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.