Position paper on mesotherapy

Abstract

Mesotherapy is a controversial cosmetic procedure which has received publicity among the lay people, in the internet and in the media. It refers to minimally invasive techniques which consist of the use of intra- or subcutaneous injections containing liquid mixture of compounds (pharmaceutical and homeopathic medications, plant extracts, vitamins and other ingredients) to treat local medical and cosmetic conditions. This position paper has examined the available evidence and finds that acceptable scientific evidence for its effectiveness and safety is lacking. IADVL taskforce, therefore would like to state that the use of this technique remains controversial at present. Further research and well-designed controlled scientific studies are required to substantiate the claims of benefit of this mode of therapy.

Effectiveness of Mesotherapy on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

“…Till now, few studies had been published about mesotherapy method and no study about its effects on TMJD [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. A lot of aspects should encourage the use of this method.…”

“…The necessary number of injections is variable and proportional to the area to treat, but the necessary dose is relatively lower than the needed by other methods. A lot of pathologies seem to benefit from this technique like tendinopathies, enthesopathies, fasciitis, muscular stretches, miofascial disorders, osteoarthritis and many others [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. According to our knowledge there are no studies reporting the treatment effects of this technique in TMJD.…”

Mesotherapy: What is new?

“…[6] It is most commonly seen in the buttocks and thighs of females. It is seen in both normal and obese persons.…”

“…Once the inflammation subsides, new collagen is formed, leading to retraction of the loosened tissue. [11] Various substances used are: [6,7] Lipolytic: DOC (bile salt), L-carnitine (also causes fatty acid oxidation), aminophylline, caffeine, xanthine and organic silicium (also inhibits free radical formation, regenerates elastin and collagen) Connective tissue breakdown: hyaluronidase, collagenase Drainage enhancers: artichoke Circulatory enhancers: yohimbine (2 adrenergic blocker), aminophylline, pentoxiphylline.…”

“…It is believed to occur due to abnormality in the venolymphatic system. Therefore, accordingly, the cocktail solution for treatment of cellulite should contain the following agents: [6,7] Lipolytic: L-carnitine, caffeine, isoproterenol, thyroxine Venostatic: rutin, aminophylline, pentoxiphylline Drainage: Artichoke, gingko biloba Anesthetic: procaine (also improves circulation) Connective tissue breakdown: collagenase, hyaluronidase.…”