
Mesotherapy, Intradermotherapy or treatment of the skin's middle layers, is a specialized medical treatment created in France in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor, who successfully applied it to patients with a variety of medical conditions. Fifty years later, Mesotherapy is being applied by thousands of physicians all over the world, particularly for the reduction of cellulite [gynoid lipodystrophy] and also for the reduction of localized fat deposits —Spot Weight Reduction, on the waistline, thighs, chest, upper arms, etc.
This medical procedure consists of the local administration of selected medications that reduce the fat content of the layers of cells that cause the skin to have
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| the appearance of 'orange skin', with dimpling, ripples and 'bumps', usually on the thighs and buttocks. |
32 years old female patient with noticeable deposit of fat tissues on both left and right lateral upper thighs. She had approximately fourteen massage-suction localized treatments before consultation, without much improvement. The picture on the right shows good results from the application of six Mesotherapy treatments over a six-week period. She also received limited treatments on the lower buttocks and upper inner thighs.
26 years old female patient who received Mesotherapy treatments after losing twelve pounds. The picture on the right shows excellent results after six treatments over a two-month period. She continued exercising regularly and keeping a low-fat diet while receiving her treatments.
34 years old female patient with grade three cellulite on both buttocks and lateral-posterior upper thighs. She had cellulite for approximately twelve years, that worsened as she gained weight; she lost approximately twenty pounds before treatments began. The picture on the right shows marked improvement after six treatments over a two-month period
29 years old female patient with grade two-three cellulite [lines and ripples with few dimples] on both buttocks and lateral upper thighs. Her deeply tanned skin shows premature signs of aging; she underwent six intensive treatments over two months, including localized gentle massages. Although this patient still has some shallow skin ripples on her posterior lower thighs, she is very satisfied with the results.
56 years old female patient with grade two cellulite on both anterior, lateral and posterior thighs. She had multiple unsuccessful treatments with massage-suction devices prior to consultation. The picture on the right shows marked improvement after six Mesotherapy applications over a three-month period.
For cellulite and body sculpting Mesotherapy treatments, the best results are obtained when patients exercise regularly and follow a sensible, low fat diet.
Mesotherapy is a scientifically created method that follows sound and proven medical principles to successfully treat cellulite. Other types of treatments based on lotions, herbs, creams, ointments, etc., fail, simply because they have no effect on the skin tissues with cellulite. Some of these products are top-brand labeled and could be quite expensive. Certain combination massage-suction devices have been approved by the FDA, but have only a temporary effect on cellulite.
Depending on the area to be treated, the degree of progression of cellulite, etc., Mesotherapy medications are carefully selected and introduced into the skin layers in very small amounts. All medications used at our practice are FDA-approved; some are based on natural components of our tissues and some are used routinely in hospital settings.
Although there are literally hundreds of 'systems' and 'programs' that promise "weight spot reduction" for the waistline, 'love handles', thighs, etc., by exercising, massages, using "body wraps" with herbs, lotions, etc., the reality is that none of them work because they have no effect on the tissues retaining excess fat.
Our metabolism regulates our weight, and when we consume more calories than we really need, we gain weight, and fat tissue accumulates around our waistline first. When we lose weight, this is the last place to let go. Most of us have tried several kinds of diets to lose weight, but even when we accomplish our goals, we still have those hated 'rolls' around our midlines...
What options do we have to get rid of this problem?... Mesotherapy, also known as 'Meso Sculpting' when applied to deeper tissues, is the simplest and most adequate treatment for true spot reduction, because it is a painless, quick and effective procedure.
Liposuction [Lipectomy], has specific applications and advantages, but for many reasons, it is not the most advisable option for spot reduction. The following is a brief comparison of both procedures:
Mesotherapy - Simple, painless, quick, effective non-invasive office procedure - Removes fat from fat cells - Used for cellulite as well as for body sculpting - No bandages or dressings are required - No down-time: patients may return to normal activities right away - Bruising is minimal, if any - Lower cost.
Liposuction - Invasive surgical procedure - Potential for complications such as bleeding and infections - Pain and bruising are expected - Down time of up to two-three weeks - Ineffective for cellulite - Compressive bandages must be worn for two-three weeks - Prescription pain medications are required for the post-operative period - Subsequent weight gain may cause raised or 'bumpy' spots around treated areas - Higher fees.
