Mesotherapy

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a medical technique devised in the 1950’s and it was first used to treat conditions such as rheumatism, sports injuries, and for the improvement of blood circulation. Mesotherapy has also been used successfully for the treatment of cosmetic conditions, including skin rejuvenation and improvement, hair regrowth, localised fat reduction and as a treatment for cellulite. Mesotherapy involves the injection of a specially prepared mixture serum cocktail placed just millimetres under the skin. Mesotherapy for treating ageing skin aims to replace minerals, vitamins and amino acids that are found in lower levels in skin as we age. Another newer procedure is to boost levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Micro-injections are given every 2-3 weeks for a minimum of four treatments course. When the desired effects are achieved, you will require a maintenance program every 2 – 3 months or so.

How does Mesotherapy work?

Mesotherapy involves the injection of a specially prepared mixture of vitamins, amino acids, and sometimes medications, placed just millimetres under the skin into the problematic area. Just a small amount of solution is used at each injection site.
The actual preparation injected into the mesoderm (or surface layer of the skin) during mesotherapy depends upon the problem being treated. Mesotherapy in the treatment of ageing skin aims to replace minerals, vitamins and amino acids that are found in lower levels in skin as we age. Another newer procedure is to boost levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin. This is another important component of the skin that helps to maintain firmness and texture.
As the skin ages, levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, and injecting more hyaluronic acid into the dermal layers (just below the surface of the skin) helps to stimulate more collagen production, which, in turn, improves skin tone and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Our medical practitioner will discuss what areas you would like treating and specific risks based on the treatment area, product used and your medical history.

Is Mesotherapy procedure painful?

Thanks to the sophistication of Skinko-E mesotherapy serum and the quality of hyaluronic acid within it, discomfort during and after treatment is minimal. Optional topical anaesthetic cream is available as well if needed. Any lasting tenderness post procedure will be settling within a matter of hours.

Is Mesotherapy safe?

Like any medical intervention, there are risks that are associated with having an injectable procedure. Fortunately, many side effects are rare or very rare. The serum products used have been extensively and rigorously tested over many years with considerable evidence to support their robust safety profile in cosmetic medicine.

As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on these in more detail before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our medical practitioner’s training, expertise and experience means that he is able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. More commonly reported side effects, usually related to the procedure itself, are mild bruising or swelling of the skin, and are generally described as mild to moderate. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you do experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as bruising.

What does the procedure involve?

Prior to your treatment you will be given a full consultation, complete a medical questionnaire and be offered a cooling off period to enable you to make an informed decision with full disclosure of the possible risks and side effects specific to you. You will also be given an indication of the cost of the treatment. Before you receive any treatment, you will be required to sign a consent form, this may be on paper or electronic, and be given the opportunity to ask any further questions. Photographs will be taken and kept as part of your medical record. These can be used for any marketing, advertising purpose, with your explicit permission.

Our medical practitioner will perform an examination of the area to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. It is important to have realistic expectations about what mesotherapy can achieve.

If a topical anaesthetic cream is to be used, this will be applied and removed after 20-30 minutes to allow it to take effect. The area to be treated will be cleaned, makeup removed if worn, and then disinfected. As the procedure involves multiple injections using very fine needles, immediately beneath the surface of the skin, you will experience several pin pricks or a scratching sensation and possibly a mild burning sensation as the product is then injected.

Depending on the treatment area(s), treatment time will often be between 15 to 30 minutes. The micro-injections are given every 2-3 weeks for a minimum of four treatments course. Some individuals may require a longer initial course of treatment. When the desired effects are achieved, you will require a maintenance program every 2 – 3 months or so.
Following your procedure, the practitioner will massage the area and then clean the skin. Also, a post-treatment cream will be applied. After the procedure, you will receive all the aftercare information needed and be offered a follow up appointment.

Am I suitable for Mesotherapy treatment?

Mesotherapy has many uses to help improve the look of the face, hands, neck and décolletage. Both younger and older adults, men and women find the use of mesotherapy can achieve the appearance they desire.

You may not be suitable for treatment if any of the following apply:

• Mesotherapy cannot be performed on pregnant or breast-feeding women and is not recommended if you are actively trying to get pregnant or undergoing IVF; also if you are under the age of 18.
• If you suffer from keloid scarring or have active skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis.
• If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions, blood clotting disorders, cancer, immunosuppression (either medical or drug-related).
• If you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area, including cold sores.
• If you are suffering from any other infection, including dental, throat, ear, chest or sinus infections.
• If you are unwell, including coughs and colds, on the day of treatment.
• If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
• If you have had Roaccutane or isotretinoin in the past 6 months.
• Certain allergies, including lidocaine or bee sting allergy.
• Recent facial surgery or other dermal fillers in the same area.
• Permanent implants, such as silicone implants in the face or pins and plates.

Is there any Pre-Treatment advice?

• Avoid taking anti-inflammatories (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen) for 3 days prior to treatment (unless this has been prescribed by your doctor) as this increases the risk of bruising.
• Alcohol, fish oils, St. John’s Wort, Gingko Biloba and Vitamin E should also be avoided for 3 days prior to treatment to lessen the risk of bruising.
• If you are prone to bruising, taking arnica orally for a few days prior to treatment may lessen the risk.
• If you are unwell on the day of your appointment, contact the clinic to reschedule.
• Avoid sunbeds and tanning for at least 1 week before and after treatment.
• Ensure our practitioner is informed if there are any changes in your medical history or medication taken before receiving any treatment.

Is there any Post-Treatment advice?

After treatment, most people can resume to their normal daily activities. Immediately after treatment, there may be some redness, tenderness and swelling at the injection sites and there will likely be visible lumps at the injection sites. Bruising may be obvious immediately after treatment and may be quite pronounced.

• Do not apply make-up for 12 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid saunas, swimming pools and sunbeds until the initial swelling and redness has settled.
• Try to avoid touching or rubbing the treated area until the following day, as you may affect the results of treatment or cause infection, unless otherwise advised.
• Massage of the area is not required; the product will diffuse naturally on its own.
• Avoid extremes of hot or cold and vigorous exercise until the initial swelling has resolved.
• If swelling persists, you may be advised to apply a cool pad to help remedy this.