Mesotherapy involves the administration of drugs, intradermally via injection, to the skin areas adjacent to tissues affected by diseases. Multiple injections are performed, each with a small volume of the drug. From the injection point, the drug slowly diffuses to nearby structures. The drugs used are the same as those in the official pharmacopoeia but in minimal doses, at concentrations that remain locally elevated for an extended period, providing intense and prolonged activity.
Even if the indication for mesotherapy use is not always specified in the technical data sheet, the drugs used in our clinic are safe and effective because they are recommended and validated by the Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine and the Italian Society of Mesotherapy. This recommendation is based on many years of experience, supported by clinical observations and scientific publications.
What are the main indications for mesotherapy in aesthetic medicine?
The main indications for mesotherapy treatment are:
- Various aesthetic issues related to chronic insufficiency of the peripheral veno-lymphatic microcirculation.
- Panniculopathy edemato-fibro-sclerotica or PEFS (alteration of subcutaneous adipose tissue, commonly known as "cellulite").
- Skin aging.
The drugs used are those indicated by the Official Pharmacopoeia for the condition being treated. In particular:
- Mesoglycan: a mixture of glycosaminoglycans that play a role in maintaining and improving microcirculation function.
- Lymdiaral: a homeopathic medicine consisting of active ingredients that act on microcirculation and has been shown, based on clinical studies conducted in a hospital outpatient setting, to be effective in improving microvascular tissue function.
Normally, mesotherapy takes about 15 minutes, with some variability in time depending on the number and extent of the areas to be treated. The perception of pain depends on individual sensitivity and the treatment areas, but generally, the discomfort is well tolerated.
What results can one expect from Mesotherapy?
The effectiveness of mesotherapy is linked to the action of the administered drugs and therefore depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the use of active ingredients targeted at the identified condition. In general, mesotherapy with drugs that act on the microcirculation of the limbs can reduce the symptoms and progression of PEFS (pannicolopatia edemato-fibro-sclerotica).
The extent of the clinical response and the duration of therapy depend on many factors, as is the case in medicine. These factors include the type and severity of the condition, its stage of progression, the presence of other medical conditions, age, individual reactivity, and lifestyle. Since most clinical conditions treated with mesotherapy have a chronic course, including "cellulite," the therapeutic cycle needs to be periodically repeated, and maintenance sessions should be performed during intervals.
Are there any contraindications to the treatment?
An absolute contraindication is a proven allergy to the drugs that should be used. Severe coagulation disorders may warrant caution. Many chronic systemic diseases require case-by-case evaluations of the appropriateness of treatment and should always be reported to the doctor. Another contraindication is the presence of ongoing infections.
Can there be any unwanted side effects?
The modest volume of drug injected into the dermis with each puncture causes a small swelling of the skin surface (wheal), which disappears within a few hours. As with any injectable treatment, mild and transient local reactions can occur, related to both the microtrauma produced by the needle and the effect of the drug:
- Transient erythema (redness).
- Mild bleeding, bruising, or small hematomas: these mostly occur in patients with coagulation disorders and those taking aspirin or oral anticoagulants.
- Local infectious complications (very rare but possible).
Normally, these reactions are localized and spontaneously resolve within a few days; only in exceptional cases may specific pharmacological support be required.
As with any other pharmacological treatment, a possible side effect is allergic reactions, which can range from localized skin reactions that rapidly resolve to systemic manifestations. Allergic reactivity can also develop after an initial period of trouble-free therapy.
What should one do after the treatment?
With mesotherapy, a small amount of medication is deposited in the dermis, which then diffuses to adjacent tissues in the days following the treatment. Any vigorous local mechanical stress can accelerate the removal of the drug through the lymphatic and blood circulation. Therefore, it is not advisable to perform massages, pressure therapy, or ultrasound applications on the treated areas shortly after the treatment. Additionally, to prevent the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation, it is not recommended to expose the treated areas to the sun or UVA lamps until the skin signs from the treatment have disappeared.