Mesotherapy Medications for Cellulite

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Aminophylline

The main ingredient in mesotherapy and in most cellulite treatments is aminophylline. Aminophylline is a FDA approved medication commonly used to treat asthma. As a cellulite treatment it works to burn fat cells in the body. Here's how:

On the surface of each of your fat cells are Alpha and Beta receptors. The betas work to burn fat and the alphas work to add fat. A simple way of remembering is alpha=adding and beta=burning.

Above the waist, women have an equal alpha beta ratio. However below the waist the story is much different. Women have 6 to 8 alpha receptors for every beta receptor. This is the reason why it is so difficult for women to lose weight in this area. Alpha receptors are stimulated by carbohydrates, fat ingestion, amino acids and alcohol.

In mesotherapy, Aminophylline allows your beta receptors to burn your fat more efficiently.

Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine or PPC helps dissolve fat so that it can be carried through the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys and bowel. PPC is derived from soy lecithin and is FDA approved as a nutritional supplement.

PPC alters the metabolism of fatty substances like cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. It affects fat by making it water soluble. Fat soluble and water soluble substances are not compatible; similar to oil and water. Therefore these fat cells must be eliminated by the body. Just as hot water and dish soap break down grease in a frying pan, PPC dissolves fat away.

PPC has also been used to break down fatty deposits in patients with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease and heart vessels filled with fatty plaques.

Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase is also an FDA approved medication used to reduce the dimpling effect of cellulite. Cellulite occurs when connective tissue under the skin trap bulging bundles of fat creating a bumpy "dimpled" appearance in the skin. This connective tissue contains a large amount of hyaluronic acid which causes cellulite.

Hyaluronidase is a natural enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. It also enhances the absorption and dispersion of PPC to enhance the breakdown of fat cells between the connective tissue bands.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine in mesotherapy helps optimal fat burning in the body. It transports fatty acids into cells called the mitochondria so that it can be burned for fuel. L-Carnitine is also an FDA approved but as a nutritional supplement only. Diet and exercise along with L-Carnitine will maximize fat removal.

Lidocaine

Mesotherapy Risks

Mesotherapy should be performed by a certified mesosurgeon. If your treatment is conducted by a professional, risks are minor. They include:

• Burning that can last 15-20 minutes
• Minor swelling that can last 1-5 days
• Minor soreness that can last several days
• Minor skin discoloration
• A slight risk of infection
  
  

Are Mesotherapy Results Permanent?

Mesotherapy provides lasting results. Combining mesotherapy with a proper diet and exercise program will help prolong the results. Depending on the treatment you have, you may need additional treatments every 6 to 8 months to maintain the desired result.

Mesotherapy Costs

Mesotherapy compared to liposuction is reasonable. It can range anywhere from $300-$800 per session whereas liposuction costs between $5,000-$10,000. The cost of mesotherapy also depends on your level of cellulite. Mesotherapy sessions are most effective if done weekly, but can be done every other week as your schedule and budget permits.

Mesotherapy Results

Overall, mesotherapy proves to be an effective technique in reducing cellulite. It is much safer and inexpensive than liposuction; which by the way doesn't work and actually makes cellulite worst!

However, there are many cellulite creams which have advanced ingredients such as aminophylline that provide dramatic results. I say first try a good cellulite cream then if you don't see results go for mesotherapy.

Learn more on the difference between liposuction and mesotherapy.

Learn about effective cellulite creams.