Mesotherapy has been around for some time now, but has recently become a favourite of cosmetic procedure lovers around the world.
Most of us are looking for ways to make us feel better about ourselves, and extend those aspects that we attribute to being youthful, which is why many people choose mesotherapy.
But, what exactly is mesotherapy, and how long does it take to work, and are the results long lasting?
Let’s have a look now to answer your questions.
What Is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy was originally invented by a French doctor, Dr Michel Pistor. He came up with the technique to help his patients who were suffering with chronic pain.
Since then, it has become mostly used in the cosmetic industry, with different applications claiming to help with different problems in varying areas of the body.
Mesotherapy uses needles to inject different compounds into the middle layer of the skin, known as the mesoderm, hence the name, depending on where and what you want treated.
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment, with no recovery time, which makes it a very popular treatment that can literally be performed in a lunch break.
The needles used are very fine, and they enter and exit the skin very quickly, so there is a very small amount of pain, however, those that are concerned about any pain from this procedure can usually request a local anaesthetic cream to be applied to the area.
Mesotherapy is thought to work by boosting the circulation in a certain area, and injecting substances that can help with a particular issue.
It also stimulates the production of collagen, which helps with the appearance of the skin, and assists with repairing connective tissue.
What Can Mesotherapy Be Used For?
Mesotherapy really has a wide range of uses which is another reason that it is such a popular treatment.
Some of the more popular issues it is used to treat are dull skin, acne, tighten skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, to remove fat from many areas of the body, including the stomach and thighs, and to lighten pigmented skin.
Different cocktails of ingredients are used depending on what area of the body is being targeted, and for what issue.
Some of the more common substances that are used can be various vitamins, enzymes such as collagenese, various minerals, and herbal extracts. Pharmaceutical drugs can also be used, but these must be prescribed by your doctor first.
There are many clinics that carry out this procedure, such as mesotherapy by The Youth Fountain, so make sure you do your research before choosing a clinic.
How Long Does It Last?
Firstly, you will need a consultation with your doctor, this way you can discuss what you are hoping to achieve, and they can advise you on what is achievable.
Your doctor will then decide on what you need injected, and how many appointments you will need.
The doctor will then advise you on how best to prepare for the appointment and they should take a full clinical history, as there may be some medications you are taking that you should stop before the therapy, or may mean you are not suitable for the treatment. You will also be advised not to drink alcohol for a few days before the appointment, as alcohol thins the blood, and can lead to bruising after the treatment.
The device that is used to give the injection is filled with many tiny, sterile needles, in this way, a bigger area can be covered in a smaller amount of time.
The needles are very small, so the pain should be minimal, but as already noted, you can have a numbing cream applied if you are concerned.
The needles will inject at various depths into the skin, depending on what you are having treated, and it is usually between 1 and 4 millimeters.
Mesotherapy is not a one off treatment, and you will need several appointments to get the effects. It generally takes a minimum of three appointments to start seeing results, but you may need as many as twenty appointments.
After your course of appointments, you may need more, but these can be several weeks to months apart.
Therefore, it is difficult to say exactly how long the results last, as it really depends on what issue is being treated, and where on the body it is.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As mesotherapy is non surgical and minimally invasive, it is considered a very safe procedure, with no recovery time.
However, everything carries some degree of risk and side effects are possible.
The most common ones that have been noted are bruising and bumps at the injection site and sometimes redness, sensitivity, swelling and a rash.
Some people report nausea, and headaches, and some others even report the area becoming infected and leaving scars.
So, it is important to have a thorough consultation with your doctor who can make sure you are fully aware of all the risks.
How Much Does Mesotherapy Cost?
The cost of mesotherapy is per session, so the total cost can vary, depending on how many appointments you require.
The price can also vary from clinic to clinic, so there are currently no set prices.
However, you can expect to pay from $200 to $600 depending on the country or state you are in, and the qualifications that your doctor has.
Insurance companies rarely cover the cost of this type of treatment, as it is generally used for cosmetic reasons, and not for medical ones.
If you are going to need many sessions of mesotherapy, it is quickly going to become very expensive, so ensure it is the right treatment for you before starting the course of treatments.
The Last Word
Mesotherapy can be very effective when used in the right way, however it is not without risk and significant cost.
Ensure you have a thorough consultation with a licensed and registered doctor who specialises in this type of therapy.
