Mesotherapy - July 29, 2004
Discover what the French have been doing for over 50 years if those love handles, tummy pooch, saddlebags or cellulite are keeping you from liking the way your body looks! "This is a safe and very effective weapon in the battle of the bulge" comments Dr. Self. Mesotherapy is now available in the U.S. although it has been estimated that less than 20 U.S. physicians are trained in performing this useful technique for reducing cellulite and fat in targeted areas of the body it is effective in both men and women.
K. S. Self, physician in clinical research, traveled to Paris to learn the technique of mesotherapy. There he studied under Dr. Jacques Le Coz, a pupil of the founder of mesotherapy, Dr. Michel Pistor. Dr. Pistor introduced mesotherapy to the French in 1952, however, European countries have been using this treatment for over 50 years. Until recently, only the rich and famous traveled to Paris for this unique therapy for cellulite and fat reduction. Dr. Lionel Bisson brought mesotherapy to the U.S. in 2002 after studying under Dr. Le Coz. One of his more publicized patients has been singer Roberta Flack whose dramatic improvement with mesotherapy has been reported in numerous articles and by ABC News in 2003.
The mesotherapy technique uses micro-injections of two or more medications in combination into the mesoderm (fat or surrounding tissues). The combination of medicines works by blocking the ability of fat cells to store fat and by stimulating fat cells to release fat for your body to burn. Testimonials are numerous, local Foley Alabama resident, Jennifer Davis trilled after treatment, a loss of 2 ½ inches from her waist , 2 inches from her buttocks and 2 ¼ inches from her thighs comments, "that many inches in 10 weeks, wow"! Dr. Self is convinced of the benefits of mesotherapy in targeted areas from both the results of patients treated at the Self Center as well as medical literature showing results of studies both in vivo (fat cells in humans) and in vitro (human fat cells in test tubes). He and a colleague at Louisiana State University currently are planning a clinical research trial of mesotherapy medication combinations gathering data for publication.
Only medicines that are approved by the United States FDA are used by Dr. Self. Mesotherapy is safe and effective in targeted areas for cellulite and spot fat reduction; body contouring not weight loss. Side effects are minimal, possibly consisting of bruising, redness or itching. While the bruising may last a few days, any redness and itching disappear rapidly.
Injections done weekly are virtually painless, the cost is about half of the cost for liposuction. "Many patients come in at lunch and then return to work" says Dr. Self. A sensible weight loss diet and regular exercise are required during the 10 week treatment period.
Mesotherapy is an alternative treatment for liposuction which is effective. Liposuction is considered surgery and requires anesthesia. The post operative period include pain medications and the wearing of a corset. Sometimes it is 6-8 weeks post operative before one can resume routine activities such as exercising and playing sports. Again, liposuction, like mesotherapy, is not for weight loss but for contouring the body.