Mesotherapy - What Does it Do?

Proponents have noted that an injection of a "cocktail" of vitamins, plant extracts and medications into the middle layer of skin, i.e., the mesoderm, may benefit patients in a variety of ways. Dermatologists have been using mesotherapy -a different methodology and different ingredients in the injections - for treatment of a number of conditions. Techniques and results for rejuvenating the face, reducing cellulite and treating hair loss with ingredients chosen based on the condition being treated. Mesotherapy works by breaking up fat deposits and is may be much more targeted than if a patient takes carnitine orally or if gels or lotions containing ingredients such as carnitine or theophylline are used topically. Criteria for mesotherapy treatment in cellulite: Injected compounds include tefamine and carnitine. As many as 50 injections for the treatment of the thighs are made 2 cm apart on the affected area and are between 1 mm and 2 mm in depth. Five cc of injected compound is used for treatment of the stomach area, and 10 cc for hips and thighs. One treatment is scheduled per week for four weeks, then bi-weekly maintenance for several months. Depending upon products used, redness and edema should be gone within one day - although some redness may last up to two weeks, especially if phosphatidylcholine is used. Mesotherapy works by breaking up fat deposits. Cellulite is not considered to be weight; but a positioning of fat and alteration of the conjunctive tissue that makes the skin look dimpled. Mesotherapy used to treat cellulite will make the skin smoother and diminish the circumference of the thigh, for example. Face The idea behind facial rejuvenation is that collagen production can be stimulated through fibroblast activation. Criteria for facial rejuvenation are: Ingredients include dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Injections made are a maximum of 1 cm apart but can be as close as 1 mm apart - closer than cellulite treatment - and are more superficial, extending just 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm into the skin. 2 cc to 4 cc of compound are used for the entire face. Course of therapy consists of about 10 consecutive treatments at seven-day intervals for about 10 weeks. With the proper technique and the right compounds injected at the appropriate depth - redness and swelling should not last more than 30 minutes. With products that diffuse slowly, it is important to inject a bit deeper and to avoid the formation of papules. Hair Mesotherapy may help minimize hair loss and make hair look thicker in men and women suffering from alopecia or from hair loss associated with the aging process. The treatment does not regenerate hair growth. Criteria for hair loss treatment are: Compounds consist of a "cocktail" of antioxidants, vitamins, hyaluronic acids and vasodilators. Treatment injections are between 0.5 cm and 1 cm apart and are also more superficial - 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm in depth, slightly deeper than the facial injections. Treatment consists of about 5 cc of compound for the entire scalp. Treatment regimen is once a week for four weeks followed by monthly maintenance treatments, which are important to maintain results. The only side effect may be some bleeding, which may last a few minutes after the treatment. Using mesotherapy in combination with more traditional therapies - such as using Botox (Allergan) and Restylane (Q-Med) cooperatively for facial rejuvenation may enhance the already desired result. Although one does not typically use topical anesthesia for any of these three modalities, EMLA numbing cream (AstraZeneca) could be applied prior to treatment. The fact is that a combination of any of these treatments can lead to a very desired outcome. It is important to ask your specialist how this may work for you, and to understand what your options are.