Proponents of Mesotherapy emphasize that risks of treatment are
minimized because lower doses of compounds are injected into a
relatively small area. However, there are certain known and potentially
unknown risks associated with Mesotherapy.
The
majority of known Mesotherapy Risks are in and around the injection
site. Skin may become pigmented or scarred, and these changes may not
fade with time. Other changes, such as swelling, pain and bruising,
typically subside after treatment. In some people, a severe local
reaction to substances injected may result in ulceration and subsequent
scarring. There may also be a systemic and potentially life-threatening
allergic reaction to injected drugs. Infections due to poor injection
practices are often reported among patients of unlicensed Mesotherapy
practitioners. These infections may require treatment with expensive
antibiotics.
There is some concern in the medical community that
several compounds commonly used in Mesotherapy have unproven benefits
and unknown risks. There are many Internet sites that sell such
compounds. However, most of them are located overseas and are therefore
outside the jurisdiction of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The purity of compounds sold by such sites cannot be verified. To
date, the FDA has not approved any compound for use in Mesotherapy, even
if such a compound is approved for other uses. Additionally, the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not endorse Mesotherapy
because it is not a scientifically proven method.
Many Mesotherapy
treatments require ongoing maintenance, and the costs involved in such
maintenance therapy may be underestimated initially. This can be a
financial risk because Mesotherapy is not covered by health insurance
plans. There may also be emotional risks, particularly with treatments
that require adherence to a diet and exercise plan. If such a plan is
not followed, the body may revert to its pre-Mesotherapy appearance,
causing stress.
