A non-surgical treatment for localised pain, hair growth, skin rejuvenation and removal of fat and cellulite sounds too good to be true. However, in the hands of qualified physicians with specific training in the art of mesotherapy, it can work wonders over time, and smooth, glowing skin is achievable without invasive procedures.
What is mesotherapy?
A French physician, Dr Michel Pistor, pioneered the treatment in 1952 for pain management. Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which micro-injections deliver a wide range of medication directly into the mesoderm or middle layer of the skin.
Today it is used for a wide range of applications with major advances in tools and medicines and other savvy ingredients to deliver the desired amount in an even fashion into the mesoderm for a particular purpose.
While the procedure has minimal side effects, it is imperative to use a qualified and reputable clinic to ensure quality results. Mesotherapy treatment quality is monitored by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and The Society of Mesotherapy of the United Kingdom (SoMUK) but the procedure is not FDA approved, as scientific research is ongoing but scarce.
What is mesotherapy used for?
Aesthetic Procedures
- Ageing of the skin and fine lines, particularly in areas such as the face, neck, hands and chest (décolleté)
- Skin quality affecting the hydration of the skin, which provides glow and radiance
- Pigmentation such as sunspots, dark circles or melasma
- Treatment of acne scarring or other small scars
- Reducing or removal of cellulite and small fatty deposits
- Tightening loose skin
- Hair loss (alopecia)
Sports Injuries and Pain Management
Mesotherapy can be used effectively in managing pain due to sports injuries, sprains, tendonitis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or the after-effects of surgery or injuries.
There is no standard Mesotherapy treatment, as each provider has their unique mesotherapy recipe, often made up of a mix of vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, hormones, enzymes and other pharmaceutical or homeopathic ingredients. A single session may cost anywhere between $200 and $600 and is not covered by insurance.
Expert opinion
Medical Travel Market got in touch with Dr Rekha Tailor of Health And Aesthetics in Surrey, who says:
Mesotherapy treatments are injectable treatments that use small amounts of Hyaluronic Acid blends which are administered into the mesoderm (middle layer of the skin). It can be done on the face, scalp and body.
Mesotherapy can treat a range of ailments such as pigmentation, skin rejuvenation, cellulite, skin laxity, stretch marks and in some cases, acne.
By injecting these unique cocktails of hyaluronic acid and vitamins, mesotherapy promotes the production of collagen and elastin and stimulates the skin's metabolism, producing healthier, more radiant skin.
Diluted painkillers in micro-doses or a special cocktail of ingredients are injected into the mesoderm of the skin, based on the patient’s specific requirements. This may contain vitamins, minerals or trace elements, growth factors, antioxidants, peptides, and amino acids to stimulate the fibroblast cells to produce more collagen. Hyaluronic acid will help moisturise and plump up the skin, and other components will nourish and revitalise it. These include hormones, vasodilators, antibiotics, and enzymes.
A typical treatment takes around thirty minutes and, depending on your circumstances. You may need six to eight treatments for best results; however, you will see an instant improvement in dull or tired-looking skin.
Patients as young as thirty will start with the revitalisation process to keep their skin smooth and supple, and most will require ongoing treatments twice a year once the initial course is completed.
The procedure is not painful, but an anaesthetic cream can be used to minimise any discomfort. Slight swelling or tiny purple spots may be present for a day or so, but in most cases, you can return to work the next day.
Where can I find mesotherapy treatments?
Starting with the UK, Health and Aesthetics is a reputable clinic in Surrey, led by Dr Rekha Tailor.
The EF Medispa, Britain’s first comprehensive medispa, has clinics in Kensington, St John’s Wood, Chelsea and Richmond. They offer mesotherapy with their bespoke combination of ingredients which address wrinkles, dry skin, fine lines, cellulite and stubborn stretch marks.
The Harley Street Skin Clinic has performed over half a million mesotherapy procedures with excellent results. The award-winning Harley Street Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery clinic offers a free consultation.
In Manchester, visit the Mirror Aesthetics clinic in the city centre, or One Aesthetic Studio in Alderley Edge.
In the USA, mesotherapy is available in a variety of places, such as at the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute, by qualified physicians. They have four locations in Illinois and are currently offering virtual consultations.
Most importantly, always consult with a qualified and experienced physician about your suitability for treatment and enquire about the ingredient mix being used in your bespoke mesotherapy treatment.