Spot reduction with mesotherapy is accomplished when medications —similar to the ones used for cellulite treatments, are introduced into deeper layers of tissues under the skin. These medications actually let fat migrate out of fat cells, which is then reabsorbed and metabolized by the body. After several treatments, 'problem' spots are gradually reduced in size.
A Satisfied Patient's Testimony - At this time, Mesotherapy for cellulite and spot reduction is applied with notable success at only a few medical practices in the US. For a satisfied patient's perspective, read singer Roberta Flack's interview by Leslie Stahl [CBS - 48 Hours] on August 1, 2003, by clicking here [A new window will open].
What is the difference between the 'Cellulite' and 'Body Sculpting' treatments?...
The difference is related to the depth of the tissues to be treated: for cellulite, medications are introduced into the cell layers right under the skin, between one and two millimeters deep. For body sculpting - spot reduction, medications are administered into deeper layers of tissues.
How are the treatments applied?...
Depending on the area to be treated, the degree of progression of cellulite, etc., medications are carefully selected and introduced into the skin layers in very small amounts, either by using specially designed, very thin needles that are virtually painless, or by a needle-less medical device.
Do treatments hurt?...
Understandably, pain caused by medical procedures is always a concern with any of us; however, due to advanced new techniques, pain is not an issue any longer. Some patients may experience a mild, fleeting itching sensation during treatments, that may last for only a few minutes. Patients with very sensitive skin would benefit from the selection of medications that do not cause any pain or discomfort.
What areas of the body can be treated?...
Mesotherapy and Body Sculpting treatments can be applied on any area of the body; For cellulite, mainly on the buttocks and lateral-posterior areas of the thighs.
'Sculpting' or spot reduction treatments, for women as well as for men, are requested mostly for the abdomen, thighs, chest, upper arms, etc.
How many treatments would I need?...
For cellulite as well as for body sculpting Mesotherapy, the number of treatments needed to obtain good results are from five to fifteen, depending on the degree of cellulite and of how much 'spot reduction' or 'sculpting' patients desire, provided they are good candidates [read the paragraph below]. Treatments may last from twenty to forty-five minutes each, and are administered every ten to fourteen days.
How soon can I see results?...
Every situation is different. Depending on several factors such as diet and exercise, dosage and response to medications, results may be apparent after receiving four or five mesotherapy treatments. For body sculpting, approximately five mesotherapy treatments over a two-month period may reduce the thickness of tissues by up to three-quarters of an inch.
Who benefits the most from Mesotherapy treatments?...
For cellulite and body sculpting Mesotherapy treatments, the best results are obtained with patients who exercise regularly while following a sensible, low fat diet. Ideally, Mesotherapy should be applied to patients who have lost [fat] weight before treatments start.
Mesotherapy treatments help release fat from tissues, which is then either metabolized, eliminated or absorbed by other tissues. Unlike liposuction, Mesotherapy does not remove fat cells from the body. For this reason, if after being treated, patients increase the caloric content of their diets, from either sugars, fat, meats, alcohol, etc., their bodies will store the extra calories in the form of fat... in the same cells that released it during Mesotherapy treatments.
In other words, if patients gain excess weight after successful Mesotherapy treatments, cellulite and other 'trouble spots' will, unfortunately, return...
Are there any complications with Mesotherapy treatments?...
Occasionally, very small bruises appear on the treated areas, but —as with any other bruises, they fade away in a few days. With our skin treatment techniques, before, during and after Mesotherapy, this side effect is largely avoided.
We have to keep in mind that the frequency of undesired effects and complications are greatly diminished when medications are carefully chosen and applied by physicians with a great deal of experience. Our doctors have treated many patients for many years without any undesired results, due to their excellent skills and their use of state-of-the-art medical devices and supplies.
All of our patients are offered a free first consultation, during which an experienced physician will answer all questions regarding any of our treatments.
How much do Mesotherapy and Body Sculpting treatments Cost?...
Mesotherapy and Body Sculpting Treatment Fees: $280 - $380 per session,
depending on the location and size of areas to be treated.
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