Overview | How Mesotherapy Affect Skin | Treatments | Side-Effects
Mesotherapy is a technique invented in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor. Over the past years many physicians worldwide have regularly used Mesotherapy for varied indications, weight loss, spot reduction of fat, cellulite reduction, hair loss, scar revision and wrinkle elimination. In this technique very small doses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other active substances are directly injected with a very small needle or a meso-gun into the mesoderm which is the third layer of the skin where the blood vessels are present. It helps to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin which in turn repairs itself. The medicines, vitamins and plant extracts used are typically obtained from compounding pharmacies.
How does Mesotherapy affect the skin?
Under the influence of the sun and other harmful environmental insults on the skin, it undergoes changes such as texture and elasticity loss, unequal pigmentation, loss of sub-dermal fatty tissue and the blood circulation reduces and skin firmness becomes more prominent with enlarged capillaries. These changes are due to reduction of the fibroblast cells.
However the topical regenerative creams applied on the surface of the skin; only 10 % of the active substance get reabsorbed in the skin. The surface layer of the skin functions like a barrier to environmental substances and organisms but it also prevents re absorption of the creams applied. So the goal of the Mesotherapy is to inject the full concentration of active substance in the mesoderm necessary to regenerate healthy and youthful skin. It increases the activities of the fibroblast, responsible for production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronan in the skin. With repeated procedures the wrinkles are reduced and the amount of collagen increases and the hydration of skin also improves.
What substances are used in mesotherapy?
Sterile substances that contain one active substance – hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, amino acids, or cocktails of vitamins, minerals and other active ingredients.
What does a mesotherapy treatment look like?
The area of treatment is anesthetized with topical anesthetic cream. After 30 – 35 minutes the application is cleaned and disinfected. Injections are given either with a small needle or a meso-gun and are grouped closely in the treated area 1/4 to 1 inch apart and depth upto 2mm in the skin. Small blebs will be formed on the skin, which disappear shortly. After the procedure a gentle massage is given, then application of an antibiotic cream followed by application of sunscreen.
How many treatments are required?
Usually performed in 3 – 4 treatments. Depending on the material used and the indications, treatments can be 1 – 2 weeks apart or at monthly interval. The number of treatment is very individualized and depends on the age, treated region, and the habits of the patients (smoking, exposure to solar radiation).
What are the indication ?
- Face – Rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, mesolift, sun damaged skin, pigmentation, melasma and dark circles.
- Hair – Hair loss, pattern baldness, alopecia areata.
- Cellulite reduction
- Localized fat reduction – Double chin
- Stretch marks
What are the contraindications for the Mesotherapy treatment?
Mesotherapy contraindications are autoimmune diseases, blood clotting disorder, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus and bacterial skin infections.
What to expect after a session of Mesotherapy?
What treatments are combined with Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy works in compliment or together with other aesthetic procedures such as treatment with hyaluronic acid, Botox, chemical peels, surgical lifts and other hair restoration techniques like stem cell or hair transplantation. In combination or as an adjutant with other treatments it helps to delay the time for using aggressive surgical methods.
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.