What are the pros and cons of mesotherapy? What are the application areas of mesotherapy? Does mesotherapy make you look younger? How long do mesotherapy results last? What is better mesotherapy or Botox? And many similar questions are frequently asked by people considering mesotherapy application.
What is Mesotherapy & how does it work?
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that involves a series of injections using short, fine needles to target the middle layer of the skin (mesoderm). Originally developed in France in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor, the procedure was initially used to treat sports injuries and improve blood circulation. Modern mesotherapy uses customized injectable solutions that may include plant extracts, vitamins, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, minerals, enzymes, hormones, and prescription drugs. These injections aim to address concerns like hair loss, fine lines, skin laxity, cellulite, and localized fat reduction, particularly in areas like the double chin. However, it is essential to note that mesotherapy is not approved by the FDA, and the specific ingredients and methods vary widely between providers.
What are the Pros and Cons of Mesotherapy?
PROS OF MESOTHERAPY :What are the benefits of Mesotherapy?
What are the disadvantages of mesotherapy?
- It’s a quick, in-office, minimally invasive procedure.
- No need for general anesthesia.
- Recovery time is much shorter than that associated with surgical options like liposuction.
- No need to wear post-surgical compression garments.
- Certain formulations (like those with phosphatidylcholine or deoxycholic acid) can permanently destroy fat cells.
- No surgical scars are left behind since there are no incisions involved.
CONS OF MESOTHERAPY: What are the risks of Mesotherapy?
- Mesotherapy lacks FDA approval, and the agency has issued multiple warnings due to concerns about its safety.
- There’s no universal treatment protocol, meaning results depend on the provider’s techniques and ingredients.
- Scientific studies have found it ineffective for skin rejuvenation or body contouring purposes.
- Multiple treatments may be recommended (up to 10), which can become financially burdensome.
- Patients may experience swelling for up to a week, and rare complications such as permanent scarring, infections, or tissue damage have been reported.
RESULT
Mesotherapy is a treatment method used to improve skin health, prevent hair loss, reduce problems such as cellulite or for body shaping purposes. However, as with any medical procedure, mesotherapy has both positive and negative aspects. As with any medical procedure, it is important to consult a specialist before considering mesotherapy. This will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your personal health condition and needs.
FAQS
What is mesotherapy for face?
Mesotherapy for the face involves a technique that targets areas such as the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and scalp. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed painlessly and is often combined with other aesthetic treatments like lasers, chemical peels, and photorejuvenation.
What are the disadvantages of mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy has several disadvantages. It may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and the amount of fat removed is generally less compared to surgical options. It’s not ideal for individuals needing to lose more than 15 pounds, as results typically appear over several weeks (4 to 8 weeks) rather than immediately, unlike surgical liposuction. Additionally, mesotherapy is not recommended for those with a fear of needles.
Who should avoid mesotherapy?
Certain people should avoid mesotherapy depending on their conditions. Athletes with severe injuries or complex musculoskeletal issues should seek alternative treatments. Those with severe neuralgia or cancer patients with lymphedema should consult their specialists first. Additionally, people with significant obesity or major skin issues should consider other options and consult a specialist for the best treatment.
Does mesotherapy actually work? & How effective is mesotherapy?
Determining the effectiveness of mesotherapy is challenging due to the variety of ingredients and techniques used, coupled with limited research. Existing studies on mesotherapy have not demonstrated significant benefits for skin rejuvenation. However, some sources report that the treatment is effective in 95% of cases. Mesotherapy can stimulate fibroblast cells to increase collagen production, which helps address signs of aging. Additionally, it is considered an efficient and painless method for slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
What are the benefits(advantages) of mesotherapy for women?
Mesotherapy offers several advantages for women, including improved skin rejuvenation through increased collagen production, leading to firmer and more elastic skin. It enhances hydration by delivering hyaluronic acid, making the skin appear fuller and more radiant. Additionally, mesotherapy helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look, addresses pigmentation issues like sunspots and melasma for a more even complexion, and can stimulate hair follicles to promote hair growth.
Which is Better Mesotherapy or Botox?
Mesotherapy and botox are different treatment methods and are used for different purposes. Which one is better will vary depending on your needs and treatment goals.
Botox is an injection treatment that contains a substance called botulinum toxin. It reduces wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles. It is especially widely used in the treatment of wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes.
It is recommended that you consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine which treatment is best for you. They can determine the best option based on the purpose of the treatment, your skin type, and your personal preferences.
What are the Indications for Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy can be applied in many different situations and it has pros & cons. The situations where mesotherapy is most commonly applied can be listed as follows:
- Cellulite
- Allergies
- Weight loss
- Skin cracks
- Sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Acute and chronic pain
- Skin aging and sagging
- Blemish treatment, sun spots
- Hair loss, hair treatment, baldness
- Under-eye bruises and under-eye bags
- Vitiligo (lack of pigment in the skin)
What are the Contraindications for Mesotherapy?
