Mesotherapy

[Unregistered]

Has anyone tried mesotherapy? It's supposed to melt away fat and get rid of cellulite. Does it hurt? How long does it last?

[Terry]

I haven't had it, but I remember seeing on TV that some famous singer had it (sorry, I forgot her name) and she said it worked really well.
Seems kind of scary, though, to have all those needles stuck into you over and over. I think you have to do it once a week for 10 weeks, or something like that.
I guess if it works, it could be worth it. At least it's not surgery, like liposuction, but I dont know how safe it is.

[Salla]

Dear ladies,
I am from France and we have here regular mesotherapy treatment for the cellulite and after 30 for the face, the body treatment are really not painfull, it is comparable to some small needle touching the top of your body skin. What is important is to bear in mind it is not a miracle treatment, it helps your micro circulation to operate well and so the water that is kept on the top of your skin by staying seated too much, by being not active (bde, car to office... no sport)
after only three sessions you will feel lighter, better in your clothes...; and light legs again.
That is the good and natural way of keeping fit without too much effort.... apparently in USA to the Wallet because here in France we pay 30 dollars per session... so a budget of 300 dollars for one treatment per yr ....

[danya]

Thank you so much for your post about mesotherapy.
Today I should be adding the procedure information about mesotherapy. For now, there's some basic information in a table, but more specific details should go up today.
If it only cost $30 per session here we'd all be thin and svelte, i guess! But the average cost in the US is $300 to $500 per session. Yikes! That's 10 to 15 times what you pay.
Leave it to the americans to try to make a buck! :p
By the way, are you american? Your English is so good... I lived in france for half a year, but that was years ago...
Alors, merci beaucoup!

[danya]

here's some updated info on
mesotherapy (http://beautysurg.com/learn/body_meso.html)

would love to hear from anyone who has had it, or thinking about having it...

danya

[newgirl]

Hi, I'm getting mesotherapy, here in NYC, at Dr. Bissoons' and Dr. Dr. Schorrs office. Bissoon is the one famous for treating Roberta Flack with this procedure.
Anyway, I am seeing Dr. Schorr, who I find friendly and comfortable, like the rest of the staff there at the office. The inital consultation was $500, plus lab fees for blood tests. They were very detailed and gave me an in depth description of the procedure and the stuff that would be injected. They anwswered all of my questions, including, does this work for everyone?-answer, there are medical reasons why it may not work on a small percentage of people, but we've never had that experience here. They say that they have some patients who have lost thiry pounds with this procedure.
In my case, it's more for sculpting. I am 5'8"and weigh 137. Not fat, but larger than i feel comfortable with, having been in pretty decent shape my whole life. I'm 39, By the way.
So I had my first treatment yesterday. OUCH! After the first injection (inner thigh) I chickened out and said, "I want the numbing cream!" I bought a jar, applied, waited and hour and started again.
It still hurt like hell for me on my legs and thighs. They told me that the cream may not have taken effect yet, and that next time it should be better. I hope so!
On my thighs and butt I'm getting the injections for cellulite, more than fat. On my stomach, back flanks and saddlebags (you know, those huge slabs of fat that hang off the edge of your thighs?), more for fat reduction.
What it is precisely is a series of quick injections with a short needle, he goes down your stomach, thighs, whereever, in a line injecting about every inch, very quickly, about 1 second each. at the end of that row, he goes up and does another series of injections about an inch over, also going down and inch apart. I'm guessing I had over 200 injections that day.
They had warned me that i would have to pee alot after the sessions, but I didn't have to any more than normal. My legs stung a bit for the rest of the day, but it was just something noticable, not painful or even discomforting.
They had told me the cost for the treatments would be $400 for the fat reduction series, $500 for the cellulite.
What i ended up paying for this treatment was $750, because it was a combo of both.
I was told that i should be able to start seeing results after the first 2 or 3 sessions. I hope so, especially in the thighs, because of the pain factor. My main concern though is a thickness around the middle, so if I don't see much happening in the cellulite in the thighs, I may just continue with the stomach. Like I said, in the stomach and back, the injections weren't really that bad.
All in all, despite the unexpected pain (i have had thermage, and this is worse!-maybe because i have a thing about shots though), the experience overall was positive.
I'll update here when i have more info.

