Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy treatment is a non surgical cosmetic solution aimed at diminishing problem areas in your body such as cellulite, excess weight, body contouring, and face/neck rejuvenation, just to name a few.

— It is introduced into the mesoderm, the layer of fat and tissue underneath the skin.

— The content mixture of the injection varies in accordance with each unique case and specific area to be treated.

— Mesotherapy can also assist in reducing pain, and in replenishing hair loss in both men and women.

Mesotherapy is currently being touted as a nonsurgical, permanent method for fat removal and body contouring. It was first developed in France in 1952 to treat vascular and lymphatic disorders. However, it was discovered that depending on the different substances injected, mesotherapy might also be useful in treating chronic pain, hair loss (alopecia), bone and joint disorders and psoriasis. More recently, with the discovery that body fat can be reduced with the injection of certain substances, mesotherapy is widely being used to help with weight loss, cellulite reduction, body sculpting, wrinkle removal and facial rejuvenation.

The technique involves the injection of certain substances, via a very fine needle, underneath the dermal layer of the skin into the subcutaneous fat tissue in the area selected. The combination of substances injected depends on the concoction prepared by the practitioner or “mesotherapist” but may contain minute quantities of plant extracts, vitamins, enzymes, nutrients, hormones and medications such as vasodilators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, beta-receptor agonists and antibiotics.

For the treatment of cellulite and body fat reduction, two of the more common substances used are lecithin and isoproterenol. Lecithin is a compound found in human bile and needed for the digestion of dietary fats, whilst isoproterenol is a lipolytic agent that sets off a chemical reaction in the body to breakdown fat cells.

Mesotherapy usually requires a series of anywhere between 3 to 15 treatment sessions, administered at 2-week intervals.

Exactly how mesotherapy reduces fat remains unclear and further research using controlled clinical trials are needed to verify the mechanism of action, efficacy and safety of this technique.

Because mesotherapy is administered directly to the desired area, it is believed that side effects are limited or reduced. Reported side effects of mesotherapy include:

• Immediate or delayed allergic reaction to the injected drugs/solutions
• Lecithin is known to cause inflammation and swelling
• Skin infections
• Pigmentation at the injection site
• Bruising at the injection site
• Ulceration and scarring at the injection site
• Panniculitis

Currently, it is unknown what happens to the broken down fat cells once they leave the targeted area and what effects the various substances injected have on the body’s organs and tissues. Once again, further research into the safety of this technique is needed.

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is an injection treatment that delivers nourishing substances to the layers of the skin where cell repair and growth occurs. Vitamins, amino-acids, minerals, hyaluronic acid, all essential components for healthy skin cells, can be delivered by mesotherapy. This treatment helps improve dull, tired looking skin; dry, lifeless skin, superficial wrinkles and is ideal for pre- or post-operative skin conditioning.

How is it done?

A series of superficial injections are done by hand or with an injection device delivering rapid injections for larger areas. Normally it is well tolerated, but for sensitive areas anaesthetic cream can be used prior to the treatment. Initially a course of 6-8 sessions are advised every 2 weeks, with maintenance 1-2 times a year.

Are there any contraindications?

Almost none but known allergy to components in the proposed mesotherapy cocktail, pregnancy, breastfeeding, keloid scarring, active infection or malignancy.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes, all the substances used, normally occur in the skin but degrade as our skin becomes older and stressed. Mesotherapy replaces these naturally occurring vitamins and nutrients.

Is it effective?

Very, skin becomes luminescent, hydrated, nourished, and firmer and texture is improved.

What are the side effects?

Minimal bruising, swelling and marks from injections are all short lived. Infection, allergy, scar or pigmentation is very rare.

What after care is needed?

Ice packs are applied to reduce swelling and bruising, moisturiser and SPF cream is used afterwards and make-up can be used next day.

Can mesotherapy be combined with other cosmetic treatments? Does it interact with prescription medication?

Yes, it is often used to enhance effects of other cosmetology treatments. Botulinim toxin A is often added to mesotherapy cocktails and the mixture is then called Mesobotox.

Some prescription medication can interact with the components of cocktails so it is compulsory to consult your cosmetic doctor if any interactions are possible.