Everything About Mesotherapy: The Revolutionary Cosmetic Treatment
Mesotherapy is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the injection of small amounts of medications, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the dermis or middle layer of the skin to treat various aesthetic conditions.
How Does Mesotherapy Work?
During a session, microdoses of an active ingredient cocktail are injected into the dermis using very fine needles. These microinjections stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improve blood circulation, and activate cellular metabolism in the treated area.
The main mechanisms of action are:
Revitalizing Effect
The injected components such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids stimulate the metabolic activity of skin cells, improving their functioning.
Firming Effect
Medications with a firming effect increase the production of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin smoother and more elastic.
Anti-inflammatory Effect
Some of the injected components have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the application area.
Improved Circulation
Microinjections increase blood flow and oxygenation in the tissues, improving local circulation.
Action on Localized Fat
Some substances like phosphatidylcholine have the ability to break down localized fat.
Tensor Effect
The increase in collagen and elastin produces a tensor effect that reduces wrinkles and expression lines.
Mesotherapy Procedure
The complete procedure of a session consists of the following steps:
- Pre-session Medical Evaluation
The doctor must conduct an evaluation of the patient, their medical history, and their expectations to determine if they are a candidate for this treatment.
- Cleaning of the Treated Area
The skin is thoroughly disinfected to prevent any type of infection.
- Topical Anesthesia
A topical anesthetic cream is applied to the injection area to minimize the sensation of pinching. It only produces superficial numbness.
- Preparation of the Mixture
The professional prepares the specific cocktail of active ingredients for each case and treated area.
- Microinjection Procedure
Using a microcannula or very fine needle, the mixture is injected into the dermis evenly covering the entire treated area.
- Area Massage
After the microinjections, a gentle massage is performed to spread the mixture evenly and activate circulation.
- Post-Treatment Recommendations
The doctor provides post-mesotherapy care instructions and schedules further sessions if necessary.
Areas That Can Be Treated
The main areas of the body where aesthetic mesotherapy is performed include:
- Face: Nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, expression lines, sagging.
- Neck: Wrinkles, lines, loss of firmness.
- Décolleté: Improvement of skin tone and texture.
- Abdomen: Elimination of localized fat.
- Buttocks: Lifting, cellulite reduction.
- Thighs and Legs: Cellulite, sagging.
- Hands: Spots, wrinkles.
Among the most frequent areas are the face, neck, and décolletage. However, it can be applied to any area where one wishes to revitalize and tone the skin.
Substances used in Mesotherapy
The components injected during Mesotherapy depend on the condition being treated and the body area. The most common are:
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12. They have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect and stimulate cutaneous regeneration.
- Minerals: Copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium. They improve cellular oxygenation.
- Amino acids: Taurine, hyaluronic acid, glutathione. They firm, hydrate, and revitalize the skin.
- Nucleic acids: DNA, RNA. They stimulate cellular regeneration.
- Enzymes: Deoxyribonuclease. They promote the renewal of cells.
- Medications: Pentoxifylline, lidocaine. They improve circulation, reduce localized fat, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Plant and algae extracts: Ginkgo biloba, seaweed, centella asiatica. Their antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals.
- Others: Dimethylaminoethanol, inositol, L-carnitine.
The doctor creates a customized mixture with the active principles necessary for each patient. They never inject just one component.
Mesotherapy-vitamins for your skin
Number of sessions needed
The total number of Mesotherapy sessions depends on several factors:
- Body area to be treated
- Severity of the aesthetic problem
- Skin quality
- Therapeutic objective
- Patient’s response
Generally, between 4 to 8 sessions are recommended, spaced by intervals of 1 to 2 weeks. Treatments should be applied periodically to achieve the desired results.
In areas like the face, 4 to 6 sessions may be necessary. For the abdomen or buttocks, up to 8 or more sessions may be required, depending on the amount of fat to be eliminated.
The effects progressively improve with each application. Optimal results are appreciated between 2 to 3 months after the last microinjections.
Benefits of Mesotherapy
The main aesthetic benefits provided by this non-invasive treatment are:
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Diminishing of grooves and expression lines
- Improvement of sagging and loss of firmness
- Refinement of adipose tissue and cellulite
- Elimination of localized fat
- Lifting effect on tissues
- Increase in skin hydration and smoothness
- Brighter and more even complexion
- Stimulation of dermal collagen
Risks and side effects
Mesotherapy is a safe procedure but can cause some minor side effects, such as:
- Redness
- Small bruises
- Mild swelling
- Temporary itching or burning sensation
These symptoms usually disappear spontaneously in a few hours. Rarely, allergic reactions to one of the injected components can occur.
If performed by trained personnel and with authorized substances, it is a technique with a very low risk of significant adverse effects.
Contraindications
Mesotherapy is not recommended in the following cases:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergy to any component of the injected mixture
- Coagulation disorders
- Treatment with anticoagulants
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Active skin infections
- History of keloid scarring
- Unrealistic expectations about the results
Contraindications should be rigorously evaluated during the prior medical consultation. It is essential to conduct a complete medical history beforehand.
Cost of Mesotherapy
The price of this aesthetic technique depends on several factors:
- Body area to be treated
- Number of sessions required
- Professional performing it
- Clinic or medical center
- City or country
The average price per session can range from 100-300 Euros if applied to the face. More extensive body treatments such as the abdomen or complete legs tend to cost between 200-600 Euros per session.
