Mechanism of Action

Understand how deoxycholate affects fat-cell membranes and produces a localized inflammatory response.

Review what is known about phosphatidylcholine, deoxycholate, adipocyte disruption, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and gradual changes in treated areas.

Lipodissolve is not presented as a weight-loss treatment, nor does the course guarantee skin tightening.

Patient Selection

Instruction is provided on identifying patients with small, localized areas of subcutaneous fat who possess realistic expectations and maintain a stable body weight.

Review the difference between an appropriate contouring concern and a patient who would benefit more from weight management, liposuction, skin-tightening procedures, or another treatment.

Contraindications and Treatment Exclusions

Review medical history, pregnancy and breastfeeding, infection, skin disease, bleeding risk, anticoagulant use, allergies, impaired healing, unrealistic expectations, body dysmorphic concerns, and previous procedures in the treatment area.

The course outlines findings that necessitate further evaluation or referral prior to treatment.

Treatment-Area Assessment

Instruction is provided on evaluating fat thickness, skin quality, symmetry, anatomic landmarks, scars, previous procedures, treatment boundaries, and areas to avoid.

The course emphasizes the need to adapt dosing and injection planning to individual patient anatomy, rather than applying a uniform standard pattern.

Product Selection and Sourcing

The course addresses the differences among FDA-approved deoxycholic acid, compounded deoxycholate, PC/DC formulations, and unapproved products available online.

Instruction is provided on evaluating pharmacy sourcing, product labeling, concentration, storage, sterility, expiration, lot tracking, and documentation.

Dosing and Injection Planning

The course reviews the dosing and treatment-planning approach utilized by Shannon in her clinical practice.

The course covers product concentration, dose per injection point, spacing, treatment-area limits, total volume, session planning, treatment intervals, and factors that affect dosing decisions.

These protocols reflect clinical practice and do not represent an FDA-approved dosing regimen for compounded PC/DC formulations.

Injection Technique

Observe patient positioning, skin preparation, treatment-area marking, injection spacing, needle selection, injection depth, product placement, sharps safety, and documentation.

Instruction is provided on how incorrect injection depth or placement can increase the risk of skin injury, nodules, asymmetry, and damage to adjacent structures.

Pain and Comfort Management

The course reviews approaches to pretreatment preparation, topical and local anesthetic considerations, cold application, injection pacing, patient positioning, and management of post-treatment discomfort.

Live Patient Demonstration

A complete lipodissolve procedure is demonstrated by Shannon on a patient.

The demonstration includes consultation points, treatment-area evaluation, photography, preparation, mapping, dosing decisions, injection technique, patient communication, pain management, immediate assessment, and aftercare instructions.

This demonstration enables participants to observe the application of clinical protocols in an actual treatment appointment.

Expected Reactions and Side Effects

Review swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching, numbness, firmness, and temporary nodules.

Instruction is provided on distinguishing expected inflammatory changes from infection, ulceration, tissue necrosis, persistent nodules, nerve injury, contour deformity, allergic response, and other complications that require treatment or referral.

Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Care

The course provides guidance on developing clear instructions regarding medications, supplements, hydration, alcohol, exercise, compression, massage, discomfort management, swelling, follow-up, and symptoms that necessitate prompt contact with the practice.

Follow-Up and Treatment Planning

Instruction is provided on scheduling follow-up, evaluating treatment response, utilizing standardized photography, determining the appropriateness of retreatment, and managing patient expectations regarding gradual changes and repeat sessions.

Consent and Documentation

Instruction is provided on documenting treatment goals, product information, concentration, lot number, expiration date, dose, injection sites, patient response, aftercare, and follow-up.

The course includes informed consent addressing compounded products, off-label use, expected reactions, possible complications, alternatives, costs, and the absence of guaranteed results.

Pricing and Practice Growth

The course provides instruction on calculating medication, supply, staff, room, photography, follow-up, and marketing costs when establishing treatment pricing.

The course reviews consultation fees, treatment-area pricing, package structures, repeat sessions, and ethical marketing strategies for integrating lipodissolve into an aesthetic or medical weight management practice.