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Mesotherapy vs Liposuction
Can you Compare them?
When trying to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of Mesotherapy and Liposuction as cosmetic treatments, they should be assessed on their own merits rather than trying to make a direct comparison between the two. They are very different procedures both in application and in the results they deliver and, for that reason, should be judged individually.
What is Mesotherapy?
Taking its meaning from the Greek words, mesos meaning "middle", and therapeia meaning "to treat medically", Mesotherapy was devised in 1952 by French Dr Michel Pistor. The treatment involves multiple injections, containing a cocktail of ingredients; natural extracts, homeopathic, pharmaceutical and vitamins, into the mesoderm (middle layer) of the skin, where the adipose (fat cells) are targeted inducing a process called lipolysis, where the cells rupture and die.
Mesotherapy has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of cellulite from the legs and buttocks; by eliminating the fat cells, stimulating circulation and repairing damaged connective tissue, the orange peel appearance associated with cellulite can be greatly reduced or even eradicated completely, leaving smoother, toned skin. The treatment can also be applied to the removal of stubborn pockets of fat which have proved resistant to diet and exercise and, once dispersed; the fat will not recur, as in some other procedures.
By altering the combination of ingredients used in the injecting solution; Mesotherapy is also very effective in facial rejuvenation treatment, helping to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, easing fine lines and wrinkles, and leaving the face with a more youthful appearance.
The Liposuction Procedure
Regarded at the worlds favourite cosmetic procedure, Liposuction is widely used to target stubborn area of fat in the body; under arms, thighs, abdomen, buttocks and hips, which the patient cannot reduce from following a healthy lifestyle.
There are three Liposuctions techniques; "Wet", this is where a solution of saline, local anaesthetic and adrenalin is injected into the treatment area, prior to the procedure, to help reduce bleeding, swelling and bruising. The surgeon will then make a small incision into the skin, inserting a cannula (thin hollow metal tube), into the subcutaneous layer of fat. The cannula is agitated, causing the fat cells to break away from the connective tissue, before being removed by suction through a pump or syringe. When the desired amount of fat has been removed, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
"Dry" Liposuction follows the same basic procedure as the "Wet", but without the addition of the preliminary injection of solution. The procedure is rarely used anymore as it leads to much more bleeding and discomfort for the patient.
"Ultrasound" Liposuction is the most recent innovation and involves using an ultrasonic probe, in place of the cannula, to stimulate the removal of the fat cells. It is particularly useful in the removal of larger areas of fat.
Liposuction cannot reduce or eliminate cellulite or stretch marks, and should not be seen as an alternative to leading a healthy lifestyle incorporating a good diet and regular exercise.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Both of the procedures offer the patient the opportunity to treat their specific body issues in a particular way. If cellulite is the problem, then Mesotherapy is the answer, for more dramatic fat removal, Liposuction could be the right choice.
As Mesotherapy is a totally "non-invasive" treatment it has few if any side effects, requires no hospital stay, no anaesthesia and the minimum of down-time. However, it may be worth considering that in June of 2011, the procedure was banned in France as being "a potentially dangerous procedure with no proven beneficial effect". It must be stressed that, to this date, no concerns have been voiced by the UK regulatory authorities.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, normally carried out under a General Anaesthetic, so will carry the attendant risks associated with any operation. It also has a recovery time of at least two weeks, and requires the patient to wear compression garments to aid the healing process, for anything up to four weeks following the procedure.
The advice before undertaking any cosmetic procedure, invasive or non-invasive, is to research the treatment thoroughly, take guidance from a qualified practitioner and be absolutely certain of your aesthetic goals and motivations.