Mesotherapy solutions for inducing lipolysis and treating cellulite

Abstract

Mesotherapy, the injection of compounds into the subcutaneous tissue, is based on empiric observations. Although phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate have been used as a mesotherapy solution to ablate fat cells, this form of mesotherapy is associated with inflammation, pain, scarring, and has been scrutinized by the FDA. This chapter will consider lipolytic mesotherapy which appear to be safer. Mesotherapists use known lipolytic agents in combination and herbal compounds that have not been shown to be effective. We tested components and combinations of mesotherapy solutions. We demonstrated that combining the solutions can enhance lipolysis and that melilotus, an herb used in mesotherapy, is lipolytic. Lidocaine, which is combined in mesotherapy solutions, is antilipolytic and should not be used. Although injection therapies are popular, lipolytic creams and low-level laser treatments may offer an effective, safer, and less invasive alternative.