Mesotherapy was coined by the French press in 1958 following the work done by Dr. Michel Pistor in the field of intradermal therapy. It is a type of cosmetic procedure which entails injecting vitamins, extracts and pharmaceutical agents into the fatty layer below the skin, in order to remove the fat and improve skin tone and vitality.
Initial Research
Dr. Michel Pistor conducted human mesotherapy treatments from 1948 to 1952. The research focused on treatments for osteoarthritis, chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
Recognition
In 1987, the French Academy of Medicine established mesotherapy as a speciality of medicine. The practice spread through Europe and South America when the cosmetic applications of mesotherapy became apparent. There are an estimated 18,000 mesotherapists around the world.
Criticism
Many of the claims of mesotherapy are not substantiated by scientific studies. In fact, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery hasn't endorsed mesotherapy.
FDA Status
Mesotherapy is not within the parameters of the Food and Drug Administration because mesotherapy is considered a procedure. The responsibility for regulation falls to the state medical boards.
Safety
Because of the lack of regulation, the number of agents used for mesotherapy injections is large. The effects of injecting these agents hasn't be established and some have serious side effects. Phosphatidylcholine, in particular, causes extreme swelling and inflammation at the injection site.
