Mesotherapy In Three Ashes

Mesotherapy is a medical technique devised in the 1950s by a Frenchman called Dr Michel Pistor. It was first used to treat such conditions as rheumatism, sports injuries, and for the improvement of blood circulation.

Mesotherapy has now been used successfully by some practitioners for the treatment of cosmetic conditions, including skin rejuvenation and improvement, hair regrowth, localised fat reduction and as a treatment for cellulite.

It is commonly practised in France, where more than 15,000 practitioners use Mesotherapy for the care of their patients and it is a procedure that is taught in French medical schools.
 
Mesotherapy is also practised in many other countries around the world, and is currently gaining widespread acceptance by cosmetic clinics in the UK and the USA. According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), just under 29,000 Americans had mesotherapy treatment in 2006, a staggering increase of 505% on 2005 figures.

If you are considering mesotherapy, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure. It can't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the practitioner. Please ask a practitioner about anything you don't understand.

Careful discussions regarding your reasons for wanting treatment of your skin are very important before you begin mesotherapy. You must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what you want and how you would like to look afterwards.

A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a "before and after" comparison at a later date.

Treatment may be carried out immediately after an initial consultation at which point you will be informed as to how many treatments you will require.
 
The procedures

Mesotherapy involves multiple injections using a very fine needle, immediately beneath the surface of the skin. It will help to improve circulation, replace lost vitamins, minerals and amino acids, or boost levels of hyaluronic acid.

Each treatment takes about ten to twenty minutes and is generally not painful. If you find it uncomfortable, a topical anaesthetic can be applied prior to treatment.

Repeat procedures

Micro-injections are given every couple of weeks for two to three treatment courses. Some individuals may require a longer initial course of treatment.

When the desired effects are achieved, you will require a maintenance program every 2 - 3 months or so.

Fine needles are used to help keep any pain – which is generally only minor and short lived – to a minimum.

Possible side-effects are small bruises which vanish in a few days, and a little swelling in the injected area which remains for about 12 - 36 hours.

Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the products used, although this is a rare occurrence.

You should not undergo mesotherapy if you have a history of any allergic reactions to any of the substances being injected.

Your practitioner will discuss this and any risks in the first medical consultation.

Private prices for mesotherapy can range from £50 to several £100's per treatment session.

Before and after treatment with RESTYLANE® Vital

Photographs courtesy of Q-med Limited.

Left hand untreated and right hand treated with injections of Elastence™ hyaluronic acid for skin revitalisation - (photo taken 2 days after the first treatment session).

Photographs courtesy of Dr Stefanie Williams, European Dermatology London.

Before and after photographs are real patients, your results may differ.