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MESOTHERAPY A REVIEW
* P. Latha and K.R.Vandana
*SreeVidyanikethan College of Pharmacy, Tirupati-517102, Andhra Pradesh, India.
ABSTRACT
Mesotherapy involves multiple intradermal or subcutaneous injections of a mixture of compounds (plant extracts,
homeopathic agents, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and other bioactive substances) in minute doses, using very fine gauge
needles, to treat medical (mainly local) and cosmetic conditions. The proposed mechanism of action of mesotherapy is that
solutions that are injected intracutaneously remain in the area longer than they would if delivered via deeper injection because
they are cleared more slowly by the general circulation. In addition, it is felt that these superficially injected solutions continue
to penetrate into the deeper tissues. The more superficial the injections, the longer the solution remained in the area.
Mesotherapy proponents base their claims that mesotherapy is safer than liposuction on the fact that mesotherapy is a
nonsurgical procedure. However, liposuction is FDA-approved and -regulated, while many uncertainties surround
mesotherapy.
Keywords: Mesotherapy, mechanism of action, Mesotherapy Injection Techniques.
INTRODUCTION
The term 'meso' also means 'middle' and 'mean',
hence variably explained with reference to the injection
route (into the middle layer of skin or 'intradermotherapy')
and the mean dose of the medication used (dose in
between allopathy and homeopathy). Mesotherapy
involves multiple intradermal or subcutaneous injections
of a mixture of compounds (plant extracts, homeopathic
agents, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and other bioactive
substances) in minute doses, using very fine gauge
needles, to treat medical (mainly local) and cosmetic
conditions. The term mesotherapy was suggested by Dr.
Pistor (Father of mesotherapy) in1958. The prefix mesooften raises some questions. For the author, his therapy
was only effective on derivatives of the mesodermis,
however, the effect on the tissues of the mesodermis is so
important that these treatments deserved the global name
of mesotherapy (vessels, tendons, conjunctive tissues) [1].
Email:-lathaudayan94@gmail.com
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in
a
patient
pretreated
with
corticosteroids,
diphenhydramine will also be required following
treatments if there is continued pruritus.
Aminophylline is commonly used in adiposesculpting mesotherapy formulae. This drug has a narrow
therapeutic index with problems encountered at dosages
around 250 mg in most patients. Nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea are the most common complaints with onset
occurring 4 to 8 hours postprocedure.3 When serum levels
increase to greater than 20 mg/mL cardiac arrhythmias and
seizures are possible.3 Repeated dosages of aminophylline
may also decrease serum potassium over time.3 In patients
with risk factors for potassium wasting, this electrolyte
should be monitored, and any patient experiencing muscle
cramping should have this electrolyte assayed
immediately. Some mesotherapists will administer a preprocedure parenteral anti-emetic in select patient
populations. Hyperpigmentation problems status postmesotherapy procedures have also been noted. In the highmelanin Fitzgerald skin types V and VI, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation has occurred. Topical
preparations containing, singly or in combination, kojic
acid, hydroquinone and/or glycolic acid have been helpful
in resolving this unfortunate complication over months. Of
greater concern, and which may occur irrespective of
Fitzgerald skin type, is urticariapigmentosa. We have seen
this only following wheal and flare reactions in the skin.
In the resolution of the wheal, a purplish to brownish
discoloration appears in the subcutis and remains for
months despite all efforts to eradicate it. Over time these
have gradually improved, but we have found no way to
hasten their resolution. Hyperpigmentation of any type is
not common in our practice, the incidence being 0.87%.
Nonetheless, pigmentation problems, although not serious,
can be very distressing to patients.
In summary, hypersensitivity reactions are
common and easily managed. Adverse drug reactions,
although not frequent, may also be anticipated or treated
with common-sense protocols. Hyperpigmentation
complications are not medically serious, but many patients
become concerned when these develop and wish to
discontinue treatment. Tissue necrosis is rare, but serious.
With attention to appropriate drug selection and delivery
protocols, mesotherapists are unlikely to encounter this
situation [24].
Dangers of Mesotherapy
If you're desperate to lose fat from one stubborn
area, or if you're tired of trying to hide your cellulite,
mesotherapy may seem like the answer. Many people
claim it's a miracle cure for fat. However, you should be
wary of so-called miracles. Mesotherapy is unregulated,
and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons warns that it
could be dangerous.
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1. Identification
Mesotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment to
remove fat. Proponents call it an alternative to liposuction.
Mesotherapy treatments begin by discussing your goals
with your doctor. He then creates an individualized
mixture of medicines and plant extracts to inject into the
layer of fat tissue during your mesotherapy sessions. The
mixture removes fat cells and evens out cellulite.
You'll receive between three and 15 sessions of
mesotherapy, given every other week, before your
treatment is done.
2. Benefits
Those who support mesotherapy claim it is both
safer and cheaper than liposuction, which is currently the
only other medical method to remove fat cells from the
body. It can be done in a doctor's office, and the recovery
time is shorter. It also provides help for those whose
weight problem isn't bad enough to be eligible for
liposuction. Mesotherapy reduces cellulite as well, while
liposuction doesn't.
3. Side Effects
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Latha P. and Vandana K.R. / International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutics / 1 (1), 2011, 19-29.
CONCLUSION
Mesotherapy proponents base their claims that
mesotherapy is safer than liposuction on the fact that
mesotherapy is a nonsurgical procedure. However,
liposuction is FDA-approved and -regulated, while many
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