If you’re following the new trends in fashion and cosmetics, you have probably heard of mesotherapy. The procedure has emerged in the medical realm as a safer,non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
Mesotherapy is also often a preferred choice for people who want to enhance their appearance without denting their wallets. While the procedure carries a wide range of benefits, there are various ways in which Mesotherapy gone wrong. However, the good news is that there are equally as many methods to prevent or mitigate these downsides.
It is important for individuals who either have undergone the procedure or are considering it to understand the procedure’s consequences and preventive measures. This detailed guide will answer all your questions on the risks involved and how to evade them. Let's dive in!
What is mesotherapy?
Before looking at the various instances of mesotherapy gone wrong, let us first understand what exactly this procedure is to acquire a background of the complications.
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical procedure in which fine needles filled with a mixture of various substances, such as vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, medications, and plant extracts, are injected into the skin.
They are administered into the middle part of the skin, known as the mesoderm and are meant to tighten and rejuvenate the skin, removing excessive fat and cellulite. The procedure is also used to repair and prevent hair loss illustrating the procedure’s versatility.
Mesotherapy was originally developed in 1952 by a French doctor named Dr Michael Pistor for pain relief but has since evolved into a cosmetic treatment.
Mesotherapy has slowly gained popularity over the years and has become a go-to procedure for those who do not wish to go under the knife, as it is minimally invasive. Additionally, the procedure has minimal downtime as it takes at least 20 to 40 minutes to be completed.
Unfortunately, like any other procedure, it has risks and downsides. Let’s examine some of these complications.
What risks and complications are we talking about?
Some of them are common post-procedural side effects while others are complications that could be caused by unskilled and unqualified practitioners. Here are some examples:
- Infections: If the procedure is done in an unsanitary and unsterile environment, bacterial infections could arise, which is a risk for the client.
- Bruising and inflammation: This is a normal side effect that should subside a few days after the procedure, but prolonged swelling could be a sign of complications, such as infection.
- Bumps and lumps: Bulges are often observed on the treatment area which could be due to improper technique used by an unskilled medical provider.
- Allergic reactions: If a proper medical history is not taken during consultation, the patient may have a high-risk allergic reaction to the substances used. Signs of an allergic reaction are itching, swelling, and even difficulty breathing.
- Asymmetry: Unevenness and irregularities can occur if the substances used for mesotherapy are not evenly distributed.
- Tissue necrosis: This is also referred to as the death of tissues. It is a rare side effect caused by improper technique by an unqualified practitioner. This could lead to excessive scarring and disfigurement.
How do we prevent mesotherapy gone wrong?
So it is said that prevention is better than cure. Having examined the various scenarios of mesotherapy gone wrong, we can now evaluate the preventative measures.
There are a few ways to prevent complications and to ensure a safe and effective procedure. Therefore, proper planning, preparation and proper aftercare should be done for the procedure to avoid complications. Here are some ways to prevent mesotherapy complications:
Choosing a qualified and skilled practitioner
Getting a qualified and skilled practitioner is the most crucial part of the mesotherapy procedure. Whether it's an aesthetician, dermatologist, or even a plastic surgeon, ensure that they are board-certified and licensed with specialized mesotherapy training to perform the procedure.
For assurance, ask them for their credentials just to be safe. In this digital era, looking up your doctor would also give you more insight into the work done and their qualifications. Additionally, you can always browse for their reviews and testimonials from their previous clients for you to know what to expect.
An experienced practitioner will come in handy throughout the procedure. This is because they can provide more insight on the most appropriate treatment for you as per your concerns. Additionally, they can recommend effective aftercare tips to evade the risks of complications. Experienced practitioners will also ensure you get quality treatment for quality results.
Comprehensive Consultation
Before the procedure a comprehensive consultation should be done to collect the patient’s detailed medical history. Full disclosure at this point is also necessary, so you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to any product and whether you have had similar procedures.
This way, your doctor is able to make an informed decision over which products to use in your treatment and what would work best for you. This is done in order to ensure that the procedure is completely safe and to rule out any risk for complications such as allergies or underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, expressing and communicating your concerns and expectations clearly to the medical provider will prevent you from getting disappointed and dissatisfied.
Proper patient selection
As a practitioner, after your patient has given you their medical background, it is for you to assess whether or not they are suitable for the procedure. This is because not everyone is suitable for the procedure.
For instance, those with medical conditions such as blood disorders, skin disorders, and autoimmune diseases are not eligible for the procedure.
Additionally, those with underlying skin conditions should receive treatment particularly tailored to their needs and concerns. To test for allergic reactions, a patch test could be done to identify whether the patient is eligible for mesotherapy.
The quality of the products used
If you are considering a mesotherapy procedure, ensure you research the products to be used during mesotherapy and consult the practitioner even during the procedure. The products should be approved by the FDA or the relevant regulatory body to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
The use of counterfeit products could lead to severe complications, which may put you at risk. When assessing the quality of the products, sterility is also important since contaminated items may lead to infection.
Ensure that your products are sealed and used in a sterile environment and keep in mind that there are many counterfeit products out there. Therefore, you should be vigilant about the products injected into your skin.
Hygiene and safety protocols
All procedures should be done in a clean and sterile environment, and despite mesotherapy being non-surgical, proper health protocols should be followed. Equipment and surfaces should be sterilized to prevent contamination, which could lead to complications from infections.
