12.09.03 14:37

We do not want to leave out the following press release of DGÄPC in this homepage:

PRESS RELEASE of August 01, 2003
German Society for Aesthetic-Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC)
- the German senior specialists’ association in this area –

Statement given by the German Society for Aesthetic-Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) with respect to the so-called “Fat-Away-Injection” (Lipodissolve Injection with phosphatidylcholine)

To melt superfluous fat deposits easily and carefully away by means of a fat-away-injection without any surgical intervention – this desire is understandable on the one hand, but dangerous on the other hand. The fat-dissolving active substance is called phosphatidylcholine and has been used for many years to reduce increased cholesterol levels. With respect to dissolution of greater quantities of fat tissue, however, as it is promised by the current trend coming from Brazil, this substance has not been admitted in Germany. In any case, such a treatment may only be carried out here after the patient’s prior special consent. Up to date, the “fat-away-injection” has been offered in most cases by so-called cosmetic surgeons not trained in plastic surgery. “The “fat-away-injection” does not represent an alternative to liposuction”, so the President of the German Society for Aesthetic-Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC), Prof. Albert K. Hofmann of Ulm. Serious-minded plastic surgeons use to refuse the application of the so-called “Injection-Lipolysis” because side effects, dosage and tolerance have not been investigated sufficiently by now. “The active substance as “fat dissolvent” is just being tested in minor cases. It is to be doubted whether corresponding medicaments will find acceptance for this indication”, says Prof. Albert K. Hofmann.

The injection’s mode of action is questionable: the fat is decomposed by the chemical reaction. In contrast to liposuction, the decomposed fat stays in the body during this procedure and has to be dissimilated. “In case of greater quantities, the body is not able to dissimilate the “waste” to a sufficient degree. And this may entail bad inflammations and cyst formation with the result that a surgical intervention exceeding the extent of liposuction by far becomes necessary”, says Prof. Albert K. Hofmann. Apart from that, the physician is not able to control the fat dissolution per injection exactly because he cannot assess the dosage adequate for the individual person. “Fat deposits are different from person to person and even from body part to body part. Everyone reacts individually on the substance. For this reason, even a treatment with small quantities may leave ugly holes or nodes”, so Prof. Albert K. Hofmann. Only in case of liposuction, the physician is able to control the fat amount to be eliminated and the body contours of the patient individually. This is why any patient with much overweight should obtain advice and information from an experienced plastic surgeon.