[danya]

hey newgirl.
thanks so much for all the information.
i really hope that the mesotherapy works for you.
it would be wonderful to slim down in targeted areas without surgery.
please do continue to keep us updated.

wishing you the best for 2004.
danya

[newgirl]

So Ive had my third mesotherapy treatment and I have visible results.
I am getting my stomach and saddlebags done for fat, and butt and thighs done for cellulite.
The results I see so far are on my saddlebags (or the lower sides of my ass, as I usually refer to them). When we took the initial measurements, Dr. Schorr noticed that my left thigh was smaller than my right. I had never noticed this, but the tape measure backed him up.
When I went in for my third treatment, i was standing in front of the mirror in the procedure room and noticed that my saddlebag on my left side was pretty much gone. It was the first I had noticed it, but then I wasnt really looking for results yet.
When Dr. Schorr went to mark my hips for the treatment, he noticed it as well. For that treatment, we only did the right saddlebag to even them out.
The numbing cream helps immensely, and definitely makes it tolerable, but one warning: apparently if you have your period or are just coming on or off of it, you are much more sensitive. This last treatment hurt too much for me to do the entire treatment, for that reason. I will schedule my appointments now to avoid this time of the month.
I have not had any visible results in the stomach area yet, but that may be my own fault, as it was the heart of the holiday season and I was eating and drinking much more than normal.

[danya]

that's very encouraging that it does seem to be working for you.
how many more treatments are you going to have?
how do you decide when to stop?
are you having treatments once a week?

thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
danya

[curious]

Hey new girl,
Thanks for the update. Im very curious about this procedure. Please let us know how the cellulite part of the treatment works out for you.
Thankyou so much

[Unregistered]

Hi New Girl,
Thinking about getting mesotherapy. Can you tell me what the difference is between fat reduction and cellulite treatments are?
Also, are you getting those shots by hand. Someone said doctors do it with a gun that puts the medicine in. Did you bruise alot.
Thanks
Scared To Try

[dee_ana5]

I live in the Atlanta area and learned about mesotherapy on a news segment a few months ago. I went on the internet to search for a doctor near me and all I could find was an alternative medicine doctor in my area. I thought it was worth a try and I went in yesterday for a consultation and my first mesotherapy session. I am not sure how different my session was from what is "traditional" mesotherapy but my experience was very negative. I am not sure what was injected in to the back of my thighs and buttocks but I was told that it was "all natural" and different from what medical doctors use. I was asked if I was allergic to iodine or seafood. Hmmm...did I get a dose of fish oil? I expected a small needle on a trigger-like device that would move quickly but instead I got a large needle/syringe. I had numerous injections, the needle went deep, and was not quick. I was not offered any numbing cream and it did hurt. I thought I would be assessed and that recommendations would be made as to where I should get the injections. Instead, I was lying face down on the table, wearing a backless gown, and the ND asks me "where do you want it?". She ended up making haphazard injections all over the back of my thighs, buttocks and side of my thighs...I was in there for cellulite treatment (I am 5'1" and 115 lbs.). When she was done, I got off the table to get dressed and the back of my legs were bleeding. I kept blotting them off but they kept on bleeding. I gave up and pulled my jeans on. They are now spotted with blood. I was uncomfortable all day yesterday and in the evening I realized that the back and side of my legs are badly bruised. I do not typically bruise easily. I feel so stupid and taken advantage of. The consultation was $250 and the mesotherapy was $350. I would love for someone to tell me if this sounds like a traditional mesotherapy session...I have a feeling it is not. I guess I would like to warn those of you who are thinking of getting this done to be certain to go to a specialist and know in advance what to expect. I am educated and usually very wary of "alternative" procedures so needless to say, I am embarassed that I found myself in this situation. I am not against mesotherapy, just do your research. If any of you know of a good doctor in the Atlanta area, please post. Thanks and good luck to you all.

[Unregistered]

I am starting Mesotherapy next week - I am 38, 5'6" and 135 lbs ... I am hoping to flatten my stomach ... nothing has ever worked to get it flatter, even when I weight 15 less lbs ... so I am hoping this will finally work - I am not expecting perfection, I will be happy if I get half the results I have read about. I will keep ya posted! Wish me luck!

[danya]

I hope the mesotherapy works for you! I think if your tummy problems are from localized fatty accululation, then it might.
But, if you have been pregnant and your abdominal muscles are separated, then you might need to get that repaired to really have a flat stomach. You might want to get evaluated for this by your gynecologist or plastic surgeon before hand so you know what you're up against.

Please keep us up to date on your progress and experience with mesotherapy. Thanks for sharing.

