Liposunction San Jose | Cellulite Treatments San Jose | Lipodissolve Bay Area

Mesotherapy/Lipodissolve

The“Skinny” on Mesotherapy

Q: What is Mesotherapy?: A: Mesotherapy is nonsurgical alternative to liposunction which reduces fat and cellulite in unwanted areas. Mesotherapy is a technique, invented in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor, where medication is injected into the “mesoderm,” the layer of fat underneath the skin.
Q: Is Mesotherapy safe?: A: Because there has never been a published study, we can only borrow from other patients’ experiences. We do know that over the past 50+ years, an excess of 18,000 physicians world-wide including countries from Europe, Latin America, and Asia have used Mesotherapy in their practice for a variety of purposes, including weight loss, spot weight reduction, cellulite reduction, hair loss, wrinkle elimination, and sports injuries. So far, no adverse outcomes have been reported in the medical literature.

Research Articles
•	US News on Mesotherapy
•	Allure Magazine "Fat Chance" by Joan Kron


Media Links
•	Mesotherapy Lipodisolve non surgical fat removal


Q: How does Mesotherapy work?: A: The medications used in Mesotherapy are naturally occurring proteins and enzymes that break down the fat cell membrane and its structures that keep the fat together. The destroyed fat is then metabolized by the body, some reused by the liver, some digested by other cells, and the rest is excreted by the kidneys. Over a series of treatments and a period of weeks to months, multiple layers of fat are melted away.

Cellulite is caused by connective tissue bands that hold down the skin, trapping the fat and therefor causing the "dimpling" effect. With the cellulite formula, the medications used help destroy the connective tissue bands and melt the trapped fat, creating a smooth, dimple-free appearance.
Q: What is the difference between Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve?: A: Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve are similar in that they both involve an injection technique to melt fat. Mesotherapy was invented first in 1952. Lipodissolve is a more recent concept. The difference is the philosophy on what should be included in the formula to melt fat. They both work. Dr. Tang encompasses the benefits from both into his own formula.
Q: What areas can be treated?: A: Virtually any area that has fat deposits can be treated including underneath the eyes and chin, arms, chest, abdomen, love handles, saddlebags, and thighs. Cellulite can also be treated as well.
Q: How many treatments will I need?: A: Anywhere from 1 to 10 treatments. The number will vary depending on the area you are treating and the goals you and your doctor establish.
Q: Are the injections painful?: A: Because small, thin needles are used similar to acupuncture needles and a strong topical anesthesia is used, most patients do not notice the injections themselves.
Q: How would I feel after the injection?: A: Most patients will feel sore, warm, and swollen in the area treated, which usually lasts 1-5 days. Most patients do not need to take any pain medications, but if needed, Tylenol is usually sufficient.
Q: Would I need to take time off work?: A: No. This procedure has virtually no downtime and most patients can return to work that same day or the next day. Patients can expect to be able to resume normal daily activities including their workouts.
Q: Do I need to be on a special diet?: A: No special diet is necessary. A low salt diet is recommended to limit the swelling after the treatment. Patients are recommended to drink 6-10 glasses per day to assist in flushing away the broken down fat.
Q: Who can have Mesotherapy?: A: Adults between the ages of 18 - 75 and in good health are candidates for Mesotherapy for weight loss, spot weight reduction, and cellulite reduction.
Q: Who cannot have Mesotherapy?: A: Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, any active cancers, any active infection or skin disease, or anyone who is immunosuppressed. Patients with a history of stroke, heart disease, controlled diabetes, or blood clots should consult their doctor before having the procedure.
Q: What results should I expect?: A: Mesotherapy results are measured in inches and not in pounds. Although patients do lose a few pounds, most patients will lose an average of 1-3 pant sizes. Results will vary from patient to patient. For cellulite, there will be fat reduction as well as the skin will appear significantly smoother with less dimpling.
Q: Will my results be permanent?: A: As long as one maintains a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercises, the fat reduction will be permanent.
Q: Why should I even consider Mesotherapy over Liposunction?: A: Mesotherapy provides a safe, minimally invasive alternative to liposunction. Because there is no surgery, there are no scars, no risk of general anesthesia, much less pain, and little bruising. There is much lesser risk of having any serious complications such as infection or nerve injury as compared to liposunction. In addition, patients undergoing mesotherapy have virtually no downtime allowing them to resume their busy lifestyle.
Q: Is Mesotherapy FDA approved?: A: Mesotherapy is not FDA approved and its use is considered off label. However, the individual medicines used in the cocktail are FDA approved for their own individual use. For instance, phoshotadylcholine, an important component in mesotherapy to break down fat, is FDA approved as an intravenous treatment to break down fat emboli in the bloodstream. In combination, medicines for Mesotherapy are used for off-label purposes. It is important to note that other medicines have been used for off label purposes. For example, Botox was FDA approved in 1990’s only to control muscle spasms in the eyelid and neck, but most doctors were using it mainly to control wrinkles in the face. Botox finally did received FDA approval for its cosmetic use in 2002.
Q: How much does Mesotherapy cost?: A: The cost of Mesotherapy depends upon the areas treated and the number of sessions required. At your complementary consultation, Dr. Tang will be able to determine approximately how many syringes you will need which will determine the overall cost.