Mesotherapy
Skin ageing unfortunately already starts from the early 30’s. Sun exposure, smoking and other exogenous factors accelerate ageing and lead to the formation of fine lines and rhytids, discolorations, dark circles around the eyes and skin laxity.
How does it work?
Which areas can be treated?
How is the treatment performed?
How often do I need to have these treatments?
What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a technique developed in France in the 70’s, and employs multiple injections of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, aminoacids and other active ingredients into the superficial layers of the skin through the use of very fine needles. This way we offer the skin the nutrients and other substances that are necessary for optimal skin function right were they are needed.
The substances used in aesthetic facial mesotherapy include multivitamin solutions (vitamins C, E, A, B, K and D), aminoacids, minerals and trace elements, coenzymes, nucleic acids, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. These substances promote deep hydration of the skin, skin tightening, improvement of skin tone and texture, reduction of fine lines, reduction of skin discolorations, and ultimately lead to a more radiant and healthy skin.
How does it work?
The substances included in the solution used are carefully selected to provide and compliment the nutrients needed for optimal skin function, to improve the skin’s defenses against harmful environmental factors, and to replenish naturally occurring substances that diminish with age, such as hyaluronic acid.
The substances usually included in facial mesotherapy solutions are:
- Hyaluronic acid: hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally occurring in our own skin, that basically attracts water, leading to deep skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid has recently been proven to promote collagen formation, skin cell proliferation and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).
- Vitamin C: vitamin C is a very potent antioxidant, that plays a significant role in collagen formation, in reduction free radicals and regulation of local melanin production.
- Vitamin E: vitamin E is also a very potent antioxidant, that acts against free radicals.
- Vitamin A: vitamin A is probably one of the few substances with a proven anti-wrinkle action, reducing abnormal epidermal thickness, increasing skin elasticity and regulating wound healing and keratin formation.
- B complex vitamins: these vitamins act on basic fatty acids metabolism contributing to a healthy cell function.
- Aminoacids: aminoacids promote protein formation (including collagen and elastin) from fibroblasts (an increase of up to 250% in collagen formation in 72 hours has been reported).
- Trace elements: trace elements are essential substances in hundreds of enzymatic processes and most basic cell functions.
- Co-enzymes: co-enzymes act as catalysts in our body’s most important biochemical processes, reducing energy expenditure and improving several biological processes.
- Nucleic acids: nucleic acids promote cell communication for the regulation and control of protein production.
- Anti-oxidants: anti-oxidants (such as vitamins C and E) counter the deleterious effects of free radicals.
A second very important mechanism associated with mesotherapy is the induction of the skin’s wound healing mechanisms through the microscopic wounds inflicted by the needle used to deliver the above mentioned substances. These microscopic needle pricks activate the skin’s own healing mechanisms, leading to the release of growth factors, that act on fibroblasts and stem cells of the skin, to activate the production of collagen and elastin.
Which areas can be treated?
Apart from the face, mesotherapy can be performed on the neck, décolletage, hands as well as any other body skin area that needs nourishing and hydration.
How is the treatment performed?
Mesotherapy is performed with the help of a topical anaesthetic cream that is applied for one hour before the treatment, and is virtually painless. The mesotherapy solution is injected very superficially with the use of extremely fine needles (2-3 times thinner than ordinary insulin needles), every 5-10 mm. The whole process takes 15-20 minutes and there is no downtime. Some redness may appear after treatment and usually lasts 20-30 minutes. Needle prick marks usually disappear 6-8 hours after the treatment. Make-up may be applied immediately after the treatment to conceal any marks.
When can I see the results?
Results are usually visible within 7-10 days and last for 2-3 months.
How often do I need to have these treatments?
Results from a single treatment typically last 2-3 months, but the frequency of these treatments depends on the needs and problems of each face and are highly individualized. There are however no restrictions as to how often these treatments can be performed. Most patients have one treatment every 2-3 months. More intensive protocols include 3-4 induction treatments on a 2-weekly basis, and then maintenance treatments every 3-6 months.
Are there any side effects?Possible side effects include bruising, that can usually be covered with make-up and subsides in 3-4 days. Light swelling may be observed for a few hours. Allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Are there any precautions?
Avoid taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications 7-10 days before the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Do not have this treatment if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. You should inform us if you have a known allergy in any of the ingredients of the mesotherapy solution, if you have an active infection in the area to be treated or if you have a history of cold sore.
Pictures (c) ASPS, ASAPS, AAFPRS, ADAM, Allergan, QMed