It is recommended that mesotherapy not be applied in the following situations:
- Prengnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Having history of stroke
- Having insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- Being cancer patient
- Having blood clotting problems
- Having risk of an allergic reaction to any of the drugs to be used
- Being an urticaria patient
- Being a patient with heart disease that requires multiple drug treatments
What are the Features of Mesotherapy?
In mesotherapy, small amounts of medication are administered directly to the problematic area using the microinjection method. In this way, the problem is solved without creating a systemic effect and maximum benefit is achieved from the treatment.
What are the Side Effects of Mesotherapy?
Temporary redness and bruising may occur in the injection area. This does not pose a problem because these effects disappear on their own within 1-2 days since the substances used do not enter the systemic circulation.
How Long After Mesotherapy Do You See Results?
Although the effects of the treatment depend on the severity of the problem, the person’s age and skin structure, they usually begin to be seen after the 2nd or 3rd session.
How long does swelling last after mesotherapy?
Swelling is a common side effect of mesotherapy and typically appears as small, raised bumps at the injection sites. These bumps are generally not painful to touch and usually resolve within a few days.
Does Mesotherapy Really Work?
Studies published in journals such as International Journal of Dermatology and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found mesotherapy ineffective for both skin rejuvenation and body contouring. Furthermore, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not recommend mesotherapy for fat reduction. Reviews from RealSelf members show that fewer than half of participants considered their mesotherapy treatments to be effective.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Mesotherapy?
- Blood thinning drugs such as aspirin should not be used before and after mesotherapy sessions.
- After the mesotherapy session, water should not be applied to the injection applied area for approximately 10-15 hours.
- It is recommended not to wear body-hugging trousers such as jeans or tight trousers.
After mesotherapy sessions, strenuous movements, bathing and make-up should not be done for 10-15 hours for 48 hours.
The FDA issued warning letters in 2010 to multiple companies in the U.S. and Brazil that marketed Lipodissolve, a treatment similar to mesotherapy, citing safety concerns. Reported side effects from mesotherapy include permanent scarring, granulomas (skin deformation at the injection site), and painful tissue knots. Serious risks like infection and local necrosis (tissue death) have also been reported, particularly if injections are administered incorrectly. In rare cases, reports have even linked mesotherapy treatments to organ failure and death.
What Happens During a Mesotherapy Treatment?
Mesotherapy is typically performed in an office setting. The provider first cleans the treatment area and administers a series of small injections at depths ranging from 1 to 10 millimeters. The procedure is quick—taking only a few minutes—but if the patient prefers, a numbing cream may be applied beforehand, which can add an extra 10-15 minutes to the process. Most patients can return to their daily routines immediately afterward. To minimize bruising, it is recommended to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, fish oil, high doses of garlic, and anti-inflammatory medications for at least one week before treatment.
What Should You Expect After Mesotherapy?
After undergoing mesotherapy, there is generally no significant downtime, and most people can resume their daily activities right away. However, mild side effects such as swelling and soreness are common. Swelling typically lasts for about one week but resolves completely over time.
How Long Before You See Results from Mesotherapy?
The time frame for visible results varies because the treatments lack standard formulations or methods. According to Dr. John Tang, patients may see results after two to three sessions, although some will require more treatments depending on the amount of fat in the targeted area. On average, providers suggest between three and ten sessions spaced 7 to 14 days apart. Results are highly individualized, with estimates of two to four treatments needed per inch of fat reduction.
How Long Do Mesotherapy Results Last?
Once a series of mesotherapy sessions has been completed, the fat reduction results can be permanent, provided the patient maintains a stable weight. However, if weight is gained after treatment, the fat may return.
What are the Alternatives to Mesotherapy?
If you’re interested in mesotherapy for fat reduction or body contouring but are wary of its risks, you may want to explore other FDA-approved options, such as:
- Kybella: An FDA-approved injectable that targets fat under the chin.
- CoolSculpting: A non-invasive fat reduction treatment that freezes fat cells.
- SculpSure: A laser treatment designed to target and destroy fat cells.
For facial rejuvenation, alternatives include Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling for texture issues, and radiofrequency treatments for skin tightening and anti-aging purposes. For a more dramatic and long-lasting solution, surgical liposuction remains an option, though it involves a longer recovery period.
What is Hair Mesotherapy?
