title: Mesotherapy - The french connection.
abstract: Mesotherapy involves the use of multiple intradermal or subcutaneous injections of a mixture of compounds in minute doses, by means of very fine needles, directly over/near the affected sites. Originally invented in France to manage painful medical conditions, it is presently the buzz word in the field of cosmetic dermatology, chiefly to get rid of disfiguring fat. Depending upon the condition treated, the drugs injected, the techniques followed and the number of sessions involved vary. The wider reception of mesotherapy by its stakeholders are probably due to factors like inexpensive equipments, relatively minimal training for providers, much reduced dosage need of the drugs with resultant minimal untoward effects, quicker realization of benefits, minimal invasiveness/pain involved and not the least it is an outpatient procedure. Despite so many plus points, it has to be noted that currently there is a dearth of rigorous scientific studies to prove its efficacy and safety. Further, the average cost per session alone ranges from 200 USD to 600 USD.
authors.affiliation: Professor of Pharmacology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kadirkamam, Puducherry, India.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sivagnanam