Mesotherapy: myth and reality

The document from 2011 critically reviews mesotherapy, a procedure involving injections of substance mixtures for fat dissolution, skin rejuvenation, and alopecia treatment. It points out the absence of large, randomized controlled trials to validate the efficacy and safety of mesotherapy, with most data coming from single case reports and small series. The ingredients in mesotherapy, which are not FDA-approved for subcutaneous use, vary and lack transparency in concentration disclosure. Specifically, phosphatidylcholine, the main ingredient purported to dissolve fat, has not been proven effective in trials. The document also mentions that while some studies suggest mesotherapy may improve skin texture, they lack long-term follow-up, and there are no controlled studies confirming its effectiveness for alopecia, with some reports of treatment-induced alopecia. The authors highlight the occurrence of side effects such as infections, allergic reactions, and granulomatous inflammation, and advise extreme caution in the practice of mesotherapy due to these risks and the lack of supporting evidence. They call for controlled trials to establish the safety and benefits of mesotherapy and suggest that future regulations should be based on scientific evidence.