What You Probably Didn't Know About Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy has recently become a popular alternative for people looking to rid themselves of unwanted fat cells. A non-surgical technique involving the injection of plant extracts, vitamins and other chemicals into the body, mesotherapy is a procedure that has been performed for well over 50 years, yet its recent popularity has alarmed many dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Dr. Michel Pistor is credited with originally practicing mesotherapy in France in the early 1950s. He pioneered the research and concluded that his specific combination of chemical compounds injected into the subcutaneous fat of a patient only targets the fat cells directly. As a result, the chemical compound reacts with the fat cells causing each cell to rupture.

However not everyone shares Dr. Pistor’s faith in the practice. Not only does each $600 session forego the use of anesthetics, but also leaves the treated area inflamed causing a burning sensation. Some physicians believe that the procedure is merely a fad with quite dangerous side effects.

Currently there is no conclusive, scientific evidence showing that the chemical compounds found in mesotherapy act solely on fat cells alone. Each patient runs the risk of eliminating important muscle cells. With a lack of scientific testing, physicians have genuine concerns with the rapid popularity of mesotherapy. Certain doctors doubt if mesotherapy truly has any benefit at all.

The greatest danger lies with the unaccountability mesotherapy treatments offer. The FDA is unable to control the different combinations of chemicals that practicing physicians can inject into their patient’s bodies. The FDA has little control because mesotherapy falls under the jurisdiction of state medical boards. The result is an uncontrolled injection that could be doing more harm than good.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons went so far as to issue a statement detailing that they are not willing to endorse mesotherapy because no effective studies have been conducted to assert the reliability and safety of the drugs used during the mesotherapy procedure.

The best advice for those still interested in mesotherapy is to do your research. Seek out a mesotherapist and ask detailed, relevant questions. One can begin searching through Google, but when in doubt, look to your family doctor for answers.