Mesotherapy is presented as a promising treatment for removing unwanted fat and body contouring. But how effective is mesotherapy for weight loss, or is it just another fad?
What is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a technique developed in 1952 by Michel Pistor, a doctor in France, that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin, as well as remove excess fat. It was originally used to relieve pain. In the years since, it has gained popularity in the United States and other parts of the world.
Today, mesotherapy is used to:
- Remove fat in areas like the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, and face
- Reduce cellulite
- Fade wrinkles and lines
- Tighten loose skin
- Recontour the body
- Lighten pigmented skin
- Treat alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss
The technique uses very fine needles to deliver a series of injections into the middle layer (mesoderm) of skin. The idea behind mesotherapy is that it corrects underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage.
The Procedure
During injection lipolysis, your doctor injects phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate into the fat layer under the skin to break up fat.
Read also: Benefits of Mesotherapy
There isn’t a standard formula for the substances injected in mesotherapy. Doctors use many different solutions, including:
- Prescription medicines like vasodilators and antibiotics
- Hormones such as calcitonin and thyroxin
- Enzymes like collagenase and hyaluronidase
- Herbal extracts
- Vitamins and minerals
You’ll meet with the doctor ahead of time to find out what to expect. You might have to avoid aspirin (Bufferin) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for one week before the procedure. These pain relievers can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising during mesotherapy.
During each session, you may or may not have numbing medicine applied to your skin. You’ll get a series of injections using a special short needle. The needle may be attached to a mechanical gun to deliver many injections in a row.
The injections can be given at different depths - from 1 to 4 millimeters into your skin - depending on what condition you’re having treated. Your doctor may place the needle into your skin at an angle, or flick their wrist very quickly while injecting. Each injection may only place a tiny drop of the solution into your skin.
You’ll probably need several mesotherapy sessions to get the desired effect. You should expect to return to the doctor between 3 to 15 times. At first, you’ll get the injections every 7 to 10 days. If your skin starts to improve, the treatments will be stretched out to once every two weeks or once a month.
Read also: Can NAD+ Injections Help You Lose Weight?
Cost of Mesotherapy
The cost of mesotherapy depends on the type of treatment you’re getting and the number of sessions you need. In general, a single session costs between $250 and $600. Because mesotherapy is cosmetic and not medically necessary, insurance companies usually don’t cover the cost.
Mesotherapy for Targeted Fat Reduction
One of the most significant benefits of Mesotherapy is its ability to focus on specific problem areas. When it comes to the thighs, stubborn fat on the inner and outer parts can be challenging to eliminate with exercise alone. Mesotherapy directs the treatment exactly where needed, leading to more noticeable results. This precision makes it a preferred choice for those looking to smooth and contour their legs without invasive surgery.
Mesotherapy vs. Liposuction
Liposuction permanently removes fat from areas like your stomach, thighs, and back. Cosmetic surgeons perform this procedure by inserting a thin plastic tube through small incisions in your skin, and then suctioning out the fat using a surgical vacuum. Liposuction is done while you’re under anesthesia.
Although liposuction is considered effective at permanently removing fat, recovery can take up to six weeks. It also has risks like nerve and blood vessel damage, irregular skin contours, burns, and infection. And liposuction is expensive. In 2016, the average cost of the procedure was $3,200.
Mesotherapy isn’t as invasive a procedure as liposuction. There are no incisions. At $250 to $600 a session, the cost is much lower than liposuction. However, you may need 10 sessions or more to get the results you want.
Read also: Weight Loss Injections in Alabama
Is Mesotherapy Effective?
It’s hard to say whether mesotherapy works, because so many different ingredients and methods are used in the treatment. Few studies have been done to test the technique. And many of the studies that have been done were small.
The research that does exist on mesotherapy hasn’t shown much of a benefit for skin rejuvenation. A 2012 study of six people who got the treatment for six months didn’t show any real improvement in wrinkles. And a 2008 study of 20 women who got mesotherapy for body contouring found no reduction in thigh size.
It’s not clear how well mesotherapy works to remove fat. There hasn’t been enough research done to test it, and the methods that are used differ depending on where you have it done.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Unlike surgical methods like liposuction, Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment. This means no incisions, stitches, or significant downtime. During the procedure, small injections are administered to the targeted area, delivering a solution that breaks down the fat cells. Patients can typically resume their daily activities shortly after the treatment, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
Natural-Looking Results
Mesotherapy offers gradual and natural-looking results. The solution injected into the thighs helps dissolve fat cells, which are then naturally processed and eliminated by the body. Over time, this leads to a smoother, more contoured appearance without the “overnight” drastic change that some surgical procedures produce. This gradual transformation often feels more comfortable for those who prefer subtle improvements.
