Liposuction and Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy? Is that for dinosaurs upset over the comet or whatever killed them? Hardly. Mesotherapy, invented in Europe and South America, is a body sculpting technique touted as an alternative to tumescent liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction. Mesotherapy involves several micro-injections of pharmaceutical and homeopathic medications, natural plant extracts and vitamins that can banish cellulite on your thighs. Plastic surgeons don't recommend liposuction for cellulite, or for weight loss, whereas Dr. Stephen Jennings has developed a procedure called LipoSculpt that purports to produce weight loss. LipoSculpt and mesotherapy supposedly don't require the four weeks of down time and reduced activity. As you would with liposuction, you need to remember key points about mesotherapy:

• You still need to be fit and healthy, and body sculpting or surgery is no substitute for diet and exercise.
• If you need to remove large amounts of fat, ultrasonic liposuction is still the preferred treatment.
• Many physicians will offer both liposuction and mesotherapy. Ask your doctor which one is right for you.
• Some mesotherapy treatments have "Lipo-" in the name. Be clear about whether you choose mesotherapy or liposuction.
• Mesotherapy cost is lower than liposuction cost, setting you back $350-$500 since mesotherapy targets specific smaller areas.
• Some plastic surgeons caution that mesotherapy operates on mild areas of localized fat, not larger areas.
• Mesotherapy doesn't require sedation, although you may require steroid drugs to reduce burning and inflammation.

So if you want cellulite removal and a faster recovery time, you have better chances with mesotherapy. As for the dinosaurs, they probably need liposuction.