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Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a technique used to treat cellulite, to remove unwanted fat and for the rejuvenation of the skin. The process involves the injection of microscopic quantities of pharmaceutical agents, natural plant extracts, homeopathic medicines and vitamins into the layer of fat and connective tissue under the skin.
The solutions are formulated to block internal signals of fat uptake, trigger fat release, increase circulation, and burn energy. They should be customized for the needs of each patient.
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| The physicians of Reflections have undergone extensive training in several Mesotherapy disciplines, including those of Dr. Lionel Bissoon. In fact, many of the formulas and techniques utilized at Reflections have been developed by Dr. Lionel Bissoon, himself. Dr. Bissoon is internationally recognized in the field of Mesotherapy, having studied in Paris under world renowned practitioners. Dr. Bissoon is considered by many to be America’s leading expert in the field of Mesotherapy today. He is President of the American Board of Mesotherapy. |
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How long has Mesotherapy been performed?
Mesotherapy was discovered in France by Dr. Pistor in 1952 and has been practiced in Europe for over 50 years. In France alone there are over 15,000 physicians practicing Mesotherapy and it is a recognized specialty. Mesotherapy is based upon the notion that Dr. Pistor had to deliver small amounts of medicines directly to a localized problem area. In this way, it would not only hasten the results, but also decrease the incidence of side effects.
Who can have Mesotherapy?
All adults between the ages 16 to 75 who are in good health can be candidates for Mesotherapy, such as Mesotherapy for localized fat spot reduction, cellulite reduction and facial rejuvenation.
The ideal candidate for Mesotherapy is in good health, exercises regularly, is within 25 pounds or their ideal body weight and has deposits of fat or cellulite that haven’t responded to diet and exercise.
What areas of the body can be treated?
1. Love handles
2. Stomach pooch
3. Saddle bags
4. Bra bulge
5. Inner thigh bulge
6. Buttocks
7. Abdomen
8. Knee pads
9. Double chin
10. Face and neck
11. Arms
12. Back
13. Legs
14. Hands
15. Waist
Anything to do before the treatment?
It is recommended to eat a high protein meal before the treatment and to avoid any caffeine containing foods or beverages, as well as cold tablets. If diet medications are utilized, please ask whether to take this on the day of the procedure.
How long is the “down time” and recovery time?
There is no down time or recovery time for this procedure. The patient will be back to regular activities immediately. Hot showers should be avoided for 8 hours. If treatments were performed on the face, avoid makeup for at least 4 hours.
Are the medicines used in Mesotherapy FDA approved?
All the medicines used in Mesotherapy are FDA approved but their use in Mesotherapy is considered off-label. This is very common today. An illustration of an off label use of a medication is Botox Cosmetic ™. Botox Cosmetic ™ was originally FDA approved for controlling muscle spasms, but for over 20 years physicians used it to treat wrinkles untill it was FDA approved.
Mechanical delivery devices are used by some physicians to deliver the Mesotherapy solutions, but they are NOT FDA approved at this time.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction involves the surgical removal of pockets of fat to contour an area of the body. It is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. A tube called a cannula is inserted through an incision in the skin and fat cells are suctioned out. Intravenous fluids are given to replace bodily fluids lost during the treatment. Liposuction carries risks for anyone with medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease or poor circulation.
It is common to have significant bruising and discomfort after liposuction and patients must plan to be home for at least 2 weeks after the treatment is performed.
Liposuction is a useful and popular procedure, and is commonly performed in conjunction with Mesotherapy.
Difference between Mesotherapy and Liposuction?
Liposuction focuses on removing fat cells from given areas of the body, Mesotherapy functions to mobilize the fat from the fat cells and then to excrete them. After Liposuction there is a risk of depositing fat in areas of the body that were not problematic before the procedure. For example, a patient who had liposuction done on the hips and buttocks may gain weight afterwards on the back or shoulders. This is not seen with Mesotherapy.
Liposuction may leave a lumpy appearance to the skin in area that was treated. The skin is left smooth after Mesotherapy. Mesotherapy is commonly used after liposuction to correct the irregularities left after liposuction.
