Pharmacology Of Mesotherapy

PHARMACOLOGY OF MESOTHERAPY

Pharmacology is the branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug action. More

Specifically, it is the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism and chemicals that affect normal or abnormal biochemical function.  If substances have medicinal properties they are considered pharmaceuticals. The field encompasses drug composition and properties, interactions, toxicology, therapy, and medical applications and antipathogenic capabilities. The two main areas of pharmacology are pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The former studies the effects of the drugs on biological systems and the latter the effects of biological systems on the drugs. In broad terms, pharmacodynamics discusses the interactions of chemicals with biological receptors, and pharmacokinetics discusses the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of chemicals from the biological systems. Pharmacology is not synonymous with pharmacy and the two terms are frequently confused. Pharmacology deals with how drugs interact within biological systems to affect function it is the study of drugs, of the reactions of the body and drug on each other, the sources of drugs, their nature, and their properties in contrast, pharmacy is a biomedical science concerned with preparation, dispensing, dosage, and the safe and effective use of medicines.

Below is a summary of some medicines that are most commonly used in Mesotherapy and example of tables from different brands. The information provided is a general guideline only. Every brand will have their own composition and protocol recommendations for use.

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AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids are natural products, versatile in behaviour and functions. These include the synthesis of new collagen or fibroblasts. Amino acids revitalize, regenerate and restructure the skin, with increased flexibility and elasticity, more luminous and improved texture

AMINOPHYLLINE

Aminophylline is FDA approved as an asthma medication. On the surface of each of your fat cells are Alpha and Beta receptors. Receptors that burn fat are known as Beta receptors, and those that cause fat storage are known as Alpha receptors. An easy way to remember this is that Beta =

BURNING and Alpha = ADDING. Above the waist, the number of Alpha and Beta receptors occurs in an equal 1:1 ratio in both women and men. However, below the waist, women have approximately 6 to 8 Alpha receptors to every Beta. This is the reason why it is so incredibly difficult for women to lose weight in this area.

Alpha receptors are stimulated by carbohydrates, fat ingestion, amino acids and alcohol. In

Mesotherapy, Aminophylline allows your beta receptors to burn your fat more efficiently. To burn fat your Beta receptors must first create a chemical called cyclic AMP which allows a second step to occur. Without Mesotherapy, your Beta receptors cannot proceed to the second step because of a chemical called phosphodiesterase. Phosphodiesterase breaks down cyclic AMP and stops fat burning. Aminophylline inhibits phosphodiesterase, preventing it from interfering with the cyclic AMP and fat breakdown.

ARBUTIN

Arbutin is both an ether and a glycoside; a glycosylated hydroquinone extracted from bearberry plant in the genus Arctostaphylos. Inhibits tyrosines and thus prevents the formation of melanin.

Arbutin is therefore used as a skin-lightening agent. Arbutin is found in wheat and is concentrated in peer skins. It is also found in Bergama crassifolia.

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ARTICHOKE EXTRACT

The secret behind the anti-cellulite properties of this extract lies in its detoxifying and diuretic action. Artichoke is widely used to treat cellulite and fat. It is very effective in treatments where there is a presence of oedema and is widely used in the treatment of lipodystrophies where there is an excess of liquids in the tissues, especially for women who are taking some form of birth control. In addition, artichoke Extract works to help stimulate the lymphatic drainage system.

ASIAN CENTELLA

Is very effective, it increases collagen synthesis, strengthens the skin and stimulates the connective tissue. Due to its healing capacity, it is indicated for treatments such as acne, stretch marks, cellulite and hair loss.

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BIOTIN

Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is necessary for cell growth, production of fatty acids and for metabolising fats and amino acids. It helps to stimulate cell repair and promote healthy skin cell and tissue growth, leading to an overall improvement in the structure and appearance of the skin. By accelerating lipid synthesis, it improves the skin’s ability to act as a natural barrier and noticeably reduces fine wrinkles. It can be used to alleviate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and dry skin, as well as combating hair loss and greying.

CAFFEINE

Works to increase blood flow and stimulate adipocytes to release fat into the bloodstream, so that it can be burned by the body’s metabolism. In simple terms, caffeine drains the body’s fat cells. In parallel, caffeine tightens and tones the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. When applied topically, it works to act as a lipolytic agent, breaking down the fat tissue and causing localized weight loss, without incurring any side effects.

CO-ENZYME 010

Other Names: CoQ10, Co Q10, Ubiquinone, Vitamin Q

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally-occurring compound found in every cell in the body. Coenzyme Q10’s alternate name. Ubiquinone, comes from the word ubiquitous, which means “found everywhere.”

