Mesotherapy for facial skin rejuvenation: a clinical, histologic, and electron microscopic evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
Mesotherapy, as broadly defined, represents a variety of minimally invasive techniques in which medications are directly injected into the skin and underlying tissue in order to improve musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cosmetic conditions. There are few clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of mesotherapy in any form. This study evaluates the histologic and clinical changes associated with one of the simplest formulations of mesotheraphy commonly used for skin rejuvenation.


METHODS
Ten subjects underwent four sessions of mesotherapy involving multiple injections of a multivitamin and hyaluronic acid solution. Treatment was conducted at 4 monthly intervals. All subjects had pre- and post-treatment photographs and skin biopsies. Skin biopsies were evaluated with routine histology, mucin and elastin stains, and electron microscopy. Patient surveys were also evaluated.


RESULTS
Evaluation of photographs at 0, 3, and 6 months revealed no significant clinical differences. Light microscopic examination of pre- and posttreatment specimens showed no significant changes. Electron microscopic analysis of collagen fibers measurements did show smaller diameter fibres posttreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant clinical or histologic changes were observed after multivitamin mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation. Multivitamin and hyaluronic acid solution facial mesotherapy does not appear to provide any significant benefit.
Amin
Snehal P
SP
Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ, New York, NY 10022, USA.
Phelps
Robert G
RG
Goldberg
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007267:Injections; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014815:Vitamins; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid