Mesotherapy
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mesotherapy The ins and outs of
We asked DR MARISA HEYNS to give the low-down on mesotherapy, its specific applications as opposed to micro-needling, and who should be performing it. Please define the term mesotherapy. Mesotherapy is a procedure involving multiple superficial injections of active ingredients into the dermal layer of the skin. Aesthetic mesotherapy focuses on the introduction of actives such as vitamins, minerals, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, amino acids etc. that play a role in regenerating and rejuvenating the skin. The objective is to nourish, hydrate and stimulate the dermis to upregulate its own regenerative processes, as opposed to breaking the skin down in order for it to renew itself.
Who first conceived of mesotherapy and when? The term mesotherapy was coined in 1952 by a French medical physician, Dr Michel Pistor, who found that injecting small amounts of pharmaceutical actives into the dermal layer of the skin could lead to the symptomatic relief of various medical conditions, such as pain and vascular disorders.
How does mesotherapy differ from micro-needling in terms of its function and effect on the skin? Mesotherapy focuses on the principle of introducing active ingredients into the skin that can activate a regenerative process within the skin, without the need to damage or activate a wounding cascade to initiate online @ probeauty.co.za
When one is actively breaking down the skin barrier using micro-needling, laser or radiofrequency treatments, one has to use mesotherapy to help rebuild and promote healthy skin regeneration. inflammation and skin renewal. Micro-needling involves a form of mechanical damage (superficial or deep) to the skin, with or without the use of active ingredients to initiate a cascade of inflammation, wound healing and skin remodeling.
In what instances would you suggest a patient have mesotherapy as opposed to micro-needling? As mentioned, mesotherapy is a truly nutritive treatment, meaning its aim is to feed the skin with ingredients to boost its structure, moisture and elasticity and inevitably improving its function. I would suggest the use of mesotherapy as a build-up treatment in skin where there is a lack of hydration and nourishment. Ideally, any ‘break-down’ treatment whether it is a chemical peel, microneedling, laser or radiofrequency, should be preceded or followed by a mesotherapy session. This will allow for optimal skin treatment results.
Are there any skincare applications for mesotherapy other than anti-ageing? Absolutely! Mesotherapy can be used as part of hair loss treatments, hyperpigmentation disorders, scar and stretch mark treatments, and even for the treatment of cellulite, excess fat, and fluid retention
What qualifications are necessary to perform a mesotherapy treatment? In South Africa, at the moment, according to the Health Professions Council – mesotherapy can only be performed by medical professionals, as it involves the injection of substances into and organ of the body (i.e the skin).
What is transdermal mesotherapy? Transdermal refers to passing active ingredients deep into the epidermis without the use of needles. This can be achieved by iontophoresis (using the positive and negative charges on molecules to transfuse ingredients into the skin, or sonophoresis (using ultrasound) to move actives into the skin.
