Consumers are as interested as ever in using cosmetic procedures to improve their looks and self esteem. But with the rising cost of medical procedures, and the inability of most insurance companies to cover treatment, those who seek cosmetic procedures are turning from cosmetic surgery to alternative therapies in order to achieve the results they seek. One popular treatment that has many people raving is known as mesotherapy. The procedure has been around since the 1950s, but has grown most in popularity during the last decade. It is most often used to aid in weight loss, fat loss, cellulite treatment, spot treatment and to tighten aging skin, especially in the face, neck and hands. Some people have even used mesotherapy to treat hair loss and to reduce the appearance of scars.



Mesotherapy falls into the scientific category of homotoxicology, in which sickness is considered to be a natural defense against homotoxins, or toxic substances that invade the body in an attempt at ruining the body's natural balance. With mesotherapy, an assortment of substances is injected into the mesoderm, the layer of skin just under the outer skin layer. These substances may include homeopathic medications, natural herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. In the past several years, many new approaches to mesotherapy have been developed. These include popular programs such as MesoGlow, lipodissolve and MesoBoost. While they all differ slightly in approach, each type of treatment still follows the main principles of mesotherapy.

Some mesotherapists use special machines called mesotherapy injection guns. They are not nearly as frightening as the name may imply. Injection guns are handheld electric tools that utilize a system of tubes and needles. On one end of the injection gun is a sterilized needle that is attached to a tube filled with a solution of various vitamins, minerals and medications located at the other end of the injection gun.

Side effects of mesotherapy include bruising at the site of injection and occasional nausea or headaches. Some people will feel ill during or after treatment in the same way that one may feel sick when getting a tattoo. In fact, the procedures are very similar, and mesotherapy is usually safer than receiving a tattoo since its practitioners are all licensed medical professionals. Other than bruising and the occasional nausea, there are usually minimal side effects to the treatment.

One important thing to keep in mind for those interested in using mesotherapy to eliminate fat: like any other treatment, fat loss will only have a lasting affect if the patient follows a healthy diet and exercise routine. Many people pay large sums of money for mesotherapy or other cosmetic treatments, expecting a miraculous return to their high school figure without putting forth any effort. They are inevitably disappointed in the end. Mesotherapy does aid in reducing fat, but does not act as a shield against gaining fat in the future. This is why a mesotherapist will always advise patients seeking fat loss to begin eating healthier and to spend at least 5 hours a week exercising. These routines will substantially increase the benefits of mesotherapy.

Mesotherapy can be a very beneficial and inexpensive form of treatment for a host of ailments. Those interested should spend time researching the possible benefits and drawbacks of mesotherapy before making a decision.