It is a common observation in women of all ages, that, they could lose weight from the upper part of body but refuse to lose weight from the lower part in spite of religiously following intensive regimes of exercises in gyms or spas or strict diets. This is because of Cellulite, a universal and inevitable condition in women affecting about 95% of them above the age of 20 years. It is because of their structural difference of subcutaneous fat, female fat lobules are larger than males and are compartmentalized by fibrous septae that form radial and arch like structures. As these fibrous septae are oriented perpendicular to the dermis, the fat lobules they contain easily protrude vertically forming herniations into the overlying dermis, there by creating an undulating dermal-subcutaneous fat interface and hence the clinical appearance of cellulite. In contrast, in males these septae are oriented oblique fashion preventing herniation of fat into the dermis. Clinically, when buttocks, posterior thighs or hips of a female are pinched, the protrusions of fat are pushed deeper into the dermis, producing clinical appearance of skin dimpling, known as ‘mattress phenomenon’.

Moreover, there is also a hormonal imbalance leading to poor circulation, congestion of lymphatic resulting into fluid retention, weakening of connective tissue, herniation & deposition of subcutaneous fat into the skin and weight gain. Skin is thickened, giving it irregular dimpled orange peel or cottage cheese appearance with pits and dells. Moreover the fat cells of this region of the body stores fat six times more readily than that of upper part. They also release it six times less readily, thereby retaining stored fat reserve permanently and defying further weight-loss. Cellulite deposits are commonly found in buttocks, thighs, hips, abdomen (love-handles & belly) and upper arms. Even liposuction cannot get rid of this cellulite as it can only remove fat and does not repair fibrous bands of connective tissue that have herniated into the cellulite skin. There was no cure for this resistant cellulite, until the use of Mesotherapy in Paris.

What is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is an innovative French technique, in which minute quantity of certain natural plant extracts, traditional and homeopathic pharmacologic agents, vitamins, minerals, biotin, amino acids, and other micronutrients are painlessly placed just under the skin with the help of a special device. Multiple shots of these substances are introduced directly into the desired area. It is approved by French Dr Michel Pistor originated this technique in 1952 in Paris and kept it as a guarded secret to himself. Dr Jacque Le Coz, his disciple, author of many first Mesotherapy books and the founder President of the French Society of Mesotherapy propagated it and popularised it in other parts of Europe and USA.

How it treats Cellulite?
The natural extracts of plants and other traditional and homeopathic pharmacologic agents chosen for the treatment of cellulite and fat reduction, melt excessive fat and break down fibrous bands, improving circulation, lymphatic and venous drainage, thereby strengthening connective tissue, smoothening the thickened and dimpled skin surface and losing fat and weight even from lower part of the body. It causes more loss in inches rather than kilograms.

Which other conditions are treated successfully by Mesotherapy?
Besides fat reduction and treating cellulite, mesotherapy is successful in face and neck rejuvenation and hair regrowth. It is also used in relieving severe pain in joints and sport medicine.

How mesotherapy helps in facial and neck rejuvenation?
Aging, sagging and wrinkling of the skin occurs due to accumulation of fat, loss of elasticity and excessive free radicle damage. Using natural medicines, amino acids and antioxidants in mesotherapy can remove excess fat from under neck, remove free radicle damage and tighten loose skin without recovery time of surgical facelift. This process of skin rejuvenation is called ‘Mesolift’. It can rejuvenate skin of face, eyelids, neck and hands.

In mesotherapy, minute quantity of certain natural plant extracts, traditional and homeopathic pharmacologic agents, vitamins, minerals, biotin, amino acids, and other micronutrients are painlessly introduced into the hair follicles with the help of a special device. They correct hormonal imbalance, improve blood circulation and provide required nutrition to the hair, thereby stimulating hair follicles for regrowth of new hair.

Are treatments painful?
The majority of patients may experience minimal discomfort. For those with lower pain thresholds, a numbing cream may be applied one hour before coming for the treatment.

Can I go to work immediately after the treatment?
Yes. The procedure generally takes about 30 minutes and requires no preparation or recovery time. Moreover, no bandages or bed rest is required.

Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects, as only minute quantity of natural or traditional medicines, vitamins or other micronutrients are painlessly placed just under the affected part of the skin. Bruising may be present which may fade within few days.

How many treatment sessions are needed before I see results?
It depends from person to person and upon the abnormal changes in the skin and the problem for which treatment is provided. Three to five sessions of mesotherapy may be required to generate successful response. For long term chronic conditions such as cellulite, obesity or aging, sagging, wrinkling or loss of hair may require more sessions. Recent conditions may require only one to three sessions. Interval between each treatment session may be one or two weeks, again depending upon condition to be treated.

How long do the benefits last?
Treatment areas will remain free of unwanted fat and cellulite as long as the patient maintains a healthy diet and exercise. Maintenance treatment for the period of six months to one year may be required.

Is Mesotherapy different from Liposuction or Cosmetic surgery?
Yes, it is different. Liposuction or surgical facelifts are surgical procedure involving anaesthesia, surgical risks and hospitalisation, where as mesotherapy is given in the clinic requiring no recovery time.

Is Mesotherapy available in India?
Yes. Dr K E Mukadam, who is a pioneer in Lasers, IPL, Botox, fillers and other aesthetic procedures in India, also performs Mesotherapy in Mumbai. He is fortunate enough to be the first Indian dermatologist to obtain his training from Dr Jacque Le Coz in Paris.