Introduction
Mesotherapy is a noninvasive cosmetic treatment that involves injecting vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts into the skin to rejuvenate its appearance, tighten loose areas, and remove excess fat. Originally developed by French doctor Michel Pistor in 1952 to manage pain, the technique has since evolved into a popular aesthetic procedure, particularly in the United States and worldwide.
What Can Mesotherapy Treat?
Today, mesotherapy is widely used for a variety of cosmetic and medical concerns, including:
- Reducing localized fat in the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, arms, legs, and face
- Minimizing cellulite
- Smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines
- Tightening sagging skin
- Enhancing body contour
- Lightening hyperpigmented areas
- Treating alopecia, a condition that leads to hair loss
The treatment targets the mesoderm, the middle layer of the skin, using very fine needles to deliver customized solutions directly to the area of concern. The goal is to address underlying causes such as poor circulation and inflammation, which contribute to skin damage and hair loss.
What’s in a Mesotherapy Injection?
There is no universal formula for mesotherapy. Practitioners may tailor the treatment using a mix of:
- Prescription medications (e.g., vasodilators, antibiotics)
- Hormones (e.g., calcitonin, thyroxin)
- Enzymes (e.g., collagenase, hyaluronidase)
- Herbal extracts
- Vitamins and minerals
Watch the video and see Ultra-immersive full-face mesotherapy injection:
Preparing for the Procedure
Before undergoing mesotherapy, you’ll consult with your doctor to discuss expectations and guidelines. You may be advised to stop taking aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) a week prior to treatment, as they can increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding.
During the Appointment
Each session may begin with a numbing cream applied to the skin. Using a short, fine needle — sometimes attached to a mechanical injection gun — the practitioner delivers small amounts of solution into your skin at depths ranging from 1 to 4 millimeters. Depending on your condition, you may need between 3 and 15 sessions. Initially, treatments are spaced 7 to 10 days apart, eventually shifting to once every two weeks or monthly as improvements appear.
Watch the video and see Pain-Free Hand-Injected Mesotherapy for Deep Hydration and Rejuvenation:
For more videos, please visit our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IDCosmeticClinic
How Effective Is Mesotherapy?
While mesotherapy is marketed for skin rejuvenation and fat removal, its effectiveness remains inconclusive due to the variability in substances used and the lack of large-scale studies. A 2012 study of six patients showed no significant wrinkle reduction, and a 2008 study of 20 women saw no change in thigh measurements post-treatment.
Mesotherapy vs. Liposuction
Mesotherapy is often considered a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction. Unlike liposuction — which involves anesthesia, incisions, and suctioning of fat — mesotherapy is minimally invasive and has little to no downtime. However, it may require more sessions to achieve similar effects and currently lacks strong scientific backing for fat reduction.
Another related procedure, injection lipolysis, uses substances like phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate to break down fat. Though sometimes used interchangeably with mesotherapy, both methods are viewed skeptically by medical associations due to limited evidence of efficacy.
Risks and Side Effects
Mesotherapy is generally regarded as low-risk when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. However, potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling and redness
- Itching and bruising
- Lumps at injection sites
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rash
- Infection
- Scarring
Recovery After Mesotherapy
One of mesotherapy’s advantages is its minimal downtime. Most patients resume normal activities immediately, although some may experience temporary discomfort or swelling.
Regulatory Considerations and Final Thoughts
Mesotherapy has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a procedure. However, many of the ingredients used in the injections are FDA-approved for other purposes, making their use in mesotherapy off-label.
Given the lack of standardized formulations and inconsistent results, it’s crucial to seek treatment from a skilled, licensed medical professional.
Can Mesotherapy Help with Hair Loss?
Beyond facial rejuvenation and fat reduction, mesotherapy is also utilized to treat hair loss caused by conditions like alopecia. The treatment involves injecting the scalp with nutrients, plant extracts, or medications such as finasteride and minoxidil. Practitioners claim it helps by improving circulation, delivering nutrients, and balancing hormones near hair follicles. Nevertheless, only finasteride and minoxidil have clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness for hair regrowth.
Conclusion
Mesotherapy remains an appealing option for those seeking non-surgical body contouring, skin revitalization, or hair loss treatment. However, its overall safety and efficacy are still under debate. Always consult with an experienced medical provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your individual needs.
Book a Consultation
If you’re looking for more information about Mesotherapy in Toronto or want to book a session for Mesotherapy , feel free to contact us:
📍 Toronto ID Cosmetic Clinic: Unit 113-115-116-117, 30 Gibson Dr. Markham, ON L3R 2S3
📞 Book by phone | Free consultation: (905)-477-2225
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About Dr.Xu
- Dr. Xu Dan, chief physician at ID Aesthetic Medicine, possesses a Canadian Medical Doctorate.
- In-depth knowledge of North American aesthetics and Asian facial intricacies.
- By integrating Eastern and Western aesthetics, she expertly crafts ideal facial features for Asians.
- She boasts over 80,000 successful cases.
- Dr. Xu has innovated a technique using injections for eye and face lifts, targeting the Asian facial profile.
- Tailored solutions for your skin, emphasizing the medical core of aesthetic medicine.
- As an experienced Chinese doctor, she personally conducts procedures.
- Bilingual consultations are available on-site, ensuring safe treatments.
- Free consultation appointments are offered.
