Expert / 21 August, 2024 / Christina Walter
Mesotherapy has become increasingly popular as a non-surgical cosmetic treatment, but with its rise in popularity comes a flood of questions from those curious about what it entails. Whether you’re considering mesotherapy for the first time or simply want to know more about the procedure, you’re not alone. Skincare expert Dr Elina Tester answers the top 10 most searched questions about mesotherapy, providing clear answers to help you make an informed decision. From its effectiveness to potential side effects, we’ve got all your burning questions covered.
As with many aesthetic injectable treatments, Mesotherapy is well-tolerated on the skin. However, it can be described as having a mild level of discomfort for some. This treatment type can be described similarly to feeling a pricking sensation to the skin, and the tolerance level varies from person to person, but most patients will report it as not being painful.
Cellulite affects up to 95% of UK women of all shapes, ages and sizes, and it can be difficult to treat due to its recurrence. If you want to keep cellulite under control, Mesotherapy can drastically reduce dimpling and remove fat in areas of concern where cellulite can be found. The treatment injects under the skin with active ingredients to break down fat deposits and active fat tissues, stimulate collagen production for plumper, and a more even skin finish. It also works for stretch marks, dry skin, dark circles, pigmentation, skin dullness and wrinkles. Mesotherapytreatment for cellulite can be a more cost-effective alternative to surgery, there’s no recovery time needed and no adverse effects.
The hair follicles can be stimulated through Mesotherapy treatment to stimulate and encourage new hair growth. Hair Mesotherapy treatments can contain a cocktail of Allopathic ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, elastin and collagen, whereas a cocktail of Homeopathic contains no oils or chemicals, instead plant elements.
By increasing the collagen production in the skin, Mesotherapy can be used as an effective treatment for acne scars, as it also stimulates the skin’s natural healing and renewal process. Mesotherapy can also help with the prevention of acne scars, through treating acne by preventing excess sebum production which is closely linked to the onset of acne. Mesotherapy delivers ingredients deeper and directly into the dermis, unlike creams or serums, allowing the treatment to work more effectively than a topical acne product.
Avoid heat treatments from hot baths/showers and saunas for the next 2-3 days, including direct sun exposure. Avoid high-intensity exercises that increase your chances of sweating, avoid fragranced products, active ingredients and skincare products with Vitamin C, Retinol, AHA and BHAs, as well as harsh scrubbing of the skin until sensitivity subsides.
A course of 4-6 treatments is recommended with a 2-4 week interval. Results can last up to 1 year – 18 months, but depending on lifestyle factors such as weight gain, skin damage from the sun and pollution and diet, results can vary.
While both microneedling and mesotherapy work by triggering a response in the skin to improve the overall skin’s appearance, they’re each suited to different concerns. Microneedling uses a microneedling pen, which has multiple ultrafine needles that penetrate the skin and tackles the epidermis layer of the skin, whereas Mesotherapy is one needle that delivers into the mesoderm (middle layer) of the skin. Because of the different depths, microneedling works best to treat surface-level skin issues such as acne, whereas mesotherapy treats further into the skin, with issues such as wrinkles, sagging skin and uneven skin tone.
You should wait at least 8-10 hours post-treatment before washing your face, and use lukewarm water – avoid any heat. You can also apply a cold press to the skin if there is any swelling.
You can coincide with having multiple treatments that will complement Mesotherapy, such as Botox; however, you should wait 1-2 weeks between treatments. A professional can perform Mesotherapy before or after Botox; however, if you have Mesotherapy after, you’ll want to wait at least 2 weeks to allow the treatment to settle into your muscles.
Exercise in low-frequency and mild conditions such as walking, yoga and Pilates are better than gym equipment and running types of sporting exercises. Wait at least 48-72 hours to allow the Mesotherapy to work into the skin, as exercising before where sweating can occur, can lead to the ingredients excreting through your pores as you sweat.
Article by Dr Elina Tester.
Skincare innovators and Bio-tech company ABG Lab have created the first synthetic version of an Embryonic Peptide Mesotherapy skin treatment NOW available in the UK, including London’s leading aesthetic location, Harley St.