Mesotherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure for the removal of excess fat from the body. It is gaining great popularity these days. If you are thinking of undergoing this therapy, you should also know of the various side effects associated with the treatment. Read on to know more.
Good to Know
Mesoptherapy treats the cellulite directly and reduces fat. It does not require hospitalization, and hence, is preferred over liposuction. Bruising, a burning sensation, local pain, swelling, and numbness (in a few cases) are among the side effects of mesotherapy. They subside in a few days.
Developed by Dr. Michael Pistor in 1952, the field of mesotherapy has come a long way since then. Today it is widely used to reduce excess weight and cellulite, for body contouring, face and neck rejuvenation, scar and acne treatment, etc.
In this therapy, a mixture of various FDA-approved drugs, vitamins, herbs, minerals and homeopathic agents is injected directly into the mesoderm. It is said to target the adipose fat cells. The mixture injected into the body may vary from person to person depending on the problem of the individual being treated. This treatment is often preferred over liposuction, as it is less expensive and less invasive.
Side Effects of Mesotherapy
Let’s know about the various side effects associated with this treatment. These side effects are generally mild and transient, and they subside in a few days.
► Swelling
It is observed that swelling is one of the most common side effects experienced by people after this therapy. Small lumps appear on the skin where the solution is injected. This is caused due to the presence of a compound ‘lecithin’ in the injected solution. However, this is not a permanent problem and usually the swelling disappears in 2-3 days. It is advisable to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or indulging in any kind of exercise or workout for a few days after the treatment.
► Bruising
Bruising or scarring around the area treated is another side effect experienced by many. This can also be accompanied by an itching sensation around the treated area. Application of topical creams or arnica montana, a herbal supplement is recommended to alleviate such problems. People are also advised to avoid the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or any anti-inflammatory drugs till the bruising is completely healed.
► Burning
Pain and a burning sensation near the area injected is one of the more severe side effects that patients can experience. The intensity of pain is usually different for different people. Some people only feel a slight pricking sensation, while others feel a lot of pain. Nevertheless, like the other side effects, this pain goes away in a few days.
► Numbness
In some cases, patients are given topical anesthesia at the beginning. After the effect of the anesthesia wears off, one may experience numbness around the treated area. However, it is not a very serious condition as the numbness wears off in a day or two. If numbness persists for more than a week or so, it is better to consult a doctor, who can suggest effective remedies. Precautions There are certain precautions that are necessary if you plan to undergo mesotherapy.
► In case you are allergic to any drug, let your physician know about it. If a drug you are allergic to, is added to the solution being injected, it can result in a potentially hazardous situation.
► It is very important that you get this treatment done from an authorized physician, in sanitary and hygienic conditions. In the unlikely event of the usage of a non-sterile injection, serious infections can result. In recent times, many physicians have expressed their concern about the drug ingredients used for injecting into the mesoderm in mesotherapy. They fear that many of the ingredients used, might not be FDA-approved and there is not much scientific evidence about their effect on the body. It is also not established what happens to the fat that is dissolved as a result of this treatment. It is said that it is broken down and excreted out of the body but, there is no scientific proof of the same. So, it is always advisable to know of the various pros and cons of a treatment before undergoing it, so as to avoid any undesirable effects later.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
