Mesotherapy Risks and Benefits

In the United States, mesotherapy is quickly becoming a popular method of sculpting the body and eliminating cellulite. Mesotherapy has marked benefits, especially compared to more invasive body contouring methods such as liposuction. However, mesotherapy is not without its risks and side effects, which can include bruising, temporary numbness, and others. Read on to learn more about mesotherapy’s risks.

Mesotherapy Benefits

Mesotherapy has many benefits; some are intrinsic, and others become obvious when mesotherapy is compared to other body sculpting techniques such as liposuction.

• Mesotherapy has a wide array of uses. It is able to reduce or eliminate cellulite, as well as effectively target localized fat deposits. It can even eliminate sagging skin, treat skin conditions such as acne and stretch marks, and treat hair loss.
• Mesotherapy can effectively eliminate cellulite, unlike other treatments such as liposuction, which can actually worsen the condition.
• Unlike liposuction, mesotherapy does not cause fat to be gained in new areas.
• The rewards of mesotherapy emerge quickly. On average, mesotherapy patients see improvement in two to three sessions. Some see results after just one session.
• Mesotherapy can treat any area of the body. It can deliver precise treatment to areas such as the face, neck, and eyelids, as well as large areas like the buttocks, hips, and thighs.
• The treatment is nearly painless and no general anesthesia is necessary. Because the patient is not put under, there is no chance of anesthesia-related complications.
• Mesotherapy does not require hospitalization or downtime. Mesotherapy will not disrupt your work life or daily routine.
• The success of mesotherapy is easy to measure. You will lose inches around the treatment area. Areas formerly affected by cellulite will become smooth and firm.
• After mesotherapy, no bandages or compression garments are necessary. Healing is uncomplicated and quick, and no time off work is required.
• The side effects and risks of mesotherapy are mild, especially compared to those of liposuction and any surgery that involves general anesthesia.

Risks of Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy has caused no documented deaths, and in the United States there are no known serious risks of mesotherapy. In countries with less stringent medical guidelines than the United States, however, serious mesotherapy has shown to have risks. Mesotherapy is so highly sought in Brazil, for example, that at one time hair stylists and other non-medical professionals were performing the procedure in salons and bathrooms. This resulted in serious skin infections because of unsanitary conditions. While stories like this are alarming, strict laws in the United States have eliminated the possibility of such outcomes, and patients can expect only minor mesotherapy side effects, as described below.

Mesotherapy Side Effects

For patients who undergo mesotherapy, side effects are minimal. Some patients who have a particularly low threshold for pain may be given a topical anesthetic prior to treatment, but most patients find the injections only mildly uncomfortable. Some patients feel a slight burning after the injection as the compound begins to dissolve fat, but this does not last long and is not common to all patients. Mesotherapy and scattered areas of numbness have also been linked; like other mesotherapy side effects, numbness will subside in a few days to a couple of weeks.

The most common mesotherapy side effects include bruising or swelling at the injection site and a slight itching lasting only a few hours after treatment. Temporary skin discoloration can also occur and will resolve on its own.

Mesotherapy and Bruising

The most common side effect of mesotherapy is bruising at the injection sites. Many doctors recommend topical creams or the supplement Arnica Montana to decrease mesotherapy bruising. Additionally, patients may be advised to wear loose clothing and avoid strenuous exercise for a day after their procedure to allow mesotherapy bruising to resolve. Since patients may not undergo another session until all bruising is healed, it is important that they follow their doctor’s instructions on how to reduce mesotherapy bruising.

Mesotherapy and Swelling

Another one of mesotherapy’s risks is slight swelling. This is common at the injection site, where small, painless bumps may appear. Swelling from mesotherapy is mild and will only last a day or two.

Find a Mesotherapy Professional

If you would like to learn more about mesotherapy side effects like bruising and numbness, its risks, or the history of positive mesotherapy results, use our directory to contact a cosmetic dermatologist in your area who is experienced in performing mesotherapy.