Dr. Michel Pistor in France, where it has been used since 1952, developed Mesotherapy. Initially, Mesotherapy was indicated primarily for treating musculoskeletal pain. The technique involves the injection of a combination of vitamins, drugs and supplements into the mesodermal or middle layer of skin. The dermis acts as a time-release dosing system allowing very small amounts of the medicine to be absorbed over an extended amount of time. Now Mesotherapy has been found successfully in other uses as well.
Mesotherapy is quickly gaining popularity in the United States as a form of cosmetic medicine, as well as therapy for sports injuries, pain management and general medicine. It is a safe and effective alternative treatment for cellulite, certain types of hair loss (Alopecia), and face and neck rejuvenation. Mesotherapy is relatively painless, unlike liposuction that can cause significant pain. It also requires no postoperative recovery time, no heavy bandages or girdles and generally no anesthesia is necessary. The patient undergoing Mesotherapy has no interruptions in their daily life while obtaining a natural cosmetic rejuvenation.
A non-surgical and relatively painless injection technique using tiny needles, Mesotherapy has a broad range of applications. The process promotes the body’s lymphatic, circulatory, and immune systems to create a biological response and reverse abnormal physiology. The process is simple and involves the injection of customized mixtures of specific vitamins, Amino Acids, medication, and supplements placed just millimeters under the skin (mesoderm) into the problematic area. Literally, just a drop of solution is used at each injection site. Mesotherapy is by the far the most successful of all cellulite reduction treatments available today!
As an easily available anti-aging tool, Mesotherapy can improve skin tone, skin texture and decrease wrinkles. It has been recently featured in a variety of news spots including People magazine, US News, and 48 Hours, on CBS. Mesotherapy was introduced in the United States less than 5 years ago and has gained dramatic popularity.
Uses of Mesotherapy:
Mesotherapy works by blocking the signals of fat accumulation and simultaneously triggers the release of stored fat. The desired area of fat loss is targeted. It can be used for contouring of the abdomen, arms, back, legs and hands. Vitamins and Amino acids are used to tighten sagging skin while other agents are used to remove areas of fat and restoring a more youthful and athletic appearance.
Cellulite reduction:
Cellulite affects the majority of women over the age of 20 years. It is caused by poor circulation, a weakening of connective tissue, lymphatic congestion and hormonal imbalances. Cellulite is classified into four stages based on its appearance while standing, laying and pinching the skin. The dimpling effect causes a “cottage cheese” appearance of the skin. Cellulite is not a disease of excess weight and can occur in people who are relatively thin. Mesotherapy treatments target the area or areas, to correct the problems by improving circulation, strengthening connective tissues and dissolving excess fat.
Face and neck rejuvenation:
Ageing, sagging and wrinkling of skin occurs from accumulation of fat, loss of skin elasticity, and excess free radicals. Mesotherapy can remove fat from under the neck and under the eyelids. It also helps to remove free radical damage by tightening loose skin. It can improve wrinkles without the painful recovery of a surgical face-lift.
Hair re-growth and Alopecia:
Alopecia is the loss of hair. It affects both men and women and results in poor circulation, nutritional imbalances and excess of a hormone known as DHT in (Diyhydrone testosterone). Mesotherapy can help correct these problems by stimulating the body to naturally grow lost hair.
Mesotherapy and Pain:
Mesotherapy can be used in treating the pain of arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, bursitis and tendonitis. Injection of small amounts of pain medicine approximately 1/20th to 1/50th of a daily dose is injected into the mesodermal layer of skin and helps reduce the inflammation, increase circulation and promote healing.
Other uses of Mesotherapy include treating carpal tunnel syndrome, post herpetic neuralgia, bone spurs, and plantar fasciitis, migraine headaches, chronic neck pain, sports injuries, and other pain syndromes.
Frequently asked questions:
How much does Mesotherapy cost?
Mesotherapy treatments cost from $250.00 to $400.00 per treatment area. The treatment area would be defined as the abdomen, thighs, arms, etc. Smaller areas, such as the face and the neck, are priced slightly less. Wrinkle treatments and facial rejuvenation vary according to the amount of damage.
What are the side affects?
Side affects are generally limited to bruising, a small amount of pain or discomfort, relieved with over the counter pain relievers, and swelling lasting a few to several days. The bruising, if any, usually fades within one week.
How many treatments are required?
Generally the average patient requires 8-10 treatments, depending on the goal. However, thinner people with problem areas such as “saddle bags” or “love handles” might require fewer treatments. Obese patients may require more treatments.
Are the treatments painful?
The majority of patients experience some discomfort after mesotherapy, although usually minimal. For several days after the treatment the pain is generally relieved with over the counter pain medication. For those patients with lower pain thresholds, stronger pain medications can be used or a numbing cream can be applied when treating areas such as the face. When treating the face, occasionally pre-treatment with anti-inflammatories and post-treatment with homeopathics or anti-inflammatories might be indicated. As different formulas are used depending on the goal, inflammation and/or discomfort may not occur for certain treatments, such as for pain, where most patients report immediate relief.
Can I return to work and my regular activities after the treatment?
Absolutely. The procedure generally takes 30 minutes or less and involves no preparation or recovery time. No heavy bandages or restrictive garments are used. Some swelling will occur for about 1-2 days after, but generally the swelling is not incapacitating.
How long will the benefits last?
Treatment areas will remain free of unwanted fat if the patient maintains a healthy diet and exercises. Treatment for cellulite or for facial rejuvenation might require maintenance on a 6 month to a one-year basis. Since you are not removing fat cells, as you are with liposuction, fat might re-accumulate in the cells if diet restrictions are not adhered to.
How is mesotherapy different from liposuction?
Mesotherapy requires no recovery time. It involves no general anesthesia and no surgical risk and is usually much less expensive. Mesotherapy removes fat from the cell without destroying the cell, giving you a generally smoother, more natural appearance. If you do gain weight after getting mesotherapy the fat will simply return to the treated areas, unlike liposuction, where fat can occur in places that have been thin in the past, such as arms, neck, face abdomen and calves.
What are other uses for mesotherapy?
It is also used for chronic muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, low back pain, headaches, and localized inflammation.
Can anyone get mesotherapy?
Generally, if you are in good health you are a good candidate for mesotherapy. Insulin dependent diabetics would not be a good candidate for mesotherapy nor anyone with severe chronic disease. Each patient should have a complete medical evaluation and an evaluation for the applicability for having the mesotherapy before having any type of therapy.
Ronald Santasiero, M.D., DABMA
Cherie Santasiero, Ph.D., MNLP, MHT, MNLP