The total cost of the entire Mesotherapy treatment can vary from 500 to more than 2000 dollars, depending on the areas and the number of applications.
Many clinics offer packages of several sessions at a more economical price than paying individually for each application.
Preparation and post-Mesotherapy care
To obtain the best results and minimize risks after Mesotherapy, it is recommended to:
- Avoid alcohol consumption at least 48 hours before and after the treatment
- Do not apply creams to the area to be treated on the day of the session
- Attend the appointment without makeup
- Protect the skin from the sun in the days before and after
- Apply local ice if inflammation or bruising occurs
- Do not rub or massage the treated area in the following hours
- Use sunscreen in the following weeks
- Avoid intense heat, sauna, very hot baths
- Do not wax or thread the injected area
It is essential to rigorously follow the medical recommendations to facilitate recovery and avoid complications.
Results according to the treated areas
The results obtained with Mesotherapy depend on the body area treated:
Face: The effects begin to be noticeable after the second session. The skin looks younger, smoother, and more hydrated. Dark circles, wrinkles, expression lines, and grooves are diminished.
Neck and décolletage: From the third session, the flaccidity and quality of the skin visibly improve. The neck firms up, and the décolletage looks smoother.
Buttocks: The reduction of cellulite and improvement of the body contour is progressive. The skin appears smoother and firmer after 6-8 sessions.
Abdomen: The elimination of localized fat is gradual. The abdomen becomes flatter and more defined with each application. About 2-3 cm are reduced per treatment.
Legs: The skin becomes smoother and more elastic. Cellulite noticeably decreases after completing 6-10 sessions.
Optimal results are achieved upon completing all the applications recommended by the specialist. Maintenance treatments can be repeated every 6-12 months.
Permanent or temporary results?
Mesotherapy does not offer permanent results. Its positive effects on the skin and body silhouette usually last between 1 and 2 years.
Then, the signs of cutaneous aging and flaccidity tend to gradually reappear. Therefore, periodic maintenance treatments are advised.
Having an annual session or every two years after completing the initial cycle helps maintain the aesthetic benefits for a longer time.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Mesotherapy can be synergistically complemented with other aesthetic procedures to enhance the results. Some of the most effective combinations are:
- Hyaluronic Acid + Mesotherapy : To increase hydration and smoothness of the skin, especially on the face and neck.
- Ultherapy + Mesotherapy : Focused ultrasound along with injections reinforces the lifting and tightening effect. Ideal for eyelids, forehead, and neck.
- Carboxytherapy + Mesotherapy : Microinjections of CO2 improve the effect of Mesotherapy on cellulite and body flaccidity.
- Mesotherapy + Laser or radiofrequency: These devices provide additional heat and stimulation that enhances the action of the injected components.
A good option is to combine 2-3 Mesotherapy sessions at the start of the treatment and then alternate with other techniques to maintain and prolong the results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mesotherapy:
Does Mesotherapy hurt?
The microinjections cause a mild pinching sensation. Thanks to prior topical anesthesia, the procedure can be performed comfortably and well tolerated by patients.
What results can be seen from the first session?
After the first application, it is normal to observe a slight improvement in the quality of the skin: increased smoothness, radiance, and firmness. These initial changes are subtle but cumulative.
Can I wear makeup after Mesotherapy?
It is preferable to avoid makeup for the first 24 hours. After one day, makeup can be applied as usual.
Does Mesotherapy make you gain or lose weight?
It allows for the elimination of localized fat. However, it does not have a global effect on weight gain or loss throughout the body. It acts in a targeted manner in the treated area.
Can Mesotherapy be done on the eyelids?
Yes, the eye contour and eyelids are areas that respond very well to the treatment. A specific mixture should be used and applied with great caution by an expert professional.
Summary
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure, relatively safe, and with minimal side effects when performed by qualified personnel.
It offers proven benefits to combat skin aging and reduce wrinkles.
Why choose Mesotherapy?
There are several reasons to consider Mesotherapy as an aesthetic treatment:
- It is an outpatient procedure, does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization.
- Recovery is fast. The patient can resume their activities normally after the session.
- It does not leave scars or alter tissues. It is less aggressive than surgery.
- Results are noticeable and progressive with each application.
- It is customizable. The cocktail of substances can be personalized for each case.
- It allows for the treatment of multiple body areas simultaneously or in stages.
- It is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive or delicate ones.
- It has a natural and harmonious effect. It does not cause sudden changes in appearance.
- No recovery time is required. The patient looks presentable after the session.
- It is versatile and can be combined with other aesthetic treatments.
- It is relatively economical compared to surgical procedures.
- If done correctly, results can last up to 2 years.
Taking into account these benefits, it is an excellent minimally invasive alternative to combat the signs of aging and improve appearance without surgery. It should always be performed by certified professionals using authorized substances.
Conclusion
Mesotherapy has proven to be a valuable technique in the field of aesthetic medicine when used properly. Its multiple benefits position it as one of the most versatile and effective anti-aging treatments available today.
Through the focused stimulation caused by intradermal microinjections, it is capable of hydrating, regenerating, firming, and revitalizing the skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging.
