Mesotherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that involves injection of therapeutic substances underneath the skin to get rid of excess fat in a particular area. While this non-invasive treatment is becoming popular, its reliability as a weight loss technique is doubtful.
Mesotherapy is a relatively new approach in the field of cosmetic treatment. While it has been around since 1952, this treatment option has been introduced lately in the United States. This type of cosmetic procedure is aimed at addressing the problem area directly, instead of treating the body as a whole. Hence, mesotherapy is applicable for removing double chin, sculpting body, tightening neck skin, eliminating cellulite from specific areas and alike cases. In addition to promoting fat loss, this procedure is claimed to be an ultimate treatment for hair loss too.
Mesotherapy: What is it?
The therapy term itself highlights the way this cosmetic procedure works. During the treatment session, a mixture formulated with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts and medications is delivered in the mesoderm via microinjections. As many of you might be already aware, the mesoderm is a germ layer that lies between the ectoderm and endoderm. The injected formulation is absorbed by the fat cells (or adipose cells) in the problem area, which then brings about cell lysis and removal of unwanted fatty deposits and cellulite.
As expected, the mixture used during mesotherapy is individualized, and it depends upon the size of the area and the treatment approach. In most of the cases, repeated sessions are conducted to achieve satisfactory results. Say for instance, a candidate interested in cellulite reduction needs to attend minimum 3 – 4 treatments, and each procedure is conducted after every 3 – 4 weeks. Similar number of sessions are required for weight loss and facial rejuvenation. Each session lasts for not more than half an hour. Besides less time requirement, this procedure calls for no prior preparation.
Suggested benefits of this non-surgical treatment include preventing hair loss, defining facial appearance and solving many other cosmetic problems. The same therapy procedure is also conducted for getting relief from arthritis pain, venous stasis, tendonitis and other ailments. Majority of people opt for mesotherapy for the sole reason of losing weight with minimal side effects. But, does mesotherapy work for cellulite and fat removal? In spite of the claimed benefits and lesser side effects of mesotherapy, the reliability of this procedure as a quick fix to losing weight is not proven in medical science.
Mesotherapy: Does it Really Work?
A myriad of ways for getting rid of fats are conceived and introduced in the weight loss industry, and the mesotherapy technique is not exceptional. Yes, a lot has been spoken about the safety, benefits and side effects of this non-invasive procedure. It is promoted as a safe, painless and subtle intervention to look slim in a few weeks time. In terms of affordability and associated complications too, mesotherapy is touted as a better alternative to liposuction procedure. Unlike liposuction, this procedure doesn’t involve surgery, requires no sedation and causes no scarring.
Coming to the effectiveness of mesotherapy, there is no foolproof for the same, just like many other cosmetic procedures. The difference in the mixture constituents is a major concern, amongst others. Many cosmetic surgeons and health experts don’t believe in the magic substances that melt away fat. In fact, there is no clear data regarding the drugs and active components added in the syringe. While phosphatidylcholine (extracted from soy lecithin) is used as a common ingredient, individual responses to this drug are not the same. Hence, it is banned in many countries, especially for use in mesotherapy and other lipodissolve methods.
One more consideration is, this procedure is not applicable for dramatic weight loss. Its efficacy is limited to body toning and defining facial features. As far as the mesotherapy cost is concerned, the total expenses spent on repeated sessions are more or less the same as other weight loss surgeries. On an average, a treatment session costs USD 300 to USD 500. So, if 10 sessions are suggested for weight loss treatment and body sculpting, then the candidate is expected to spend about USD 3000 to USD 5000, which is definitely very high. Thus, mesotherapy is not cost-effective, as is claimed by some slimming centers.
To conclude with, the procedure of mesotherapy is not standardized, and substances used in the injection are not free from adverse effects. Reported side effects of mesotherapy are itching, bruising, swelling, infection, allergy, liver damage and heightened sensitivity, which may continue for a few days to several weeks. So, if anyone is interested in mesotherapy for stimulating hair growth or removal of cellulite and fats from specific areas, a thorough research about the same is a prerequisite. It is best to consult an experienced cosmetic surgeon and talk to candidates who have undergone this non-surgical treatment before making a prompt decision.
