Mesotherapy treatments safety and effectiveness is unkown!

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD answers: What are ALL the side effects of lipodissolve?

I had lypolisis injections (lipodissolve) in my inner thighs about 1 month ago. I am a professional dancer so I am very flexible. The first 2 weeks after the treatment I was a bit sore and stiff but still had my full flexibility. However, by the third week I was so stiff I could not get into the splits or extend my legs fully (when dancing not just standing)and seem to have lost all my hard-earned flexibilty. Two things that concern me are firstly, why am I getting stiffer and worse with time instead of getting better and secondly, even though I had the injections in my upper inner thighs, the stiffness is not there, it is in my lower inner thigh are, about midway down the inner thigh untill just above the knee? I did go see my doctor after about 3 and a half weeks and he assured me that I have nothing to worry about but since dancing is my passion, my life and my job, I am naturally extremely worried. Is this normal? Am I ever going to get my flexibility back and when?


Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
11 months ago

Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons are worried about mesotherapy because they do not understand the outcomes of the treatment. The biggest complication of the procedure is not knowing or fully understanding what is specifically being injected. Today, we simply do not know how effective and safe the mesotherapy injections are.

Mesotherapy is a minimal invasive procedure which employs a series of multiple injections of various pharmaceutical and homeopathic chemical agents into the selective areas of fat. Mesotherapy injections target fat cells by inducing fat cells to rupture and/or causing cellular death. A patient may feel burning and irritation at the injection site and experience swelling at the time of the injections and immediately afterwards. The most common agents injected are Phosphatidylcholine/Sodium Deoxycholate.

Personally, I have been very interested in mesotherapy, but reluctant to use it until I know I can expect reasonable outcomes consistently. Until that is accomplished, I must recommend that you be extremely cautious. Please check into the credentials of the treating physician and his/her experience. You should seek treatment by physicians who are properly trained and certified by The American Board of Aesthetic Mesotherapy. Check with your state medical boards to see if mesotherapy treatments are allowed.

Thank you for your question, and I hope this helps.

15 of 17 found this helpful
Helpful?

Request info from Dr. Goldstein

50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy
Post your question

Lipodissolve: 195 reviews

33% said it was worth it

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.