Touted as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, mesotherapy involves injecting medications and plant extracts into layers of fat and connective tissue under the skin. The allure of shedding unwanted pockets of fat with a series of simple injections is appealing to many but some U.S. surgeons have questioned aspects of the treatment. A report published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery suggested patients should be wary of mesotherapy until the safety and effectiveness of the procedure are confirmed. Although mesotherapy has been practiced in Europe for some time, it has only recently been introduced in the United States. The ingredients used in mesotherapy may include agents that are used to open blood vessels, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, enzymes, nutrients, antibiotics and hormones. As yet, no drug is approved by the FDA for use in mesotherapy. Mesotherapy may cost $1,000 to $1,500 per treatment with three to six treatments required.
"The promise of a non-surgical, permanent method for fat removal and body contouring is obviously very appealing, but mesotherapy is not proven to be the miracle cure to a thinner you," said Alan Matarasso, the study's co-author. "The problem with mesotherapy is the whole technique is shrouded in mystery. Liposuction remains the only proven method to safely and permanently remove fat."
Matarasso said one of the issues was the lack of any studies into mesotherapy. "There is no information on what happens to fatty acids once they leave the targeted area or how the various ingredients affect the body's organs and other tissues. There is simply too much we do not know about mesotherapy to say it is unquestionably safe for patients," he said.
