Mesotherapy :: Treat local medical and aesthetic conditions of skin

In its latest Emerging Technology Report, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) informed its members of one of the latest procedures entering the marketplace, mesotherapy. The report included a summary of available published scientific data, as well as general information on mesotherapy.

According to ASDS President Rhoda S. Narins, MD, This is the kind of information that is invaluable to our members and ultimately our patients. We encourage ASDS dermasurgeons to use their independent judgment in applying this new procedure in the care and treatment of their patients.

Mesotherapy is a technique that utilizes a series of injections to inject liquid preparations, including medications and other substances into the skin to treat local medical and aesthetic conditions. It was originally pioneered by the French physician, Michel Pistor, MD in 1945 for the treatment of tinnitus and later for pain, vascular and lymphatic disorders. Since its introduction, it has gained widespread attention outside of the U.S. for the treatment of medical conditions and, more recently, for cosmetic purposes and weight loss.

The various uses for mesotherapy have included pain management for musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, tendonitis, and neuralgia) and the treatment of vascular disease. However, It has widely been publicized as a method for anti-aging and as a means of -melting fat- for body contouring, for which it has been promoted as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

Conclusions:

There are no standard mesotherapy formulations and to date no pharmaceutical preparation is licensed or FDA-approved for mesotherapy for anti-aging purposes or for weight loss.

Localized fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and diet, excess skin and other facial signs of aging can be distressing to patients and these are often their concerns when seeking consultation with a dermasurgeon. Localized dietary and exercise resistant fat deposits can be safely improved by surgical body contouring procedures such as tumescent liposuction. Mesotherapy may ultimately prove to be a viable adjunct or option for these concerns, but further study is warranted before this technique can be endorsed.

Controlled research to determine the optimal formulation and treatment regimens as well as the safety, efficacy and further insight into the mechanism of action of this procedure is strongly encouraged. The ASDS and its members look forward to further developments and continue to support scientific documentation.


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