Mesotherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts into the skin. The goal is to rejuvenate and strengthen the skin, as well as remove excess fat. The technique was discovered in 1952 by Michel Pistor, a doctor from France. Initially, the treatment was used to relieve pain. Subsequently, it gained popularity as an aesthetic procedure.
The technique uses very fine needles to administer a series of injections into the middle layer (mesoderm) of the skin. By targeting the mesoderm, the treatment aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and encourage collagen production. This leads to improved skin firmness and texture. In addition, injected substances can help break down fat cells, which leads to localized fat reduction and cellulite relief.
What does mesotherapy help with?
Mesotherapy is used to:
- Remove fat from areas such as the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, arms and face;
- Reduces cellulite;
- Blurs wrinkles and lines;
- Tightens the “sagging” skin;
- Reshapes the body;
- Correct poor circulation and inflammation, which cause skin damage;
- Brightens pigmented skin;
- Treat alopecia, a condition that leads to hair loss.
Mesotherapy, liposuction and lipolysis
Mesotherapy is considered a non-surgical alternative to liposuction for the removal of unwanted fat. However, it is not as invasive a procedure as liposuction because it does not involve incisions.
Liposuction permanently removes fat from areas such as the stomach, thighs and back, but not only. Cosmetic surgeons perform this procedure by inserting a thin plastic tube through small incisions in the skin and then sucking the fat using a surgical vacuum. Although liposuction is considered effective in permanently removing fat, recovery can take up to six weeks. It also has risks such as nerve and blood vessel damage, irregular skin contours, burns, and infections.
Injection lipolysis is another non-invasive treatment that is similar to mesotherapy. The terms “mesotherapy” and “lipolysis by injection” are often used synonymously, although they are slightly different. During lipolysis by injection, the doctor injects phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate into the fat layer under the skin to break down the fat. However, as with mesotherapy, there is very little evidence to prove that injection lipolysis works.
Risks in mesotherapy
Because mesotherapy is administered directly to the desired area, side effects are limited or reduced, but may include:
- Immediate or delayed allergic reaction to injected medications/solutions;
- Inflammation and swelling;
- Skin infections;
- Pigmentation at the injection site;
- Bruising at the injection site;
- Ulceration, scarring and deformity at the injection site;
- Panniculitis (condition that involves inflammation of the subcutaneous fat).
Currently, it is not known what happens to the decomposed fat cells once they leave the targeted area and what effects the various injected substances can have on the body’s organs and tissues. Further research is needed on the safety of this technique.
Contraindications in mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is not recommended for people who have:
- Untreated diabetes;
- Scleroderma;
- Open lesions or sores, including herpes (stage A);
- Skin cancer or active skin infections;
- Hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders;
- Multiple skin neoplasms;
- Epilepsy and/or other psycho-neurological disorders;
- Autoimmune diseases or a suppressed immune system;
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What do the ampoules used in mesotherapy contain?
The content of the injection mixture varies depending on the case and the area treated. There is no standard formula for substances injected in mesotherapy. Usually, doctors use:
- Prescription drugs such as vasodilators and antibiotics;
- Hormones such as calcitonin and thyroxine;
- Enzymes such as collagenase and hyaluronidase;
- Plant extracts;
- Phosphatidylcholine (dissolves fat);
- Organic silicon (stimulates collagen production);
- CRP 1000 (contains cytokines for cell stimulation and peptides that improve collagen and elastin synthesis);
- Hyaluronic acid (improves hydration);
- Chemicals with antioxidant action (ascorbic acid, glycolic acid, glutathione);
- Vitamin C (used in localized hyperpigmentation, stimulates the synthesis of elastin and collagen);
- Biotin.
Recommendations before mesotherapy
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before treatment. Alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory/anticoagulant medications, if possible, for 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs have a blood-thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
- Reschedule your treatment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, herpes, or blemishes in the area to be treated.
- If you have a history of herpes, tell your doctor and use your antiviral medication before treatment.
- Make sure you have a hearty breakfast, including food and drinks, before the procedure. This will reduce the chances of dizziness during treatment.
Indications after mesotherapy
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water.
- Try not to wear makeup.
- Use creams with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to reduce irritation and moisturize the skin.
- Avoid active skincare products containing alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, retinol (vitamin A), and vitamin C (in low-pH formula) for 3 days after treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid exposure to the sun (and sun loungers), saunas, steam baths or heat for 72 hours.
- Avoid excessive alcohol or salt consumption to prevent swelling.
- If you have swelling, you can apply a cold compress for 15 minutes every hour.
- Use paracetamol for discomfort.
- Do not take ibuprofen for two weeks after treatment.
- Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you have swelling.
Mesotherapy – Price
To find out how much the treatment costs, visit our pricing page – Soma Clinic.
Visit the Soma Clinic Youtube channel to discover more about what Dr. Nico Ferariu has to say.
The mesotherapy procedures practiced by Soma Clinic surgeons comply with international standards, being unanimously accepted by plastic and aesthetic surgery societies. Soma Clinic is an accredited institution recognized for its commitment to high standards of safety and quality. This ensures that every patient receives the best care, using advanced technologies and proven methods, in a professional and safe environment. As a center of excellence in cosmetic surgery, our clinic is dedicated to the continuous improvement of surgical techniques and outcomes for all of our patients.
References
Mesotherapy – Derm Net
Mesotherapy – Neo Health
Mesotherapy Contraindications & After Care – Eco Skin Clinic
Panniculitis – Derm Net
What Is Mesotherapy? – Healthline