Hair mesotherapy is a method that prevents hair loss in both men and women, but also promotes hair growth and can also be used as a treatment for baldness. It prevents hair loss by providing the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients to the scalp of people suffering from balding problems. It is performed by injecting a liquid into the scalp with the help of a syringe containing nutrients. This method also accelerates cell metabolism, eliminates infections and greatly increases the speed of blood circulation in the scalp. It also revitalizes hair follicles, helping you achieve long, strong, voluminous and healthy hair. In the mesotherapy method, using very thin needles, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other components that will strengthen and care for the tissue are injected 2-3 mm under the scalp. It is usually applied 6 months after hair transplantation and prevents future hair loss by caring for and strengthening the newly grown hair strands.
Genetic predisposition, environmental factors (stress, smoking, air pollution, UV rays), hormonal disorders, nutrition and sleep disorders cause hair breakage, loss, lifelessness and thinning. With mesotherapy applications, the blood circulation of the hair follicles is increased and the vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for their nutrition are ensured to reach the hair. Good results are obtained with hair mesotherapy, especially in some types of hair loss. Depending on the patient’s problem, 4-10 sessions are performed in weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
What is Facial Mesotherapy (Mesolifting)?
Can mesotherapy help with skin rejuvenation? Sun damage and collagen loss combine to disrupt the skin’s plumpness and appearance. In facial mesotherapy, medications are mixed in small amounts and administered directly into and under the skin. With mesotherapy, the skin can benefit from effective substances in a short time. In addition, since the drugs are given in very small amounts, the possibility of side effects of the substances used is reduced. Facial mesotherapy (mesolifting) is a natural and beneficial method that renews the skin and is effective against skin wrinkles and skin sagging. Mesolifting is a very effective anti-aging treatment. It stimulates collagen synthesis in the skin, providing rejuvenation, tightening and brightness. After facial mesotherapy, the skin looks fresher and more rested. The elasticity of the skin increases and skin sagging decreases. Wrinkles are lightened. The skin gets a bright appearance.
In the facial mesotherapy method, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that renew the skin are applied under the skin with tiny needles. Giving these beneficial substances directly to the skin and stimulating the skin increases the skin’s collagen and elastin production, increases skin hydration and renews the skin. The skin is cleaned and disinfected before application. Anesthetic cream can be applied half an hour before the procedure.
Facial mesotherapy is initially applied at intervals of 1-4 weeks. After an average of 4-6 sessions, it can be repeated every 3-6 months. Facial mesotherapy results begin to appear after the second session. The skin renewal effect continues after the treatment is completed.
What are the advantages of mestotherapy for skin rejuvenation? & Is mesotherapy a good option for facial rejuvenation?
Mesotherapy provides several benefits for skin revitalization:
- Non-Invasive: As a non-surgical treatment, mesotherapy requires no major surgery or extended recovery time.
- Tailored Treatment: It can be customized to address specific skin issues, offering a personalized approach.
- Time-Efficient: Sessions are usually brief, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
- Minimal Risks: Compared to more invasive treatments, mesotherapy tends to have fewer side effects.
- Gradual Improvement: Skin enhancement is achieved gradually over multiple treatments, leading to a natural, refreshed appearance.
What is Needle Free Mesotherapy?
It is now possible to renew the skin without pain and suffering with needle-free mesotherapy, which was developed as an alternative to needle mesotherapy, which has been frequently preferred in recent years.
One of the most important features of mesopeeling is the effective mixture it contains. The method, which contains a combination of TCA (Tricarboxylic acid) and H2O2 in adjusted proportions, provides an effect on the skin by stimulating fibroblast growth factors without damaging the skin. Thus, bio-strengthening and revitalization is achieved on the skin without using needles. After the application, collagen production under the skin and its strong lifting effect continues, treating skin problems and triggering new collagen formation and biological stimulation in the cells.
Mesopeeling, which is ideal for patients who want to have mesotherapy but are afraid of needling, is used in the treatment of sagging, loosening, tightening, scar and scar treatment, stretch mark treatment and blemishes in the face, neck, chest and décolleté areas. Successful results are also obtained from the application.
If mesopeeling is combined with filler, a synergy is achieved in which the effect of both applications increases. It can also be used with ropes and rollers in laser or radiofrequency treatments.
What is Mesotherapy for Cellulite?
Cellulite is a circulatory disorder that can be seen in men and women of all ages. The problem usually occurs after lymph drainage problems due to hormonal factors. Substances injected under the skin with mesotherapy regulate blood flow and lymphatic circulation in the cellulite area, dissolve fat deposits and finally correct the hardened connective tissue. In this way, it changes the person’s appearance. Successful results are obtained with mesotherapy in the treatment of cellulite with once a week application within 4-10 weeks. If the treatment is supported by diet and exercise, the results are quite permanent.
What is Mesotherapy for Fat Loss?
Mesotherapy is offered as an alternative treatment to liposuction in removing regional fat in the abdomen, waist, arms and legs. It ensures the destruction of fatty tissue in the injection area. If the treatment is supported by diet and exercise, the results will last longer than usual.