What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin, as well as remove excess fat.

Michel Pistor, a doctor in France, developed the technique in 1952. It was originally used to relieve pain. In the years since, it has gained popularity in the United States and other parts of the world.

Today, mesotherapy is used to:

• remove fat in areas like the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, and face
• reduce cellulite
• fade wrinkles and lines
• tighten loose skin
• recontour the body
• lighten pigmented skin
• treat alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss

The technique uses very fine needles to deliver a series of injections into the middle layer (mesoderm) of skin. The idea behind mesotherapy is that it corrects underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage.

There isn’t a standard formula for the substances injected in mesotherapy. Doctors use many different solutions, including:

• prescription medicines like vasodilators and antibiotics
• hormones such as calcitonin and thyroxin
• enzymes like collagenase and hyaluronidase
• herbal extracts
• vitamins and minerals

How do you prepare?

You’ll meet with the doctor ahead of time to find out what to expect. You might have to avoid aspirin (Bufferin) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for one week before the procedure. These pain relievers can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising during mesotherapy.

What are the side effects and risks?

People who practice mesotherapy say the risks are minimal if you go to a trained practitioner.

Side effects that have been reported include:

• nausea
• pain
• sensitivity
• swelling
• itching
• redness
• bruising
• bumps at the injection site
• dark patches of skin
• rash
• infection
• scars

What is the recovery like?

Because mesotherapy is noninvasive, there usually isn’t any downtime. Many people are able to return to their regular activities right away. Others may need to take a day off due to swelling and pain at the injection sites.