Hygiene and safety protocols, such as thorough hand washing and the use of sterile gloves during the procedure, should be followed. To minimize the risk of contamination and infection, an antiseptic should be used in the injected area before and after the mesotherapy procedure.
Adherence to the proper technique
Proper technique is important for a successful and effective procedure. This further underscores the need for a qualified and experienced practitioner in this procedure.
Various techniques such as point-by-point, linear threading and nappage which are small multiple injections are used in different areas to create the desired effect. When choosing the right needle it should be the appropriate size in order to inject the correct depth and prevent tissue and nerve damage.
Using improper techniques could lead to undesirable results characterized by asymmetry and unevenness. In order to give proper treatment, the medical provider should be knowledgeable about the body’s anatomy to ensure precision and prevent complications.
Since mesotherapy is done with a mixture of substances, the right dosage should be used so as to prevent the formation of bumps and nodules, which could cause disfigurement.
Management of pain and discomfort
Among the horror stories of mesotherapy gone wrong is pain and discomfort that may delay the healing process. Despite the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, some pain is expected due to the numerous injections.
Your injector should use a topical anesthetic during the procedure to minimize pain and movement during the procedure to allow him to perform the procedure efficiently and with precision. This aids in the reduction of irregular results and unevenness, which is a major complication.
After the procedure, pain can also be managed by over the counter medications, such as paracetamol, prescribed by the medical provider. However, you should avoid taking anti-inflammatories, which could lead to bruising.
Additionally, a cold compress such as an ice pack can be used to manage the pain and discomfort and should be applied at least 4 times a day for a few minutes each time.
Monitoring, managing, and preventing side effects
It is important to always be on the lookout for the various side effects that may manifest after the procedure. This way, you can alert your medical practitioner of any unusual changes and they can properly advise you on the various regimens you can apply to address the side effects.
This prevents exacerbation of complications arising that could lead to more serious side effects. For instance, prolonged swelling, as previously discussed, may lead to bumps that may delay the healing process.
Post-procedure care
Proper aftercare is key to proper healing and recovery. To prevent more complications, a few guidelines must be followed strictly after the procedure. For instance,your medical practitioner may recommend that you avoid alcohol and tobacco before and after the procedure to allow proper blood circulation and to prevent further inflammation.
Additionally, avoid sun exposure as the skin is very sensitive and more susceptible to damage. When going out, also remember to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin against harmful sun rays. Exposure to the sun may cause further discoloration on the treated areas, frustrating the procedure’s results.
Your practitioner may also recommend that you keep the treated areas clean and dry. Water may contaminate the treatment site causing infections.
After the procedure, gentle skin care should be applied to the treated areas. You should avoid harsh exfoliants, which could damage the skin. Additionally, avoid massaging and touching the treatment area unnecessarily to prevent infection as part of your aftercare treatment.
Therefore, your practitioner may recommend using a moisturizer and gentle cleanser to maintain the skin’s health during recovery.
Compliance with regulations
In medical practice, there are numerous regulations put in place to protect consumers. The regulations touch on various aspects of treatment such as hygiene standards and ethical concerns.
All regulations and guidelines should be followed to ensure proper healing and avoid any instance of Mesotherapy gone wrong. This would mean adhering to hygiene standards and using approved products as per the jurisdictional guidelines.
Complying with the rules and regulations ensures the patient’s safety and proper care reducing risks of complications. The regulations also state that practitioners should continue their education to stay up to date with the protocols, products, and techniques in order to minimize the risk of complications and to ensure safer outcomes.
Alternative treatments
As mentioned, not all patients are eligible for mesotherapy. A medical practitioner may, therefore, recommend that you consider other cosmetic treatments to achieve your desired result. Luckily, with all the developments in the cosmetic realm, there are more than a few ways to achieve your desired look.
Some viable alternatives to mesotherapy include laser therapy and radiofrequency. These procedures are also non-invasive and are much safer, especially for those who are not eligible for mesotherapy treatment.
Your practitioner may recommend these alternative treatments to minimize or avert the risk of complications. Additionally, advanced skin care products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and antioxidants can help rejuvenate the skin by improving its texture. This way, you can avoid mesotherapy gone wrong and its potential complications entirely.
Another alternative treatment is chemical peels to address concerns such as hyperpigmentation and scarring. A chemical peel is done to exfoliate the skin by removing the dead cells which allows new cell turnover thus more radiant and glowing skin. These alternative treatments can help prevent and evade any instance of mesotherapy gone wrong.
Take Away
Mesotherapy treatment is a cosmetic option that many have begun considering to address their various skin concerns. It is a suitable alternative to invasive procedures such as liposuction and takes a relatively shorter time compared to surgical procedures.
However, research indicates that so much mesotherapy gone wrong thus it is essential to ensure you are well informed of the preventative measures applicable to evade the procedures’ downsides.
Some preventative tips will require the patient to carry out their due diligence in the products used and on the practitioner. Others will require strict follow-through of the aftercare tips, thus mitigating any potential and inevitable downsides.
Why choose Diaminy’s Mesotherapy Equipment
At Diaminy your health and well-being is our priority. Therefore, we ensure that every product is properly tested before its release. It is also important to understand the potential complications of mesotherapy to understand whether it works best for you. We also provide a wide range of alternative treatments in case the procedure does not work for you.
Diaminy offers high-quality mesotherapy equipment to ensure you receive treatment at any time on a budget. As far as looking good is concerned, you deserve the best in the market, and there is nothing better out there than Diaminy mesotherapy products. Visit our website today and explore our wide range of options.
