Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that has been around since 1952 when it was developed by Dr. Michel Pistor in France. Mesotherapy targets specific areas for the treatment of specific conditions. It is not a total body treatment and is intended for problem areas only. Various formulations that have been proven successful for conditions such as cellulite, anti-aging or for the elimination of fat pockets are injected using very thin/short needles into the mesoderm (middle layer of skin).
Dr. Christine performs mesotherapy for the following:
- To eliminate cellulite
- To promote weight loss
- To eliminate localized fat deposits
- For anti-aging benefits
MESOTHERAPY FOR CELLULITE
There is a genetic predisposition to having cellulite and for many, it appears as early as in the mid- twenties. Some sources report that more than 90% of women have some level of cellulite. In addition, cellulite does not discriminate against body type. A thin person can have cellulite, while an overweight person may not have any signs of cellulite on their body.
When discussing cellulite, it is easier to address them in 4 stages:
Stage 0: No visible cellulite, even when the skin is pinched
Stage 1: No visible cellulite when standing or lying down. “Orange peel” texture when skin is pinched
Stage 2: Visible cellulite when standing but not when lying down
Stage 3: Visible cellulite when standing and lying down
Mesotherapy injections breakdown the fibrotic bands that create the dimpling effect that leads to the cellulitic appearance. Once broken down, the skin is released leading to a more aesthetically smooth appearance. Mesotherapy is a solution for patients that understand that there is no cure out there for cellulite. There are no creams or potions that can target the deep fibrotic bands that cause cellulite.
A patient may require anywhere from 8 to 20 sessions depending on the stage of their cellulite. However, results are seen within 2-3 treatment. Once their desired outcome is achieved, Dr. Christine recommends that her patients come in 2-3 times per year for maintenance during the winter months so that they are beach ready in the summer. Mesotherapy sessions are typically 45 minutes long. The first 20-30 minutes are for numbing and prepping of the target area as well as taking serial photos to document your progress.
MESOTHERAPY FOR BODY SCULPTING
Mesotherapy can also be used for fat reduction and body sculpting. It targets problem areas/fat pockets to create a smoother contour to your body. Mesotherapy is not a weight loss modality, but a synergistic tool to any medical weight loss program. A different formulation is injected that specifically targets the fat cells and breaking them down.
Mesotherapy or lipodissolve can be used to treat several areas including the belly, inner/outer thighs, love handles, arms, legs and chin. Dr. Christine reports that some patients have very active lifestyles and great nutrition regimens, yet struggle with certain body parts. This is ultimately due to the fact that some areas are “problem areas” for a particular person and are unaffected by diet and exercise.
An added benefit to lipodissolve/mesotherapy is the skin tightening seen post treatments. Same injections used to deliver the solution that dissolve the fat, create intentional trauma via the puncture wounds. This leads to post treatment swelling of the skin and with healing, creates firmer and more toned skin without surgical intervention. Mesotherapy in the treatment of body fat, dissolves the fat cells and the body flushes out the fat as waste. Therefore, multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired outcomes. Patients may require 6-10 treatments for some areas, majority of results are seen within 2-4.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR MESOTHERAPY?
Mesotherapy is a great alternative for patients considering liposuction and want to minimize the risks, side effects, downtime and cost. No deaths have ever been reported from mesotherapy in the past 50 years, compared to 100 deaths per year from liposuction. Once you meet with Dr. Christine for your complimentary consultation, you will have a greater understanding of the procedure and how many sessions you may need to achieve your desired outcome. Sessions may be done biweekly or on a monthly basis.
SIDE EFFECTS OF MESOTHERAPY
The most common side effects from Mesotherapy are redness, small marks of bruising at the injection site, tingling and burning during the injection and some localized swelling. Dr. Christine recommends that her patients not take any blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen/motrin/advil, coumadin, fish oils) prior to their procedure. She utilizes ice to cool the target area to ensure your comfort . Patients are encouraged to continue with cooling modalities at home post-procedure to accelerate healing.