Kosmetische Medizin 2-2009: 10 – 15

FAT MELTING INJECTIONS The latest scientific findings, terms and methods

FRANZ HASENGSCHWANDTNER

KEY WORDS: Injection lipolysis, lipoloysis, lipodestruction, mesotherapy, polyenylphosphatidylcholine, deoxycholic acid

SUMMARY:
Injection lipolysis is experiencing growing worldwide popularity in the field of non-invasive aesthetic treatment. Originally criticized by established cosmetic surgeons, Injection Lipolisis has gained a foothold due to very good results and almost hardly any unwanted side effects, so that many plastic surgeons now offer it as a part of their treatment range. Nowadays, more than a third of all Network members are plastic surgeons. The short history of lipolysis began in 1988 when Sergio Maggiory, an Italian doctor, reported his results at the 5th, Mesotherapy Congress in Paris after having injecting the substance phosphatidylcholine in xanthelasmas around eyes [1]. In 2001 Dr. Rittes from Brazil published her successful work on lower eye bulges. In 2002 [2], the author of this article, Dr. Franz Hasengschwandtner, owner of a diet and nutrition clinic in Austria, began a new treatment method using a new compound mixture with a wider range of applications [3]. In 2003, he became the first member and soon after that the research and medical director of the newly-founded and now worldwide active Network Lipolysis. Network Lipolysis was the idea of two public relations experts, Mr. Bunzek and Mr. Brandl from Münster/Germany, who were working in medical management at that time and whose aim it was to initiate research into Lipolysis and, furthermore to hold workshops around the world to teach the most effective Network treatment methods. This was necessary because at the time the pharmaceutical industry did not see any financial potential in this field. Therefore, all the biopsies, histological findings, ultrasound results, blood values, animal trials had to be paid for through the membership fees of Network members. Nowadays, the Network has more than 1.800 trained and certified members, all physicians, in 61 countries around the world. By the end of 2008, Network physicians provided more than 100.000 treatments while the rate of unexpected side effects was 0,017%. The degree of satisfaction both for patients and physicians varied from 92% to 100%, according to the experience of the physician. In addition to some new international publications, [4, 5] new research was also done in Europe. Under the overall control of Network Lipolysis, the University of Regensburg worked on this topic. Network Lipolysis supported a doctoral thesis on the subject (in publication), and below we will refer to the current terms and the latest scientific findings.