Mesotherapy at the Day Spa

We received a call today in the office from an individual who was at a spa in downtown Chicago, and underwent a mesotherapy treatment by a “therapist” and she was very alarmed by the severe facial swelling and pain, and a misunderstanding of what she had gotten into. She had called the spa and they could give no advice as the therapist was not available.

First and foremost, mesotherapy is a medical procedure according to the state medical board. The main purpose is to reduce fat and improve cellulite. The process is one of injection of medications and vitamins, sometimes amino acids into the skin to rejuvenate the tissue, and cause lypolysis or the death of fat cells. The concept was popularized in Europe where it is more wildly practiced, and the key agent is phosphatidylcholine, a detergent which causes swelling and inflammation and local fat cell death. It is combined with many agents as I have mentioned into a ‘cocktail’ (they do indeed call it that) which is quite variable from practice to practice, and there are very few studies which confirm the safely or effectiveness. Even the most common ingredient sold under the name lipostabil is not FDA approved and falls within an ‘off label’ use or gray area in medicine. Though the procedure is touted as noninvasive, it is an injection of drugs never the less.

Is mesotherapy safe to reduce fat and cellulite? There simply is not consistent data or a consistent method of treatment, and the American Society of Plastic Surgery does not endorse the treatment and has issued a warning. The fact that an individual in our city was able to receive facial injections in a spa without medical guidance and supervision is alarming. The internet is full of mesotherapy sites, even selling home kits on-line. We wish to reinforce the fact that injection of drugs into the skin is not ‘non-invasive’ and comes with considerable risk Before anyone injects you with anything at the spa, ask to see the doctor for a full explanation of the procedure, the purpose, and the risk so you can make the best decision as to whether mesotherapy is right for you. Be careful out there.