Media reports have touted the possible lipolytic (fat reducing) effect of creams containing the bronchial relaxant, aminophylline. Initial media reports were based on a study presented at a medical meeting in October 1993 which reported on the results of 12 women who applied the cream to their thighs five times per week for six weeks. Researchers said that, among the 11 women who completed the study, the average fat loss from the thigh area by the end of the test period was 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches. However, the effectiveness of aminophylline cream for fat reduction is far from being scientifically proven.

The small number of subjects participating in the study suggests that further research must be conducted to validate the results. In addition, possible side effects of topical application of aminophylline, which is a drug known to stimulate the central nervous system, must be studied. Some patients may also experience skin irritation requiring discontinuation of treatment.

Companies that are currently marketing creams containing aminophylline have been careful not to make claims that their products will reduce fat. Improvement in the overall appearance of treated areas could be limited to enhanced smoothness and suppleness, which may disappear when daily application of the cream is discontinued.

At the present time, there is no scientific evidence that any topically applied creams or lotions can either temporarily or permanently reduce fat. In fact, double-blind studies have been done which show no significant improvement from this treatment. Proper diet and exercise are still the most effective ways to achieve fat reduction. Liposuction is often the best and most permanent treatment for localized fatty deposits.

Introduced in the United States in 1982, liposuction removes fat that has been dislodged by the surgeon, using a suction cannula attached to a vacuum device, from the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck. The increasing popularity of liposuction is due to the simplicity of the technique. In the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon, the procedure may leave only small scars, often less than 1/2 inch. For optimal results from liposuction, the patient should be near his or her average weight with extra fat localized in specific areas. It is also important that the patient's skin is elastic with the capacity to shrink evenly after surgery. Liposuction in the more superficial layer of fat can still be performed on selected patients having decreased skin tone. They may also need surgical skin excision for optimal results.