Mesotherapy Treatment vs. Liposuction While Liposuction involves the surgical excision of fat cells from your body, Mesotherapy is a painless, non-invasive alternative, using only a small amount of local anesthesia. Other than some bruising and swelling, there is no downtime as there is with Liposuction. Like Liposuction, Mesotherapy also addresses specific areas of the body for spot treatment, but it differs from Lipo in that Mesotherapy can be done during one's lunch hour if desired. With Mesotherapy, the needles used are extremely thin (about the size of an eyelash) to deliver the treatment in a series of quick, accurate injections that, according to Dr. Bodian's patients, feels something like a momentary, light pinch. The desired area is injected with a mixture of 4-12 medications-most of which are over the counter-such as Phosphatidylcholine, Artichoke Extract, Caffeine and Organic Silicum along with a small amount of Lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps numb the area being injected. A machine that blows chilled air onto the skin is also used to cool the skin. Dr. Bodian determines the amount of treatments needed depending on the size of the desired area. The larger the area, the greater number of injections needed. This can range from the abdomen, which typically needs 2 syringes yielding 30-50 injections each, to the neck, which may only need ¼ the amount yielding 15-20 injections. While the stomach may require several treatments four weeks apart, multiple body parts such as knees and neck can be done in the same session. The average patient will see results after 3-5 sessions. Compared to Liposuction, which usually begins at about $3,500 for a very small area, most Mesotherapy sessions cost about $500 per treatment of one area, averaging $1,500 - $2,500 for three to five treatments depending on the amount of loss desired and the specific targeted areas. Dr. Bodian encourages patients to visit the Bodian Dermatology &Medical Day Spa for a consultation since each person is case specific. Results Dr. Bodian measures the results of Mesotherapy in inches lost or the achievement of smoother skin texture (when treating cellulite). Patients can expect to loose anywhere between 2-6 inches and will also achieve smoother skin texture where the area was formerly bumpy and puckered. Cellulite's "Orange peel" texture is a result of an accumulation of fat, fluid and toxins trapped in a hardened network of tissue fiber. Mesotherapy increases circulation and Lymphatic flow, while breaking up the fibrotic scar bands, to help to eliminate fat and dimpling in the affected area, and the result is a smoother skin appearance. Benefits Non invasive procedure No Downtime Removes fat from cells Can be used wherever you have fat you can't loose Can be used wherever you have cellulite Normal clothing can be worn after the treatment Minimal bruising and pain No danger from using anesthesia May begin regular exercise routine 24 hours after treatment Post-Mesotherapy Care During and post Mesotherapy treatment, Dr. Bodian recommends a naturally healthy, low sugar, low carbohydrate diet. In addition, drinking lots of water and performing some sort of aerobic exercise three times a week is also recommended to help facilitate the elimination of toxins and dissolved fat from your body. Just like when fat is broken down during natural weight loss, the dissolved fat that occurs as a result of Mesotherapy is carried through the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys. Patient Profile Dr. Bodian recommends Mesotherapy for patients between the ages of 18-85 who have specific trouble spots that have been resistant to diet and exercise, such as lower abdomen, upper arms, back fat, love handles, chin and saddle bags. This treatment is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or breast feeding, have a history of stroke or blood clots, are insulin-dependent diabetics, or have severe heart diseases or cancer. In addition, this treatment is not recommended as a source of weight loss or a weight loss program.