Mesotherapy anti-wrinkle treatment
Developed in the 1950s, Mesotherapy was originally used to treat conditions including rheumatism and joint injuries and to improve blood circulation.
Mesotherapy is now used in the cosmetic field for skin rejuvenation treatments, and also for localized fat treatment, including improving cellulite. It is commonly practiced in France, where it is taught in Medical school and is recognised as a speciality of medicine by the French National Academy of Medicine.
This treatment involves local subcutaneous injections of minute quantities of various substances (e.g., vitamins or plant extracts) for cosmetic purposes (e.g., fat and wrinkle reduction or body contouring) or relief of musculoskeletal pain.
How Mesotherapy works as an anti-wrinkle treatment
As the skin ages we lose collagen, hyaluronic acid and water, so lines develop and the skin sags. Sunlight and acne scarring can damage skin health.
Mesotherapy works by replenishing damaged skin through micro-injections with a mixture of vitamins, minerals and hyaluronic acid, thereby improving skin blood circulation, tone, firmness and texture and super-hydrating the skin.
These substances act as:
• Anti-inflammatory (reduce swelling);
• Vsodilators (improve circulation); and
• Deliver essential vitamins and minerals.
A single treatment does not give immediate results, but with repeated treatments, lines and damage will be significantly reduced.
The procedure
Micro-injections are given in a series of lines, in a grid pattern, penetrating the skin by no more than 4mm. If a patient finds this uncomfortable an anaesthetic cream can be applied first, though generally this is not needed.
Treatments take up to 30minutes each time.
Number of Mesotherapy treatments a patient needs
Initially a patient may need one treatment every 2 weeks for 1-2 months, then monthly for 3 months, then maintenance treatments every 3-6 months.
On average most people need 6 initial treatments then maintenance treatments once or twice a year.
Side effects
Mesotherapy treatment is considered safe, although a patient may get some mild bruising at the injection site, and this will fade after 12-36 hours.
Rarely some patients have had an allergic reaction to the products used.
Candidates for Mesotherapy anti-wrinkle treatment
Most people can have Mesotherapy, except pregnant women and people taking warfarin.
Patients who take aspirin or clopidogrel regularly are advised to stop these 2-3 days prior to treatment to minimise bruising.
Patients using retinoid creams (retinova) are advised to stop these 3-4 days before treatment. It is also advisable to delay any laser or electrolysis treatments for a week after Mesotherapy.
Men may wish to avoid shaving on the day of treatment.
Glycolic Acid Peels
Cosmetic dermatologists are now combining a regime of Mesotherapy with a glycolic skin peel, which further improves skin health by exfoliating the skin too. This is not the same as a chemical skin peel, which is a more abrasive treatment. Skin is cleansed and a pre-peel solution is applied. Then the glycopeel solution is painted onto the face like a mask and left on for 1 minute the cleansed off.