Liposuction is a surgical and invasive procedure which involves downtime, but has the advantage that it can be performed in one sitting. Mesotherapy is performed every one to two weeks for an average of 6-10 sessions but involves no downtime and less risk.
Mesotherapy is non surgical and it doesn’t require general anesthesia, compressive wraps, hospitalization, etc.
One other big difference is that Liposuction does not treat Cellulite, Mesotherapy does!
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition which gives a lumpy, dimpled appearance to the skin, especially on the hips, buttocks and legs. It affects 95% of post-pubescent women and the majority of women over age 21. Cellulite is not limited to women who are overweight and is commonly found in slim females. Again, cellulite is not a disease of excess weight, though this may aggravate the condition. It is also not caused by lack of exercise or improper diet.
Cellulite is created by poor microvascular circulation which is seen with declining estrogen levels, a weakening of connective tissue in the area, fat herniation and lymphatic congestion. It is also caused by fat accumulation and fluid retention. Genetics also plays a role.
Fat cells in the subcutaneous layer of the skin are arranged in chambers, divided by connective tissue elements called septae. As the fat cells in each chamber absorb water and excess fat they enlarge and stretch through the connective tissue walls. The connective tissue hardens, retracts and the skin in the area becomes inflexible. What results is the “cottage cheese” appearance to the skin.
From pills to machines to creams, people have spent much money on the promise of decreased cellulite only to be disappointed in the lack of results. Mesotherapy is the only true regimen today that improves the appearance of cellulite.
What contributes to cellulite formation?
a. Genetic predisposition
b. Hormonal changes, especially estrogen decline, resulting in poor circulation.
c. Decreasing skin tone with age
d. Weight gain and lack of exercise can aggravate the condition.
What are the stages of Cellulite?
Stage 0: No visible cellulite even when skin is pinched
Stage I: No visible cellulite when standing or lying down, however “orange peel” texture can be seen when skin is pinched.
Stage II: Visible cellulite when standing, but not when lying down.
Stage III: Visible cellulite when standing and lying down.
How does Mesotherapy improve cellulite?
a. Improves both venous and lymphatic circulation
b. Decreases connective tissue bands that give the cottage cheese appearance to the skin
c. Dissolve fat lobules trapped between these bands creating tighter, smoother skin.
d. At times, techniques such as stringcision or subcision are used to treat the dimpled area of the skin.
How does Mesotherapy work on weight loss and spot reduction?
In women, fat cells, especially those in the lower part of the body are programmed to store fat (evolutionary reasons). They hold on to this fat and it makes weight loss from the lower body very difficult.
With Mesotherapy, the biology of the fat cell is modified by blocking the signals of fat accumulation and simultaneously triggering the release of stored fat.
How fast will I see results?
The timing on when someone will see results depend on the area treated and the extent of the problem. Fat pads of the eye will usually show visible improvement after the first treatment. Areas with cellulite and fat should show improvement after the first few treatments.
How long will the results last?
Patients who make a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after Mesotherapy, with proper diet and regular exercise, should see their results persist. We recommend that maintenance treatments be performed once or twice annually, especially after a cellulite regimen.
Are the treatments painful?
The majority of patients experience minimal discomfort. The diameter of the needle utilized is tiny, similar to that of an eyelash, and the length only 4-6 mm for most treatments. For those who have discomfort, a topical anesthetic cream can be utilized 45 minutes prior to the procedure. We also sometimes use a technology that blows a stream of cold air on to the skin.
Are there any side effects?
Possible side effects are generally mild and may include a short period of burning or itching, as well as temporary soreness which can last from a few minutes to as much as two days. Temporary bruising is common. Most bruises fade within one week and certainly by two weeks they should be completely gone.
Can I go back to work after the procedure?
Yes. The treatments generally take 30 minutes and no downtime is expected afterwards. No heavy bandages or compressive girdles are used.
How many treatments will I need to reduce fat?
Treatment visit requirements vary from patient to patient, depending on the amount of and location of fat being treated, the goals of the individual patient and whether they follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen. A thin patient with love handles or saddlebags will require fewer treatments than an obese patient treating their large abdomen, for example. An average patient may require 5-10 treatments while an athlete concentrating on a small, targeted area might only require 3-4 treatments.
