What is Mesotherapy: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition & Overview

Mesotherapy is a type of treatment that involves the injection of carefully calibrated liquid solution to stimulate the mesoderm for various purposes. The mesoderm is the subcutaneous layer where fat and connective tissues are found.

The technique was pioneered by Michel Pistor, a French physician who initially developed it for the treatment of tinnitus or ringing in the ear and pain management. Nowadays, it has a myriad applications ranging from treating medical conditions to enhancing one’s physical appearance. The technique is used to apply microscopic quantities of pharmaceutical drugs, vitamins, homeopathic agents, and even natural extracts to provide pain relief, treat muscular and vascular conditions, eliminate cellulite, treat aging skin, and promote weight loss. The main ingredient of the liquid solution is phosphatidylcholine, an organic compound found in soy products. It also contains a small amount of bile salt that keeps the main ingredient soluble. The exact formula injected into the skin varies and would depend largely on the type of condition it is meant to treat.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Mesotherapy is a versatile treatment that has been in use for over 50 years for the treatment of a multitude of conditions. It can be recommended for:

• Athletes – Some athletes and physically active individuals turn to mesotherapy to treat muscle inflammation and soreness caused by injury and overuse. Specially formulated solutions can be injected directly to the mesoderm to address such conditions quickly. The procedure can also be used to dissolve and remove bone spurs and calcification that develop in the biceps and rotator cuff tendons of athletes.

• Individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain – Those suffering from arthritis, sprains, back pain, and tendinitis can also find relief from mesotherapy.

• Patients with neuralgia – Mesotherapy may be offered to those diagnosed with neuralgia, a condition characterized by intense pain that occurs intermittently along a damaged nerve. This typically occurs in the face and neck but can also affect other parts of the body.

• Cancer patients with lymphedema – These individuals can also be advised to try mesotherapy as a means to manage their condition. Lymphedema refers to the swelling of arms and legs due to the damage or removal of lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment.

• Individuals looking for cosmetic solutions – The last decades have seen the value of mesotherapy in improving one’s appearance. Obese patients may be administered a specific formula to dissolve fat, break down damaged connective tissue, and generally improve circulation. This allows specialists to perform body sculpting on individuals who need to lose extra weight and enhance their physical appearance. Mesotherapy can also improve skin complex by stimulating the production of collagen, prevent the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, and treat hair loss.

The results of mesotherapy sessions vary according to the type of conditions being treated. However, improvements are typically noticeable after three or more sessions, especially for those undergoing the procedure for cosmetics purposes. Mesotherapy also provides immediate relief for those suffering from painful conditions. Patients are usually sent home after treatment and can resume their daily activities a day after but are typically advised to avoid strenuous physical activities for several days.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Before mesotherapy can be performed, patients are scheduled for a pre-treatment consultation session where the procedure is thoroughly discussed and the patients’ expectations managed. Individuals who qualify for the procedure are typically injected a small amount of mesotherapy formula and asked to return after several days to check for allergic reactions.

There are several techniques to perform mesotherapy. The most common is the standard needle procedure, which involves the use of a fine needle to inject the formula into the mesoderm. Depending on the condition being treated and the goal of the procedure, several injections to the target area may be needed.

Some physicians use a gun system to administer several shallow injections all at once. This technique is preferred for those who wish to break down fat tissues in a localized spot.

Recently, a needleless technique was developed to deliver mesotherapy formula directly to the skin without making any puncture. A specialized machine exfoliates a part of the skin and delivers medications through small, electrical pulses.

Possible Risks and Complications

Despite careful planning and consultation, undergoing mesotherapy can still result in the following:

• Allergic reactions to injected substances
• Bruising in the injection sites, though this typically disappears after a few days
• Swelling around the injection sites
• Infection brought about by mycobacteria
• Tender nodules under the skin
• Damage to nearby cells and tissues (if too much phosphatidylcholine is injected)

• Nausea and vomiting
  
  References:

• Rittes, PG; Rittes, JC; Carriel, Amary MF (2006). “Injection of phosphatidylcholine in fat tissue: experimental study of local action in rabbits”. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 30 (Jul-Aug;30(4):474-8.): 474–8.

• Amin S, Phelps R, Goldberg D (2006). “Mesotherapy for facial skin rejuvenation: a clinical, histologic, and electron microscopic evaluation”. Dermatol Surg 32 (12): 1467–72.

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### **Q: What is‍ Mesotherapy?**



**A:** Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that‍ involves injecting a mixture of‌ ingredients into the mesoderm, the‍ middle layer of the skin. It is used‌ to treat a variety of skin conditions, including wrinkles, cellulite, and hair‍ loss.



###‌ **Q: ⁤What Are the Benefits of ⁤Mesotherapy?**



**A:** Mesotherapy offers‌ numerous benefits, including:



1. **Improved Skin Tone and Texture:** It⁣ can rejuvenate and revitalize the skin, resulting in a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance.



2. **Reduced Cellulite:** Mesotherapy can help break down ⁣and reduce ⁤cellulite deposits,‌ leading to⁢ a⁢ smoother and more toned appearance.



3.⁢ **Hair Loss Treatment:** ⁤It can stimulate⁢ hair ‌growth ⁢and prevent hair loss ⁤by improving blood⁤ flow to the scalp and‌ providing ⁤essential nutrients to the hair follicles.



4. ‌**Pain Relief:** Mesotherapy has been shown to be effective ‍in reducing‍ pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis,⁣ tennis⁢ elbow,⁢ and carpal‍ tunnel syndrome.



5. **Reduced Appearance of ⁤Wrinkles and Fine Lines:** Mesotherapy can help to plump⁣ up the skin and stimulate collagen production, resulting in a reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.



6. **Improved Hydration:** Mesotherapy can help to hydrate ‌the skin, giving it a more youthful and radiant ⁤appearance.



7. **Fat Loss:**⁣ It‌ can be used to ⁤target and ​reduce​ localized fat deposits, resulting ⁤in a slimmer and more contoured appearance.



### **Q: What Can You Expect During a Mesotherapy Treatment?**



**A:** During a ‍mesotherapy treatment, the following steps typically take place:



1.‍ **Consultation:** Your doctor will assess your skin and discuss your goals⁢ to determine if mesotherapy is ⁤the right​ treatment for you.



2. **Preparation:** The treatment area will be cleaned and ⁤disinfected.



3. **Injection:** Using a fine needle, your doctor will inject a mixture of ingredients into ‍the mesoderm layer ‍of your skin. The number⁢ of injections and the depth of the injections will depend on the condition being treated.



4. **Aftercare:** After the treatment, you may experience ‍some redness, swelling,⁣ or bruising. These side effects usually subside within⁢ a ⁣few days. You will ⁤be ⁤provided‍ with specific aftercare instructions to follow.





### **Q: What Are the Expected ⁢Results of Mesotherapy Treatment?**



**A:** The results of⁢ mesotherapy treatment can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. However, with multiple treatments, patients can typically expect to see an​ improvement in‍ their skin appearance⁣ or a reduction in their symptoms.



### ⁣**Q: Is ‌Mesotherapy a Safe ⁢Procedure?**



**A:** Mesotherapy is generally considered a safe procedure when‍ performed by a qualified and experienced healthcare professional. However, as with ‌any medical ‌procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects associated with mesotherapy, such as⁢ infection, bruising, and swelling. It’s important to⁣ discuss these ‍risks with ⁤your‌ doctor before undergoing treatment.