Mesotherapy for local fat reduction

    June 2013 in “Obesity Reviews
    Sureshni I. Jayasinghe, Thomas S. Guillot, Lionel Bissoon, Frank L. Greenway
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    TLDR Mesotherapy might help reduce fat in specific areas for those close to their ideal weight, but more research and care are needed to ensure safety.
    The document reviewed mesotherapy as a technique for local fat reduction, discussing two types: lipolytic, which stimulates fat cell lipolysis, and ablative, which destroys fat cells. It highlighted the use of various compounds, such as aminophylline, isoproterenol, and yohimbine, and their effects on fat reduction. While a combination of these compounds showed a 30% increase in lipolysis, studies had small sample sizes and there is no FDA-approved mesotherapy product for cosmetic use. The review also noted safety concerns, including the risk of infection and the inhibitory effect of local anesthetics like lidocaine on lipolysis. Deoxycholate was recommended for small localized fat deposits, and a combination with phosphatidylcholine for larger areas. The document concluded that mesotherapy could be beneficial for individuals near their desired weight to target specific fat areas, but emphasized the need for further research and proper hygiene to mitigate risks such as infection. Conflicts of interest were acknowledged among the authors.
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