What are typical costs for Mesotherapy?
Costs vary by region and facility but typically range from $350-700 per treatment around the country. At Reflections, we have tried to remain very competitive with the desire that more patients will be able to take advantage of the procedure. Mesotherapy procedures are typically sold in packages.
What about Mesotherapy for wrinkled and sagging skin in the face (Mesolift), as well as for full facial rejuvenation (Mesolift/Mesoglow)?
Aging, sagging and wrinkling of the skin occurs from accumulation of fat, loss of skin elasticity, and excessive free radical damage. Collagen is lost too.
Mesolift treatments involve the use of strategically placed facial injections to bring about tightening and anti-aging benefits to the skin. The procedure is designed to provide nutrition to the skin, repair damaged tissue and restore proper function.
At the cellular level, Mesolift techniques increase collagen and elastin production, promote cellular metabolism, and increase the extracellular matrix.
We recommend combining Mesolift treatments with Mesoglow therapy, which involves a technique called Nappage. Mesolift and Mesoglow, when used together, can bring about full face rejuvenation. After a series of treatments, patients report a more rested appearance with a radiant, more youthful glow to their skin. These treatments are recommended to be performed once weekly for 4 weeks, then quarterly thereafter.
In France models begin to undergo Mesolift/Mesoglow treatments in the 20’s whereas the general population begins in their 30’s.
Mesolift and Mesoglow can be performed in conjunction with Botox Cosmetic ™, Laser and Restylane treatments, as well as IPL photorejuvenation.
These procedures can bring a rejuvenated appearance to the face without the potentially unnatural appearance and long recovery time associated with surgery.
What is a Mesoglow treatment?
Using a technique called Nappage, one can rejuvenate the face in preparation for that big event. The effect is a more youthful glow to the skin and revitalized appearance. These treatments can be performed in a series as well.
What about Mesoglow treatments for the Chest and Hands?
Mesoglow treatments are performed on the hands and chest at a 4-6 week interval.
What about facial sculpting with Mesotherapy (Mesosculpt)?
Using specialized solutions which we tailor to a patient’s specific needs, we can enhance the prominence of the cheekbones, decrease fat under the eyes or in the chin area or reduce the amount of fat in the neck. It can also decrease the appearance of smile lines or jowls or create a new jaw line.
The process of facial sculpting is very popular today because of the illusion of overall weight loss it creates and the improvement in self esteem that is commonly seen afterwards as well as the new found motivation to change one’s lifestyle.
Treatments are done weekly for the face and every two weeks for the eyelids and neck. Eyelid and chin fat reduction is noted quickly. It is common to have some redness and swelling under the eyes after treatment that resolves fully.
What about body sculpting with Mesotherapy?
a. One can achieve a contouring of the abdomen, arms and legs with Mesotherapy, Vitamins and antioxidants are used to tighten the sagging skin while other agents are used to remove areas of fat, restoring a more youthful and athletic appearance to the body’s contours.
Can Mesotherapy be used for weight loss?
a. We measure the results of Mesotherapy in inches, not pounds. It is not uncommon to lose up to two dress sizes and several inches from the hips and waist after a series of treatments.
Who shouldn’t undergo Mesotherapy?
a. Women who are pregnant
b. People on blood thinners
c. Insulin Dependent Diabetics
d. People with Cancer
e. People with AIDS
f. People with coronary artery heart disease or heart dysfunction
g. People with arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
h. People with a history of blood clots or strokes
Before you undergo Mesotherapy, what health conditions are particularly important to let your doctor know about it?
a. Symptomatic Mitral Valve Prolapse
b. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
c. Active Skin Infections or Fever
d. Diabetes
e. Medications, including Beta Blockers and diet medications
What should I ask my physician to confirm that he or she is competent to perform Mesotherapy?
The level of training for Mesotherapy varies considerably. Look for a physician who has undergone comprehensive hands on training in Mesotherapy, including proving competency in advanced techniques. There are few that have done this in the United States to date, so you must directly ask them about these details to validate their understanding of the techniques.
Also ask them how long their training process was for and who sponsored the course(s)? Where did the physician that trained them learn Mesotherapy? This answer should be France. Were the courses accredited? |
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