Will Injections Help Reduce My Stomach Fat?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I have gained 40 lbs since I had a hysterectomy seven yrs ago. My stomach is now extremely out of portion to the rest of my body. I need to ge rid of this as I believe it’s very unhealthy. I lack disciple in terms of appetite or taking diet pills. I am interested in fat injection treatments,  Will insurance cover any type of non-surgical treatment to reduce my stomach fat?  What is your input on this fat treatment method?

A:  In terms of getting rid of a stomach bulge, no matter how large it is, is not something that would be covered by insurance regardless of the method of treatment. When you speak of injections for reduction of fat you are undoubtably referring to Lipodissolve, a blend of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholic acid solution. While this can help reduce very small collections of fat, it is not going to be effective for a fat collection of any size. While it was very popular several years, it has fallen out of use because it has proven to be ineffective for abdominal fat collections that many people want reduced. I still use it occasionally but only as a treatment for small postoperative liposuction ‘high spots’. Unfortunately what you are seeking is a non-surgical solution to a surgical problem…and that does not exist. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana