Oct 14, 2009 11:59 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Multipurpose Mesotherapy
Known As Wonder Treatment, Painless Procedure Can Alleviate Problems Associated With Any Number Of Ailments
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
It uses needles but isn't acupuncture and can treat dozens of medical ailments. It's the technique of mesotherapy, which a growing number of patients are calling a wonder treatment.
"I've been having been having a lot of pain and pressure in my stomach and my intestines for roughly 10, 15 years," Courtney Chesonis said.
Chesonis was frustrated by her symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome -- which seemed impossible to treat until she tried mesotherapy.
"Within five minutes it felt like bubbles were popping that I get a tremendous relief in seconds with it. It's almost like (imitates a popping sound) and it just seems to release some pressure," Chesonis said.
Mardi Merjian was battling a bad sinus condition for months.
"I had three CAT scans and the end result was a pretty much a unanimous recommendation by all of them to get, uh, sinus surgery," Merjian said.
But just a few sessions of mesotherapy relieved his congestion without surgery.
"We can treat a broad range of muscular, skeletal, but we also treat headaches and sinus, gastritis, stomach pains … we do all kinds of neuropathies," said Dr. Alexander Kulick.
Mesotherapy is a medical technique that originated in France. It involves injecting microscopic amounts of natural extracts and pharmaceutical medicines into the skin. It has cosmetic uses such as lessening the appearance of cellulite, but is gaining popularity for its medical effects.
"Well just that I found it incredibly safe but as importantly as effective. I've also been able to use it in things where other modalities did not work," Dr. Kulick said.
Even though needles are used in mesotherapy the practice is described as painless. That's because the needle barely needs to puncture the skin for the medication to take effect.
"You don't feel any pain or sharp needles going into you. Little very tiny light pricks," Merjian said.
Kulick says six to eight sessions are usually enough to see an effect and then maintenance treatments may be recommended. Chesonis said she looks forward to every appointment.
"I just … I felt great every time I come in for a procedure," Chesonis said.
Mesotherapy should only be performed by a licensed doctor trained in the technique. Ask what medications they are planning to use and if you have a history of skin sensitivity or allergies a small test patch on the wrist can be tried before the actual treatment.
Mesotherapy treatments start at $150 each, and are generally not covered by insurance.
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