Danya

[PlasticRN]

So sorry about your bad experience! I have not had mesotherapy, but it sounds like that was not the way it was supposed to go- and it also sounds like you have a positive outlook about the situation. Do you think you will give it another try?

Thank you so much for sharing your post with us all!

Smiles :)
Kristen

[bd97]

What was the name of the place you went for your Mesotherapy? I live outside of Atlanta and am searching for a place...I just want to be wary of where you might have gone. Did you ever go back or do you plan to?? Have you found any other place in Atlanta to go?

[Unregistered]

I have had 12 treatments on my legs for cellulite with Dr. Byrd in
Roswell, GA and I am very pleased. I also had a large dimple removed from my buttock. That is a different procedure. It does hurt a lot but the cream helps.

[Unregistered]

Why is the treatment for your legs different from your buttock? Why does one hurt more than the other? Did you ever consider going to the Health & Longevity Center on Jimmy Carter? Besides Dr Byrd and them, did you find any other places in Atlanta to check out? I am wondering which one DeAnna went to...I want the small needles and not the big one....I don't like pain..Thanks!

[Unregistered]

I had a single large dimple on my butt. it was removed with a procedure called subscision... a surgical procedure that removes large dimples instantly. I checked a couple of other centers out but found Dr. Byrd was the only one trained by Dr. Bissoon and the only one American board certified.

[Unregistered]

Oh, I forgot to answer re: tiny short needles are used.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the info....I emailed Dr. Byrds office and they responded immediately. I am still waiting an email response from the other places and it has been over a week...that doesn't give me a warm fuzzy...I am going to set up a consult with Dr. Byrd...thanks again!

[Dr. Chase]

Hi, I am an MD who is certified by the American Mesotherapy Society. Mesotherapy has been popular in Europe for more than 50 years, but there are only about 20-30 physicians in the U.S. practicing it. I have absolutely no idea how a non-MD would be allowed to inject anyone with anything in the U.S. (sounds like practicing medicine without a license to me), but the lady who had the awful experience should be assured that what happened to her is most definitely not the usual!
Mesotherapy is simply a method of delivering medications/substances to patients. Any condition arising from embryologic "mesoderm" (the layer of tissue that becomes adult connective tissue) can be treated with mesotherapy. For example, problems with joints, muscles, tendons (e.g., tennis elbow) can be treated as well as other connective tissue issues that are more aesthetic/cosmetic in nature (cellulite, saddlebags, eyebags, love handles, double chins, peri-menopausal hair loss from women's heads). The needles are extremely small (30-32 gauge -- as fine as a hair) and extremely short. The treatments, when done by a properly trained MD, are virtually painless. Have a look at my website www.ClinicalAgingManagement.com or phone us at 210-359-9009.

[Unregistered]

Here's another link about
<a href="http://www.bioageclinics.com/">Mesotherapy</a>

[meso_user]

Yesterday was my first time receiving the mesotherapy treatment. I am 5'1", 24, and weight 117 lbs. My midsection has alway been a problem and I contemplated liposuction. I decided to testthis method out first. I don't understand why everyone is paying for a consultation. I was complimentary for me. The cost for each area was $250.00 (i.e. abs and hips are one, buttocks & thighs are another). Anyway, the other guest said that she was bledding afterwards. I was also shock when I got up and there was blood al along the lining of the bed. The injections was uncomfortable but not unbearable. It was the same as having an esthectian extracting blackhead. I am still sore, but the doctor had told me this. I was also wondering if it was standard to bleed in those areas that are treated. Also I have scartch marks alone the side. I onder if that is there because it was a sloppy job or it is there because my skin tends to be more sensitive. I will continue it go for treatment because it is stil less invasive then liposuction.

[Pooky]

I am 33, 5/2" and 125 lbs. When I started meso I was 140 lbs (in late Dec 2003) and was contemplating lipo, but decided to try this first. Mesotherapy is great to use if you want to sculpt your body over time, with NO down time. It does wonders for the face because there is no way to get that type of precision without extensive surgery and recovery time. I had my cheeks and jawline sculpted and my mom won't stop asking me how much weight I've really lost, because my face is so much smaller. PLUS I already looked young because of my Asian background, but now I look even younger! Be aware that I had to take prednisone a couple of years back when I was misdiagnosed for rheumatoid arthritis. This caused "moonface" and fat accumulation in the weirdest parts of my body. No amount of exercise would get rid of these stubborn parts so I got desperate and tried Meso. I don't regret it one bit! I went from boderline 6/8 pants down to a size 4. Of course I also added exercise and I went on Atkins so I will be honest, my initial weight loss was 4 lbs, but when I saw the improvement I was really motivated to lose the rest of the weight.

Now that I've been steady at this weight I am scheduled to get lipo for my abs...Why, you might ask? Meso works great, especially for areas that don't have a big collection of fat, but I still have a layer of fat in my abdomen that is extremely resistant. This is where you have to be realistic and ask yourself how many sessions you are willing to go through before it becomes obvious that meso isn't really going to do it for you, unless you keep going forever, which gets REALLY expensive! I had made a deal with myself that I would go 10 times and if after that it still wasn't flat then I'd go ahead and get lipo. The nice thing is at least when I go to do lipo now, my body is much more proportionate and it won't look like this huge drastic change to my body as opposed to when I weighed 15 lbs more. I hope this helps everyone considering meso. I highly recommend it and wish we had European prices here, because everyone would then have a regular scheduled visit for meso...just like going to the dentist!

[Marsha]

I'd like to thank the people that created these boards. When I first researched Mesotherapy, I found countless articles about it, however, hardly any experience from real people. This board helped alot.

I've had my second session of Mesotherapy and this one was MUCH better. I used the numbing cream and took Arnica a few days before. My bruising was much less as well as the pain/discomfort from the injections. My Doctor told me it would take 2 full weeks to see some results, and I am starting to notice already.

Some post-op information that was given to me was to lower my carb content, no hottubs for 2 days and no heavy exercising for 48 hours. I tried to exercise my second day; however, because of the soreness in my legs I was unable to run. I did do a brisk walk for a few miles and was fine.

Fortunately, the Doctor that does my Meso trained in France and is extremely knowledgeable in this procedure.

[deedee]

What about the prescription drugs that are used as part of the ************tail that is injected? At least one of these drugs was originally used to treat high blood pressure. As well at least one of these drugs is not approved by the FDA for use as an injectable. In addition one of the drugs was banned by the Brazilian government's version of FDA. Of the people who have had the mesotherapy injections what do your doctors have to say about this? Also apparently each doctor tailors the ************tail according to their experience level with the injections - is this safe? Shouldn't there be a standard ************tail and if not, why not?

What about the fat that is being eliminated/dissolved? Where does it go? Does it get stored in the blood stream? Does it accummulate in the liver? or other organs? Does it block the arteries? I know that it has been a standard treatment in France since 1952 so there must be some studies that have been conducted answering some of these questions. Do American Doctors have access to these studies? Are any of these studies online -- does anyone know?

What are the side effects? I did read that in Belgium some patients had portions of skin die in the areas that were injected (what would that look like? Is this permanent?)

Plus why the price gouging? If the French can offer these treatments for $30.00 each session what's up with our American doctors?

I don't mean to sound alarmist but before having someone inject a foreign substance (homeopathic/vitamin/prescription combo) into my body I want to know as much as possible about it.

Thanks -- hopefully someone out there has some answers - maybe that doctor that logged on a couple of months ago.

[Marsha]

Deedee

All good questions. I had them all after reading everything I could on the net. I asked my Doctor most of them.

I asked him where does the fat go when it leaves the cells? He said where does it go when you lose weight? Same place, it gets absorbed in the body just as it does when you lose weight on your own.

The drug that was banned in Brazil was Lipostil (not sure on the spelling). They don't use that in the ************tail.

My doctor studied in France and has treated hundreds of patients so I feel confident with him.

As far as drugs used for other purposes, that happens all the time. Take Viagra for instance... it originally was supposed to be used and approved for something else. Everyday they discover one drug is good for something else. How many diet pills, vitamins or herb have you tried in your life? It's really no different.

As far as the infections and skin problems in that other country go; I'm sure that was due to non-sanitary conditions. Here in the states we have standards the doctor's follow.

The fact that they have been doing it in France since the 50's says alot.

I would just make sure the doctor you choose has been trained by a Meso professional, IS a doctor (Ie: MD or DO) and can show you pictures of patients he or she has treated. Make sure they do it in a doctor's office, they use gloves, the syringes are all new with the caps on them, etc.

Good luck!

[dee_ana5]

Hello,

It has been a long time since I posted about mesotherapy. I am going to give it another try tomorrow. I feel very confident about the doctor that I am using this time. I will follow up with the results.

dee_ana5