Mesotherapy was first created by Dr Michel Pistor, a French doctor, who originally used it to treat problems with blood and lymph circulation. However, in 1958, he named the technique ‘mesotherapy’ after seeing impressive results from injecting small amounts of medicine into the skin’s middle layer, known as the mesoderm.
And by the 1990s and 2000s, mesotherapy became very popular in beauty treatments, especially in Europe and South America.
So, what is mesotherapy exactly? It is a low-risk aesthetic procedure where small amounts of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, or medications are commonly used to reduce fat, refresh the skin, and treat hair loss.
Now the real question is, how can mesotherapy help you reach your aesthetic goals? Let’s talk about it.
Why Mesotherapy Works Wonders
Mesotherapy uses very fine needles to inject a custom blend of substances directly into the middle layer of the skin. This part of the skin plays an important role in things like circulation, inflammation, and overall tissue health.
Therefore, by delivering nutrients straight to this layer, mesotherapy helps improve your skin texture and boost collagen production. Remember, as we age, our bodies change. For example, our bodies begin to reduce collagen production in our mid-to-late 20s, typically around age 25. After this point, collagen production declines by about 1% per year.
And the common ingredients used typically include hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumping, vitamins A, B, C, E, and K for antioxidant protection and skin repair, amino acids and minerals to support skin regeneration, as well as enzymes or homoeopathic ingredients to promote healing. However, the formula can be customised for each person to meet their individual needs.
How Well Does Mesotherapy Work?
Skin rejuvenation is definitely one of the most widespread uses of mesotherapy (often referred to as a mesolift). And most patients often notice a brighter, firmer complexion after just a few sessions. An independent study that lasted about six months (168 days) showed that about 38% of participants said their appearance was “very much improved,” 40% said it was “much improved,” and 35% said it was “improved”, and many said they would come back for more sessions and recommend it to others.
When it comes to pain and overall recovery, people have reported that the pain and recovery time were usually mild and less than what they experienced with microneedling. In most studies, around 60 to 90% of patients felt mild to moderate pain during the injections, often describing it as burning, stinging, or pinching. And less than 10% experienced severe pain.
Due to mesotherapy’s non-surgical nature, downtime is also minimal, with most returning to their daily activities straight after treatment.
The Growing Popularity Of Mesotherapy
More and more people are seeking alternatives to surgical procedures, making mesotherapy a very popular non-surgical option. Putting facial rejuvenation aside, mesotherapy is also a highly sought-after aesthetic treatment to help combat hair loss. This is because it nourishes the hair follicles, improves blood circulation, and thus stimulates hair growth. Usually done in a series of sessions, often weekly or biweekly, over a few months, the results speak for themselves. A study with 126 women showed that 62.8% of those treated with a mesotherapy solution containing dutasteride had visible improvement in photos. In comparison, only 17.5% of the women in the control group showed improvement. The treatment also made hair thicker, and the patients themselves noticed a big improvement. In a study with 49 male participants, mesotherapy also led to a significant increase in hair shaft diameter compared to topical 5% minoxidil.
Mesotherapy is often used to reduce stubborn fat that does not go away with diet or exercise, and to help smooth out cellulite. It works by breaking down fat cells and improving the look and feel of the skin, which is why it is popular for areas like the thighs, stomach, and arms. Let us look at the stats. In a study with 75 women, 96% saw their body measurements shrink, with an average loss of about 4.4 cm in the treated areas. Almost 99% had a drop in their body fat percentage, and 63% were very happy with the results. Also, a review of several studies in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that mesotherapy worked well in about 78% of cases when using proven treatments.
So, having looked at the above, it is clear as to why mesotherapy has taken the aesthetic world by storm and is loved by men and women alike.
Here Is The Bottom Line
Mesotherapy is a treatment that mixes science and beauty to deliver incredible results. And if you are in the market to improve the skin you are in, mesotherapy is definitely worth discussing with a skincare specialist.
Remember, as with any procedure, surgical or non-surgical, it is always in your best interest to book a consultation (and later on, your appointment) with a skilled provider, and to have realistic expectations to get safe and good results.