Mesotherapy F. A .Q.

Mesotherapy is the medical specialty that treats patients for various medical conditions, especially fat reduction and cellulite removal, by injecting small amounts of medicines just below the skin to alleviate the condition. Mesotherapy has been practiced for 50 years in France where there are over 15,000 physicians who successfully use this technique. Specifically, mesotherapy is useful for body sculpting, fat reduction and improving or eliminating cellulite. It is also used for various medical conditions such as arthritis, headache, and hair loss.

How does mesotherapy work and where does the fat go?

The exact mechanism of effect is still unknown but being tested. It is thought that the active ingredients (phosphatidylcholine) specifically targets fat cells and disrupts the outer membrane, killing the cell and releasing the stored fat. The released fat is either; excreted in the urine, or reabsorbed by another fat cell. It's for this reason that patients are generally instructed to reduce their caloric intake during the treatment to maximize their results.

Will the fat reduction last?

If you maintain a healthy lifestyle (eating a healthy diet and exercising) the fat reduction will last. If you eat too many unfavorable carbohydrates the fat cells can enlarge once again. After finishing a treatment course of  mesotherapy treatments most patients find that they may need an additional treatment annually to maintain the desired effect.

How much does it cost?
 
The difference in cost depends upon the area being treated, the medical condition being treated and the patient's response time to treatments. It is usually much less expensive than surgical treatments.

How many treatments will I have to have?
 
Results in this area vary dramatically depending on the abilities of the treating physician and the concoction. Depending upon the condition being treated and the patient's response to treatment, the number of treatment sessions can vary. Some patient's may achieve desired results after 3 treatments while other patients may need 4 or 5. Typically, most patients need 3  treatments for each condition being treated.

Is there any downtime?

There is no downtime with mesotherapy but it is recommend that you do not actively exercise for 48 hours after a treatment so that the medications may have an optimal effect on the treated area.

Are there any side effects?

The only side effect with mesotherapy may be some local bruising at the site of injection. This can be decreased by applying an ointment containing arnica, which decreases inflammation during the course of treatment. Some patients may experience a local reaction of redness at the site of injection. This can be avoided by performing a skin test of certain medications to ensure the patient will not have an allergic response. If the skin test is reactive, other medications will be used that do not have the potential for allergic reaction. Some patients may feel a little jittery (like from one cup of coffee too many) for about an hour after the treatment.

Is Mesotherapy safe?

Generally yes. The doses of medicine used are extremely small. No one has every died or had a serious complication from Mesotherapy. That is more than we can say about many FDA approved drugs such as antibiotics or even aspirin. The actual safety depends on what is injected, the ammount, and the health of the patient.

Is there any discomfort?

Applying a compounded anesthetic numbing cream to the treatment area(s) three hours prior to treatment can almost completely diminish any discomfort that the injections may cause. The anesthetic numbing cream will be prescribed by your mesotherapy physician.

Does it get rid of cellulite forever?

Mesotherapy can treat cellulite but it will be important for you to continue to eat a healthy diet and exercise after your treatment sessions have been completed. You may need an annual treatment to maintain the desired effect.

When can I exercise?

It is recommended that patients wait 48 hours after each treatment before resuming their exercise regime.

How long does each treatment take?

Typically, each treatment session takes 30 to 60 minutes. After each treatment patients usually rest quietly for about 15 minutes. Patients are usually scheduled for treatments on a weekly basis.

Should I be on a special diet?

Patients are generally asked to reduce their calories during and immediately after their treatment.

Can I have Mesotherapy if I have had liposuction?

Mesotherapy can improve skin contouring in addition to eliminating cellulite and decreasing the size of the fat cells. Mesotherapy can enhance or improve areas of the body that have been treated with liposuction.

Can Mesotherapy be the "Magic" in my struggle to lose weight?

Although the fat reducing effects of Mesotherapy can seem magical even though they are based on sound scientific and medical principles, the answer is a big "NO." Mesotherapy can help you lose unwanted fat but you must also take responsibility for your weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising appropriately. Mesotherapy is an effective medical treatment that can improve skin appearance and decrease body fat but it is only one component to an improved self image. Eating correctly and exercising will help you become healthier from the inside to the outside. Mesotherapy will give you the added benefit of a smoother and firmer body image.

How does the fat reduction end up as smooth and why isn't there more fat loss in the area where the needle goes?

The skin circulation traps the medicines used in an area that diffuses over inches to end up with a smooth appearance.