What Is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy has been used in Europe for more than 50 years for relief from pain that is caused by injured muscles, as in some chronic back pain and in arthritis. It is a virtually painless technique that involves injecting natural compounds-i.e., anti-inflammatory herbs, such as coumarin or arnica, or medications, such as the bronchodilator aminophylline (Trophylline)-into the mesoderm (middle layer of the skin) using tiny needles approximately the size of an eyelash. Currently, mesotherapy is being used in the US primarily for cosmetic purposes-it improves blood flow and plumps up the mid-layer of the skin to help reduce wrinkles and cellulite. It also reduces inflammation and pain in the treatment of sports injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis and sprains. The number of injection sessions varies, but can reach 15 or more for cosmetic treatments. The cost ranges from $300 to $500 per session, and it is usually not covered by insurance.