Does Mesotherapy Really Do Anything?
On your quest to find the perfect cellulite treatment, you’ve probably come across something called mesotherapy.
This procedure is definitely gaining a lot of attention lately.
It promises quick, remarkable results with a minimally invasive technique.
Quick and easy cellulite removal, is it too good to be true?
Before you make a mad dash to the closest clinic, it may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
You can see how this procedure stacks up against other proven cellulite removal treatments.
There are definitely some major disagreements about this so-called cellulite solution.
So let’s walk you through everything you need to know about this practice.
What Is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy was initially utilized in Europe in 1952 as a way to alleviate pain and inflammation from skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.
It’s been widely used in Europe and made its way over to the United States around the 1990s.
The procedure is considered a safer alternative to more intensive surgeries like liposuction.
However, mesotherapy isn’t FDA approved in the US.
So, what is it exactly?
It’s a combination of various substances that are injected into the mesoderm, or middle layer of skin.
The formula may include:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino acids
- Hormones like thyroxin and calcitonin
- Homeopathic medicines
- Enzymes such as collagenase and hyaluronidase
- Plant extracts
- Prescription medicines such as antibiotics and vasodilators
A series of microinjections are delivered into the problem areas with very fine needles.
What Does It Do?
Originally, this therapy was intended to deliver healing substances into the skin to help correct issues like pain, inflammation, and skin damage.
With this same idea, it’s now being utilized and marketed as an anti-cellulite treatment.
Practitioners claim that it promotes benefits such as anti-aging and weight loss.
They say that the injections work to eliminate fatty deposits under the skin and thus reducing cellulite.
The main areas of fat removal are the tummy, thighs, butt, arms, legs, and hips.
It’s also being used to tighten loose skin, recontour the physique, and fade wrinkles.
How Much Does It Cost?
This treatment usually costs a pretty penny.
Healthline explains that each session can range anywhere from $250 to $600.
And here’s the kicker… a full treatment usually takes 10 or more sessions depending on your particular needs.
It’s not just a one and done type deal.
You’ll become BFFs with your practitioner because you’re expected to return back 10 to 15 times.
It starts off with injections every 7 to 10 days.
Then depending on your specific case, it may be stretched out to every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks.
What Are The Side Effects?
Luckily, there’s very little to no downtime since it’s noninvasive and there are no incisions.
But many doctors warn against getting mesotherapy due to the potential side effects and risks.
The side effects include:
- Infection
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Rash
- Bruising
- Nausea
- Sensitivity
- Itching
- Lumpy skin and/or bumps at injection site
- Discolored skin
- Scarring
According to WebMD, another main problem with this treatment is there’s no standard formula for the injections.
So that means each practitioner uses a completely different set of ingredients.
This makes it even more unregulated and controversial.
Which leads us to our original question of does it really do anything?
Well, the results are heavily mixed.
Some people have reported improvement with their cellulite, while others have virtually no changes other than painful and unfortunate side effects.
The Bottom Line
Mesotherapy falls incredibly short of its remarkable claims as a cellulite solution.
The idea of the treatment has potential, however the effectiveness and safety have yet to be proven or extensively studied.
The hefty price tag isn’t worth the minimal (if any) benefits along with the possible side effects and risks.
This treatment isn’t recommended until it gets approved by the FDA, solidifies a consistent formula, and gets some scientific research studies under its belt.
Until then, your best plan of action for safely conquering that bumpy booty is to incorporate a healthy cellulite diet, adequate exercise, and utilizing a quality cellulite cream.
