Mesotherapy is a medical technique devised in 1950 by a Frenchman called Dr Michel Pistor. It was first used to treat such conditions as rheumatism, sports injuries, and for the improvement of blood circulation.

Mesotherapy has now been used successfully by some practitioners for the treatment of cosmetic conditions, including skin rejuvenation and improvement, hair regrowth, localised fat reduction and as a treatment for cellulite.

Mesotherapy is also practised in many other countries around the world and is currently gaining widespread acceptance by cosmetic clinics in the UK and the USA. 

 

 

How does Mesotherapy work?

 

Mesotherapy involves the injection of a specially prepared mixture of vitamins, amino acids, and medications, placed just millimetres under the skin into the problematic area. Just a "drop" of the solution is used at each injection site.

The idea is that you can get these active substances to the site requiring treatment by directly injecting them there. This is instead of relying on a tablet or intravenous injection where higher concentrations of the drug are required in order to get adequate levels to the site requiring treatment. Mesotherapy is both more precise and requires less solution to be injected.

The actual preparation injected into the mesoderm (or surface layer of the skin) during Mesotherapy depends upon the problem being treated.

 

 

Mesotherapy as a skin rejuvenating treatment.

 

Mesotherapy in the treatment of ageing skin aims to replace minerals, vitamins and amino acids that are found in lower levels in the skin as we age.

Another newer procedure is to boost levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin. This is another important component of the skin that helps to maintain firmness and texture.

As the skin ages, levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, and it is claimed that injecting more hyaluronic acid into the dermal layers (just below the surface of the skin) helps to stimulate more collagen production, which, in turn, improves skin tone and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

 

 

What happens during a Mesotherapy treatment?

 

Careful discussions regarding patient reasons for wanting treatment of the skin are very important before you begin mesotherapy. You must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what the patient wants and how the patient would like to look afterwards.

A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why the patient shouldn’t undertake treatment. You should ask the patient to sign a consent form which means that she or he have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a "before and after" comparison at a later date.

Treatment may be carried out immediately after an initial consultation at which point you will inform the patient as to how many treatments she or he will require.
 
The procedures

 

Mesotherapy involves multiple injections using a very fine needle, immediately beneath the surface of the skin. It will help to improve circulation, replace lost vitamins, minerals and amino acids, or boost levels of hyaluronic acid.

Each treatment takes about ten to twenty minutes and is generally not painful. If the patient finds it uncomfortable, a topical anaesthetic can be applied prior to treatment. 

Repeat procedures

Micro-injections are given every couple of weeks for two to three treatment courses. Some individuals may require a longer initial course of treatment.

When the desired effects are achieved, the patient will require a maintenance program every 2 - 3 months or so. 

 

 

How long will it take to recover from Mesotherapy?

 

After the treatment, the patient can return to normal activities.

 

 

What are the risks and potential complications from Mesotherapy treatment?

 

Fine needles are used to help keep any pain – which is generally only minor and short-lived – to a minimum. Possible side-effects are small bruises which vanish in a few days, and a little swelling in the injected area which remains for about 12 - 36 hours.

Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the products used, although this is a rare occurrence.

 

 

What should be done after a Mesotherapy treatment?

 

No specific advice is usually given.

However, the patient should be advised to contact her or his practitioner immediately if the patient notices any signs of pain or inflammation in the area treated.

 

 

Who should not have a Mesotherapy treatment?

 

A person should not undergo mesotherapy if she or he had a history of any allergic reactions to any of the substances being injected.

This should be discussed in the first medical consultation.

 

 

Who can perform Mesotherapy?

 

Mesotherapy is an interventional natural medicine technique. Mesotherapy must be performed by a licensed health care clinician who is permitted to do injections.

 

 

What is the average cost of Mesotherapy?

 

Private prices for mesotherapy can range from £50 to several £300's per treatment session.

 

 

Summary of advice for Mesotherapy

 

There are many people in the medical profession in the U.K. who are sceptical about the effectiveness and potential long-term safety of this procedure.

It is, however, a widely accepted treatment for a number of medical as well as cosmetic problems in France and other parts of Europe.

Over the last couple of years, more U.K. aesthetic practitioners have decided to adopt Mesotherapy at their clinics.

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Useful links - Mesotherapy