Mesotherapy to Treat Cellulite

One of the more promising cellulite treatments to come along in recent years is Mesotherapy, which originated in France in 1952 and has gained popularity in the U.S. over the last decade or so as an alternative to liposuction

Despite hours of exercise and strict dieting, millions of women are plagued by cellulite, the dimpled, fatty deposits that are usually found in the thighs and buttocks. It’s a frustrating problem, especially for women who have worked hard to lose pounds and inches but can’t shed those unsightly saddlebags. The cellulite problem is particularly acute during the summer months when women may feel self-conscious wearing shorts or bathing suits.

One of the more promising cellulite treatments to come along in recent years is Mesotherapy, which originated in France in 1952 and has gained popularity in the U.S. over the last decade or so as an alternative to liposuction.

Proponents of Mesotherapy claim that it is the only truly effective method for treating cellulite. Mesotherapy involves injecting a combination of drugs, vitamins and natural extracts into the mesoderm (the middle area of the skin), directly affecting the fat pockets. The formula reduces the fat in the cellulite, improves impaired circulation and breaks down damaged connective tissue. The fat is dissolved and flushed from the body.

Mesotherapy is actually a medical therapy that can be used to treat headaches, backaches and a broad range of illnesses and medical conditions. It can also treat cosmetic conditions such as acne, stretch marks, scars and wrinkles. The medicines used in Mesotherapy are FDA approved although Mesotherapy is not approved for treating cellulite.

The combination of products injected into the skin is tailored to meet each person’s needs. Treatments usually are administered weekly with visible results after a month. Significant reduction of cellulite and improved skin condition is evident after 10 or so treatments with patients reporting losses of four to 10 inches. Some women drop two dress sizes.

Results of the treatment, which costs around $2,000, are permanent, as long as the patient does not experience a significant weight gain. Mesotherapy is also used to treat cellulite on the abdomen, back and arms and can help men who have enlarged breast tissue (gynaecomastia).

Mesotherapy, invented by French physician Dr. Michel Pistor, is  widely practiced in France with more than 16,000 practitioners. Dr. Lionel Bissoon, who has offices in Palm Beach, Florida, Manhattan and Beverly Hills, is widely credited with bringing the technique to the U.S. in the late 1990s. One of his patients is singer Roberta Flack, who has raved about Mesotherapy.

“Ninety to 95 percent of my patients get results far beyond my expectations,” Bissoon said.

Bissoon cautions patients to be very careful in selecting a Mesotherapy practioner, since anyone can call themselves an “expert.” He says the technique should be performed by a medical doctor and that nurses or physician assistants should not be allowed to administer Mesotherapy with the doctor being patient. In addition, Bissoon says patients should know exactly what substances are being injected into their bodies.