Improved Skin Elasticity
Not only does Mesotherapy help with fat reduction, but it also stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a crucial protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. As the fat dissolves, the treated area benefits from improved skin texture, making the thighs toned and smooth. This added advantage makes Mesotherapy a well-rounded solution for those seeking fat reduction and enhanced skin quality.
Quick and Convenient Treatment Sessions
A typical Mesotherapy session lasts about 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Because the procedure is quick, it can easily fit into your schedule without disrupting your day. While the number of sessions needed varies depending on individual goals, many clients start noticing improvements after just a few treatments. For those seeking a simple, effective way to target thigh fat, Mesotherapy’s quick sessions are a significant benefit.
Long-Lasting Results with a Healthy Lifestyle
Mesotherapy provides long-lasting results, especially with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Once the fat cells are broken down and eliminated, they do not regenerate. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to sustain the treatment’s effects. Mesotherapy is an excellent option for those committed to achieving and maintaining a toned, contoured look.
Suitable for Multiple Areas Beyond the Thighs
While this post focuses on the benefits of Mesotherapy for the thighs, it’s noteworthy that this treatment and can be used on various body parts. From abdomen toning to reducing fat on the arms, back, and even under the chin, Mesotherapy offers a comprehensive solution for body contouring. This flexibility allows clients to target multiple problem areas in one treatment plan, enhancing their overall body shape and confidence.
Side Effects and Risks
People who practice mesotherapy say the risks are minimal if you go to a trained practitioner.
Side effects that have been reported include:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Sensitivity
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Bruising
- Bumps at the injection site
- Dark patches of skin
- Rash
- Infections
- Scars
Because mesotherapy is noninvasive, there usually isn’t any downtime. Many people are able to return to their regular activities right away. Others may need to take a day off due to swelling and pain at the injection sites.
FDA Approval and Regulation
Mesotherapy is a promising treatment for removing unwanted fat and body contouring. However, its safety and effectiveness are still unproven. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but many of the ingredients used in the treatment do have FDA approval for treating other conditions. As long as the ingredients have FDA approval, they may be used for mesotherapy. This is considered to be an off-label use of the approved ingredients.
Practitioners don’t use any standard formulas for mesotherapy. That means you might get a completely different treatment with one doctor than you would with another. If you do want to try mesotherapy, see a licensed doctor who has a lot of experience with the procedure. This will help minimize side effects.
Mesotherapy for Hair Loss
In addition to treating wrinkles and removing unwanted fat, mesotherapy is also used to treat hair loss from alopecia. The treatment injects natural plant extracts, vitamins, or medicines like finasteride and minoxidil into the head.
People who perform mesotherapy for hair loss claim it:
- Corrects hormone imbalances in and around the hair follicle
- Delivers nutrients to the hair
- Improves blood circulation
Yet just as with other uses of mesotherapy, there is little evidence that it works for hair loss. Most of the substances that are injected haven’t been shown in studies to regrow hair.
What to Expect During a Mesotherapy Treatment?
If you’re considering Mesotherapy, knowing what to expect is helpful. During the consultation, a specialist will assess your concerns and discuss your goals. The procedure involves using fine needles to inject a solution into the subcutaneous layer of skin, directly targeting fat cells. Patients may experience slight discomfort, but it is generally well-tolerated, and numbing cream can be used if necessary.
After the session, minor swelling or bruising may occur, but these effects usually subside within a few days. Results become more visible over time, with optimal outcomes often seen after several treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Each session brings you closer to achieving a smooth, contoured appearance, and many clients report a boost in confidence after their treatments.
Is Mesotherapy Right for You?
Mesotherapy can be an excellent option for individuals struggling with stubborn fat in areas like the thighs, abdomen, arms, or neck. However, it’s essential to determine whether this treatment aligns with your personal body goals and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive, non-surgical way to contour your body and prefer gradual, natural-looking results over drastic changes, Mesotherapy may be the right choice.
Consulting with a qualified specialist is the best way to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for Mesotherapy. During the consultation, your medical history, treatment goals, and problem areas will be assessed to create a customized plan tailored to your needs.
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