Mesotherapy: A Potential Breakthrough in Cellulite Treatment
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment for the removal of fat and rejuvenation of skin. Employing multiple injections of pharmaceutical and homeopathic medications, plant extracts, vitamins, and other ingredients into the subcutaneous fat, Mesotherapy produces results.
While Mesotherapy has not yet been approved by the FDA in the United States, treatments have been performed throughout Europe and South America for over 50 years. The treatment is particularly popular in Hollywood where residents seek the best Mesotherapy specialists with proven track records; results generally take several treatments but are long-lasting and visible.
Mesotherapy: The Approaches
There are two different types of injectable approaches which can reduce localized fat deposits on the hips, abdomen and buttocks and improve areas of unsightly cellulite. The first is the utilization of a product commonly used in Europe called Lipostabil. Lipostabil is a combination of two active ingredients – sodium deoxycholate and phosphatidylcholine. The combination of these two emulsifying agents acts as a detergent to actually liquify fat cells when injected, thus improving unwanted bulges.
The second Mesotherapy approach is the injection of biologically-active substances such as aminophylline, isopreterenol, ephedrine, carnitine and herbal preparations, amongst others. These combinations also dissolve unwanted fat cells with a similar emulsifying action. There have been scientific studies published in The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, regarding the utilization of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate, showing their clinical effect on destroying fat cells and also in treating benign fatty tumors such as lipomas.
FDA studies are presently underway by a company called Kythera to try to standardize formulations that can be used by the aesthetic practitioner. Mesotherapy is controversial due to the fact that there are no standard treatment formulations. The procedure is commonly employed by physicians, such as primary care physicians, who are not traditionally treating aesthetic problems. However, when the right physician has been properly trained, results are phenomenal. In the past, because of the lack of standardization and improper usage, infection, skin ulcerations and other complications have been reported.
Globally, pending the results of ongoing scientific studies following Mesotherapy, it is likely that this already popular modality will evolve into an effective standardized treatment for unwanted fat deposits.
Tags: cellulite, Dr. Neil Sadick, fat, lipids, mesotherapy, non-surgical
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Yes. It would be important to add that in the U.S. this treatment is commonly called LipoDissolve. I must agree that our experience with phosphatidyl choline and deoxycholate (PC/DC) has been quite successful as well. I do like the body-contouring results as well as the cellulite-reduction. For cellulite, however, it does require a little bit more ‘artistic’ attention in order to really target the out-pocketings of fat that pouch out between the dimples–several treatments are mandatory. As a non-surgical alternative to liposuction–excellent! I’ve also found that the use of the FDA-cleared Erchnoia LipoLASER which delivers a short low level laser therapy session, pre-treatment and post-treatment with the PC/DC, dramatically improves the discomfort after the injections. Standardization of solutions and methods would be helpful of course, but surely there will always be a debate.
I must add that I find it a bit humorous that in the U.S. we consider it a ‘breakthrough’ where the Europeans and South Americans have considered it pretty much routine! Results vary not only because every patient is different, but because the skill of surgeons and their level of training varies as well. There is definitely an art to the science!
Also, be on the lookout for Zerona — the use of low level laser therapy for body-contouring, without injections.
Sincerely,
Alan J. Bauman, M.D.
Medical Director
Bauman Medical Group — Boca Raton Florida
http://www.baumanmedical.com
Would you recommend this procedure for patents over 65 years old. What are the statistics of its effectiveness and success. Dr. Bauman from Florida comment on Zerona is very interesting – the use of low level laser therapy body-contouring, without injections. Are you familiar with this laser therapy.
I have over 100 lipoma’s in my body. I’ve started having them at around the age of 21, I’m now 48. At first I had two removed about 26 years ago. As time goes on more appear. Some I can actually feel growing and my skin stretching. About 16 years ago I had 20 of them removed at once. Many were pressing against nerves and were sore. The maojority are in my abdomen,hips and forearms. I currently have many that are continuosly bothersome in my abdomen. I have about 20 on my forearms that are quite unsightly. I don’t have insurance. I don’t want to have them surgically removed if possible, but I do need about 20 or so removed now.
I am in deperate need to find a physician in the southest (Atlanta) area to help me. My concern is the many that are embedded deep into my torso. Are there risk’s of them growing in size or reproducing more that can effect any of my organs. I’m concerned that I have so many. Should I get a scan done so that a physician can see where they all are?