredients---the increased potential for drug interactions (and reactions) is much more complicated and potentially serious, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide.com.