Use of lipolytic agents in clinical practice and possible complications

Abstract

Introduction: Subcutaneous adipose tissue is crucial not only for health, but also for aesthetics and emotional well-being. Composed of adipocytes, which can increase in size (hypertrophy) or number (hyperplasia), their excessive accumulation can lead to hypoxia, chronic inflammation, and the formation of visceral fat and cellulite. Aesthetic treatments aim to activate lipolysis, using biochemical principles such as lipolytics, thermogenics and vasodilators, applied via intradermal therapy. Objective: This study aims to list the main causes of tissue necrosis, indicating the mechanisms of application of lipolytics that cause cell death. Methodology: For the systematic review on the subject, articles were selected in English and Portuguese, whose content was available in its entirety and published in the last 10 years extracted from the websites, Google Scholar, Scielo, Lilacs and PubMed. Conclusion: Lipolytic agents that trigger cell death, such as deoxycholic acid and phosphatidylcholine, have risks, including tissue necrosis, if poorly administered.