00010 is an anti-oxidant which protects against free radicals. It plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for the production of energy in the form of

ATP, which in turn assists healing.

COPPER

Copper is an anti-oxidant that promotes collagen and elastin production. Co r is needed to produce the body’s natural tissue building pro process. It helps to firm and soften the skin.

DMAE

DMAE acts immediately to improve the appearance of sagging, or flaccid skin. Its firming action works by protecting the elastin and collagen cross—links. It is commonly used in anti—ageing treatments and works well to tighten the skin within cellulite procedures. DMAE provides an instant face or body lift effect, while defending the skin against free radicals and simultaneously infusing it with moisture.

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DEXPANTHENOL

Dexpanthenol acts as a moisturiser, boosting moisture levels in the stratum’corneum, reducing Transepidermal water loss and maintaining the skin’s natural softness and elasticity. A skin—calming

Agent, whose beneficial effects have been widely documented. Dexpanthenol also accelerates cellular repair, reconstructs damaged tissue and promotes normal keratinization of the skin and hair.

GINGKO BILOBA 

Ginkgo Biloba is derived from the maidenhair tree. It is well known for its Antioxidant and detoxifying properties. It has been used for many years as a remedy for various conditions. The trees leaves have been used more and more in the expanding market for the use of alternative medicines.

Ginkgo is the most widely used phytomedicine that is being sold in Europe, and is one of the top 10 Bestselling alternative medicines in America.

GLUTATHIONE

Glutathione plays an important role in cell protection during ageing, acting both as an antioxidant and a detoxifying agent. Glutathione’s ability to inhibit melanin synthesis makes it an essential component of melasma and depigmentation treatments.

GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid is the most common alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is derived from sugar cane. It stimulates new growth of skin, collagen and elastin. As well as working to diminish brown spots and hyperpigmentation, it also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scars and other signs of ageing. Glycolic acid has been documented to decrease the bond that holds dead skin cells together on the surface of the skin, thus increasing cell turnover. The skin then appears bright and rejuvenated, reflecting a healthy glow.

HYALURONIDASE

The FDA recently approved one form of hyaluronidase (Vitrase) as an injectable drug for use in combination with other injected drugs to increase their absorption and dispersion. Cellulite occurs when connective tissue bands that hold down the skin trap bulging bundles of fat and create the

“Dimpling” effect. Connective tissue contains a large amount of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronidase is a natural enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronidase used in Mesotherapy may help to break down the connective tissue bands that create the dimpled appearance of cellulite.

Hyaluronidase also enhances the absorption and dispersion of PPC to enhance the breakdown of fat cells between the connective tissue bands.

HYALURONIC ACID 

Pure, non-cross linked Hyaluronic acid is a highly-effective skin moisturizing agent. Its particular ability to attract and bind water molecules serves to moisturize the skin and maintain the elasticity of dermal and epidermal tissues. When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid forms a viscoelastic film replicating its natural function of retaining water in the intercellular matrix of dermal connective tissues. This makes hyaluronic acid, an ideal moisture base, facilitating the delivery of other agents to the skin. It is recommended for treating wrinkles, tired, sun-damaged and dried-out skin. In combination with vitamins, hyaluronic acid not only helps to prevent sings of ageing, but also works to treat them.

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L-CARNITINE

Synthesized by the liver and kidneys. L-Carnitine is required for fatty acids to be delivered into cells where the fat can be burned as a source of fuel. In Mesotherapy, L-Carnitine transports liberated fat into the little power centres of the cells (called mitochondria) so that the fat can burned for energy in simple terms. L-Carnitine is the vehicle used to transport fat into energy within-the cell. I Quite simply, without optimal amounts of L-Carnitine, there is not optimal fat burning taking place in

Mesotherapy. Diet and exercise along with L-Carnitine will maximize fat removal.

LIDOCAINE

This is an FDA approved anaesthetic that is used in low doses in Mesotherapy to maximise your comfort by blocking pain almost instantly after injection.

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PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE

Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) or Lipostabil is an antioxidant that is derived from natural soy lecithin.

PPC alters the metabolism of fatty substances like cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. PPC has been used intravenously to break down fatty deposits (lipolysis) in patients with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease and heart vessels filled with fatty plaques PPC is purported to penetrate the adipocyte (fat cell) through the double lipid layer (cell wall) where it acts as a detergent (emulsifying and tensoactive agent). This means that fat affected by PPC becomes water soluble. Fat soluble and water soluble substances are not compatible (a good example is oil and water). Therefore your fat cells that are altered by PPC must be eliminated.

