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Injectable Body Contouring • Marietta, Georgia

Lipodissolve in the Atlanta Metro Area

Learn about injectable fat-reduction treatments for small, localized concerns—and the important safety and regulatory questions to discuss before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.

A Thoughtful Starting Point

Considering an alternative to liposuction?

A personalized consultation should begin with your goals, the amount and location of fat, skin quality, medical history and a clear review of treatment approval and risk.

Are you looking for a minimally invasive alternative to tumescent liposuction for an isolated pocket of fat? Lipodissolve is a name used for injectable treatments intended to reduce localized subcutaneous fat. Treatment is performed through a series of small injections rather than surgery.

These injections are not a tool for major weight loss and are not interchangeable with surgical liposuction. The formulation, treatment area, expected outcome and safety profile must all be reviewed carefully with a qualified medical professional.

If you would like to discuss body contouring options at our Atlanta-area practice, request a consultation online or call (770) 421-1242. Dr. Corey Harkins can evaluate the area that concerns you and discuss appropriate surgical and nonsurgical options.

Important FDA status and safety information

The FDA identifies Lipodissolve products containing ingredients such as phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and sodium deoxycholate as unapproved fat-dissolving injections. The only FDA-approved fat-dissolving injectable drug is Kybella® (deoxycholic acid), and its approval is limited to reducing fat beneath the chin in adults.

Unapproved injections have been associated with serious adverse reactions, including infections, permanent scars, skin deformities, cysts and painful knots. Do not buy these products online or inject them yourself. Ask the practice to confirm the exact product, FDA status, intended treatment area, provider qualifications, risks and alternatives before proceeding.

Read the FDA consumer guidance
Featured Surgeon

Meet Dr. Corey Harkins

A Georgia native who has cared for patients at Plastic Surgery Center of the South since 2014, Dr. Harkins is known for his approachable nature, meticulous technique and commitment to natural, confident results.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and emphasizes open communication, individualized planning and an honest discussion of benefits, limitations and alternatives.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Body Contouring Experience Individualized Treatment Planning
Understanding the Treatment

What the term “Lipodissolve” means

Lipodissolve broadly describes compounded or marketed injectable mixtures intended to reduce subcutaneous fat. Formulations have commonly included phosphatidylcholine (PPC), sodium deoxycholate or a combination of ingredients. A substance being naturally occurring or soy-derived does not establish that an injectable formulation is FDA-approved, safe or effective for cosmetic fat reduction.

Historically described protocols use multiple micro-injections placed into fatty tissue over a series of sessions. The number and spacing of sessions may vary, and the treatment should never be represented as interchangeable with an FDA-approved product or surgical liposuction.

Current availability at Plastic Surgery Center of the South, the exact injectable product used and whether a proposed use is FDA-approved must be confirmed directly during consultation.

Clinical Evaluation

Your clinician reviews your health, medications, allergies, skin quality, weight stability and treatment goals.

Product & Approval Review

Ask for the product name, active ingredients, FDA approval status, intended treatment area and known risks.

Personalized Treatment Plan

If an appropriate treatment is available, the clinician explains injection placement, session schedule, aftercare and alternatives.

Follow-Up

Healing and contour changes are monitored over time; additional treatment should depend on response and safety.

Localized Concerns

Areas commonly discussed

Lipodissolve has been marketed for many facial and body areas, but that does not mean a product is FDA-approved, appropriate or safe for each location. Your clinician should evaluate every area individually.

Under the chin
Jowls and cheeks
Lower-eye area
Upper arms
Abdomen and waist
Upper and lower back
Hips and thighs
Knees, buttocks and love handles
After Treatment

Recovery and possible side effects

Experiences vary by product, dose, treatment area and individual response. A licensed medical professional should provide product-specific instructions and explain when symptoms require urgent evaluation.

First Hour Burning or stinging can occur after injections.
2–4 Days Some swelling may begin to subside, although timing varies.
7–10 Days Localized swelling, redness or tenderness may persist.
4–6 Weeks Contour change, when it occurs, may become noticeable gradually.

Commonly Reported Effects

Burning, stinging, redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary lumps or nodules may occur.

Activity & Downtime

Some people resume routine activities quickly, but recovery cannot be guaranteed. Follow your clinician’s specific advice.

When to Seek Care

Contact a medical professional promptly for severe or worsening pain, drainage, fever, spreading redness, skin breakdown or other concerning symptoms.

Patient Selection

Who may—or may not—be a candidate

Injectable fat reduction is generally discussed for healthy adults near a stable weight who have a small, isolated concern that has not responded to diet and exercise. It is not intended to treat obesity, produce major weight loss or correct significant skin laxity.

A clinician must determine candidacy. Important reasons to avoid or postpone treatment may include:

  • Pregnancy or nursing
  • Allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient, including soy-derived ingredients when present
  • Active or chronic infection
  • Diabetes or impaired healing concerns
  • Vasculitis or circulatory disorders
  • Significant skin laxity or a goal requiring substantial fat reduction

Bring your complete health history

Tell your clinician about prior procedures, allergies, medical conditions, prescription and nonprescription medications, supplements, and any previous reaction to an injectable treatment.

Compare Your Options

Lipodissolve and liposuction are not equivalent

Injectable Approach

Lipodissolve

  • Described for small, localized fat concerns
  • Uses a series of injections rather than surgery
  • Change is gradual and may be limited or variable
  • Most Lipodissolve/PPC products are not FDA approved
Surgical Approach

Liposuction

  • Removes localized fat through small incisions and suction
  • Can address multiple or larger treatment areas
  • Requires anesthesia, healing time and compression
  • Offers a different level of contouring and predictability
Common Questions

Lipodissolve FAQ

Is Lipodissolve FDA-approved?

No Lipodissolve product containing PPC or similar compounded mixtures is FDA-approved for cosmetic fat reduction. Kybella is the only FDA-approved fat-dissolving injectable drug, and it is approved only for fat beneath the chin in adults.

How many treatment sessions are needed?

Legacy Lipodissolve protocols often describe one to five sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart, but there is no universal schedule. The exact product, treatment plan and regulatory status must be confirmed before treatment.

Does Lipodissolve hurt?

Burning, stinging, swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness can occur. Pain and recovery vary. Significant or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

When might I see a change?

Some protocols describe gradual changes beginning four to six weeks after a session, but response varies and results cannot be guaranteed.

Are results permanent?

No permanent outcome should be guaranteed. Even when treated fat cells are reduced, remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain. Long-term contour depends on the product, response, weight stability and lifestyle.

Can Lipodissolve replace liposuction?

No. Injectable treatments and liposuction differ in approval, technique, scale, predictability, recovery and risk. A consultation can determine whether a nonsurgical option or liposuction better matches your anatomy and goals.

Personalized Body Contouring

Start with an informed consultation

Meet with Dr. Harkins to discuss the area that concerns you, review appropriate treatment options and understand the benefits, limitations, FDA status and risks before making a decision.

This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Treatment availability, candidacy and outcomes vary. No result is guaranteed.