Efficacy of intradermal mesotherapy in cellulite reduction – Conventional and high-frequency ultrasound monitoring results

ABSTRACT

Background: Cellulite affects the majority of women and is an unacceptable cosmetic defect. Therefore, effective methods for cellulite reduction are being sought. Intradermal mesotherapy is one of such methods. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of intradermal mesotherapy in cellulite reduction, using conventional and high-frequency ultrasound. Methods: Twenty-one women with cellulite underwent a series of intradermal mesotherapy procedures. The following parameters were assessed: thickness of epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, echogenicity of dermis and the surface area of serrated hypodermis–dermis junction. Furthermore, the thigh circumference was measured; body mass index and cellulite severity were assessed based on photographs using Nürnberger–Müller’s scale. Results: Intradermal mesotherapy reduced severity of cellulite. The surface area of serrated hypodermis–dermis junction and hypodermis thickness decreased significantly as compared to baseline. Cellulite reduction was also confirmed by palpation, decreased thigh circumference and the Nürnberger–Müller’s grade. There were no statistically significant changes in epidermis or dermis thickness, body weight and the BMI. Conclusion: Intradermal mesotherapy offers effective cellulite reduction. It is a simple and safe treatment, which makes it popular. Further research in mesotherapy is essential due to a limited number of published studies. Ultrasound is a useful method to monitor intradermal mesotherapy and assess its efficacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Cellulite
• conventional ultrasound
• high-frequency ultrasound
• mesotherapy

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Karolina Kalisz, in translating and proofreading the manuscript.

The protocol is in compliance with the Tenets of Helsinki Declaration, and was approved by the Internal Review Board by Medical University of Warsaw, by the virtue of resolution no. KB/67/2014.