In a nutshell, PPC breaks down fat much like hot water and dish soap break down grease in a frying pan. The fat dissolves and is carried through the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys and bowel. It is just common sense that if you are exercising and dieting properly, this process occurs much more rapidly and efficiently.

SILICA

A structural element of connective tissue. Organic silica hydrates, renews and regenerates cells. It stimulates and regulates fibroblast proliferation, enhances collagen synthesis and promotes the regeneration of elastic fibres. Organic silica, tones and lifts the skin, slowing down the ageing process. It restores strength, flexibility and elasticity to the collagen and elastin of connective tissues.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A or Retinal works as an antioxidant for the skin, disarming free radicals that cause tissue and cell damage. Wrinkles and lines are gradually smoothed, moisture and elasticity improves, the complexion glows and sun damage is diminished. Vitamin A increases the skin’s cell turnover while also boosting collagen, resulting in a more youthful overall appearance. As well as working diminish stretch marks, Vitamin A assists the skin’s natural healing processes. This vitamin and its derivatives have displayed beneficial effects in controlling acne and in reversing skin damage caused by environmental factors

VITAMIN B5

Vitamin B5 is involved in the cellular production of energy and is needed for the synthesis of our

Body’s hormones. It is especially beneficial for the treatment of oily skin and acne but it is also very beneficial for the improvement of hair conditions.

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VITAMIN C

A very effective antioxidant that neutralizes free radical, the unstable molecules that age the skin as a result of pollution, smoking and exposure to the sun. It inhibits melanin, stimulates growth of the

Hydro-Lipid film and enhances collagen synthesis, an important skin protein that strengthens the Structural support and elasticity of the skin. Vitamin C is used mainly to treat and prevent photo

Ageing, uneven complexion, wrinkles. Stretch marks and skin tightening.

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VITAMIN E

As an antioxidant, vitamin E acts as a peroxyl radical scavenger, preventing the propagation of free radicals in tissues, by reacting with them to form a tocopheryl radical which will then be oxidized by a hydrogen donor (such as Vitamin C) and thus return to its reduced state As it is fat-soluble, it is incorporated into cell membranes, which protects them from oxidative damage. Vitamin E also has an effect on gene expression; it plays a role in neurological functions, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Vitamin E also protects lipids and prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

ZINC

Zinc protects against free radical damage and aids cells to reproduce. It is needed for the body’s repair process and is used mainly in rejuvenation, acne and alopecia treatments

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TECHNIQUES 0F MESOTHERAPY

The technique of the injection itself and the skills of the practitioner are factors in the amount of pain resulting from Mesotherapy injections. With regard to speed of penetration of the needle into the skin, the faster the penetration, the less pain for the patient. The use of a good fully-automatic

Mesogun able to penetrate the skin in a fast, more steady and repetitive way will help at easing the pain.

In non-experts hands the special needles used for manual Mesotherapy injections into the dermis can significantly contribute to making the treatment more painful, mainly because of the Size of the

Needle. In general a 30G or 32G needle is recommended. In addition, receiving the latest & most complete training on Mesotherapy techniques will increase your skills & will result in a fairly pain free technique of injection.

THE FEAR AND PERCEPTION OF THE PATIENT

Some patients are needle phobic. Other means of treatment include needle-free Mesotherapy or giving appropriate topical anaesthetic. This can be achieved with classical means of applying a cream.

DO I NEED A MESOGUN?

The answer is yes…and no.

Yes, as it definitely leaves you with less hand fatigue when injecting large amounts of products repetitively. It also allows you to administer the exact quantity of product at the same depth providing consistency.

Another advantage is psychological: using a fancy device for the injections makes you look more

Professional in front of your patients & their needle phobia will be reduced as they see you use a mesogun. Now if you consider your skills and expertise to be good enough to compete with

Automatic devices you may prefer the manual technique over the use of a mesogun.

Whether you choose to administer Mesotherapy manually or with a mesogun, the injection Technique is very important as it determines the quality of the results obtained.

NAPPAGE

This Technique is most commonly used and is a superficially intradermal technique which consists of performing a series of injections 24mm apart whilst continuously maintaining a regular and constant pressure on the plunger. The needle is inserted at a 30-60 degree angle at a depth of 2-4mm. The product deposited on the surface is left in contact with the Epidermis for 3-5 minutes to assist its penetration.