Mesotherapy: your alternative to  cosmetic surgery and liposuction

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What is Mesotherapy?  Mesotherapy, pioneered in the 1950s by French physician Dr. Michel Pistor, is the painless injection of vitamins, minerals, medications, and amino acids placed just under the surface of the skin. Mesotherapy has a variety of applications including weight loss, cellulite reduction, face and neck rejuvenation, and hair regrowth. Therefore, the injected solution is individually prepared depending on its purpose. Unlike other medical treatments, mesotherapy is administered directly to the desired area. This limits side-effects, reduces the possibility of drug interactions, and allows for a substantial reduction in the amount of medicine utilized for each procedure.   Take a look at the videos below for more about mesotherapy and Thermage "Belly Buster" Thermage for a flatter and tighter stomach; reported by NBC Channel 10, Philadelphia. Click here to play video Have you been wanting to say "so long cellulite?" Then you won't want to miss this story from medical reporter Cherie Bank on NBC Channel 10 in Philadelphia. For a cable connection, click here For a dial up (56K) connection click here Dr. Greenberg was featured on both CBS Channel 3 (KYW Philadelphia), and NBC Channel 10 (WCAU Philadelphia) for their special reports on mesotherapy. Watch both videos online here.  Cable connection: click here or Dial up (56k) connection: click here Cable connection: click here or Dial up (56k) connection: click here Videos play on RealPlayer (most computers already have RealPlayer). You can download the player from Real.com for free by clicking here.

Read more about specific uses for mesotherapy below

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Weight Loss
For those patients seeking weight loss, mesotherapy is a revolutionary and essential tool. This is how it works: the biology of the fat cell is modified by blocking the signals of fat accumulation and  simultaneously triggering the release of stored fat. Again, the desired area of treatment can be patient specific, targeting your most problematic areas. Additionally, a complete dietary and nutrient evaluation will help you maintain your weight loss goals.

Cellulite Reduction
Cellulite affects the majority of women over the age 20. It  is caused by poor circulation, fat herniation, a weakening of connective tissues, lymphatic congestion and hormonal imbalances. Cellulite is classified into four stages, based upon its appearance while standing, laying, and pinching the skin. Causing a dimpling and cottage cheese appearance of the skin, cellulite is not a disease of excess weight. Mesotherapy treatment is targeted to correct these problems by improving circulation, strengthening connective tissues, and dissolving excess fat.

Hair Regrowth / Alopecia
Alopecia, the loss of hair, affects both men and women. Alopecia results from poor circulation, nutritional imbalances, and the excess of a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Mesotherapy can correct these problems, stimulating the body to naturally grow lost hair.

Face and Neck Rejuvenation / Mesolift
Aging, sagging and wrinkling of the skin occurs from accumulation of fat, loss of skin elasticity and excessive free radical damage. Using antioxidants and amino acids, mesotherapy can remove fat from under the neck, remove free radical damage, and  tighten loose skin. The effects rejuvenate the face, eyelids, and neck without the unnatural appearance and painful recovery of surgical face lifting.

Body Sculpting
Contouring of the abdomen, arms, back, legs and hands can be obtained with mesotherapy. Vitamins and amino acids are used to tighten sagging skin while other agents are used to remove areas of fat, restoring a more youthful and athletic appearance to the body's contours.

Medical uses
Mesotherapy also has a variety of medicinal uses. Treatments can benefit those patients suffering from muscle spasms, stress, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, infections, RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), and osteoarthritis, among other conditions. Such a wide variety of conditions can be treated with this technique as each treatment is formulated to meet each patient's unique problem.  Mesotherapy  is administered only into the problematic area, avoiding the side-effects of taking oral medications. For example, the dosage of medication used to alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis is approximately 1/50th of the comparable to the equivalent oral dose taken over a one-week period.
 

       Mesotherapy: Cosmetic uses                                   Medical Uses

Weight Loss Cellulite Removal Face and Neck Rejuvenation Hair Loss / Alopecia Back to top

Help in Quitting Smoking Arthritis Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Muscle Relaxation Help with Anxiety and Insomnia Chronic Infections Bone Spurs

Mesotherapy treatments performed by Dr. Greenberg
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This patient had liposuction and then developed worsening cellulite and fat redistribution.  Treatment with mesotherapy recontoured the irregular areas, reduced the damage from the liposuction, and significantly improved the appearance of cellulite.

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Notice the dramatic reduction in the "love handles" and the improved, sculptured look
of the torso and abdominal wall in the group of 'after' photos below.

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The photos above show a before and after "mesosculpting" of the 
buttocks and thighs for cellulite and fat.

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Mesotherapy treatments for 'love handles'

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After three mesotherapy treatments of the upper arm

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The dramatic effects of a mesotherapy treatment of the upper arms, bra line, waist and
hips are illustrated above. This patient was four dress sizes smaller after mesotherapy.

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The photos above show a before and after treatment of cellulite.

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This patient lost a total of eight inches; four from the hips and four from the waist.
The cellulite was removed from her hips and buttocks.

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This patient lost four inches from his waist; had his "love handles" eliminated
and improved his abdominal wall definition. 

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After just two sessions of a "Mesolift"...

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...the bags under the patient's eyes were reduced, her facial wrinkles were much softer,
her jaw line was redefined, and her skin quality was improved.

Obagi nu-derm 
We believe that skin beauty starts from within.  The Obagi nu-derm system helps patients achieve the ultimate in skin health -- producing a soft, glowing appearance while reducing age spots, irregularities in skin texture, acne scars, acne, and fine lines.  This unique prescription system stimulates the deep layers of the skin to produce collagen and other protein molecules often lost with age, or with excessive sun damage.  Even patients with the driest of skin will be able to eliminate the use of moisturizers as the skin becomes healthy from within. 
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Before and after use of the Obagi prescription skin care system for treatment of age spots,
uneven pigmentation, and fine lines.  The system rejuvenates the skin.

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The photos above show a Restylane treatment to smooth the contours under the eyes.

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This is an example of treatment of "smile" lines (nasolabial fold) with dermal filling;
naturally smoothes the face without surgery.

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This is an example of lip enhancement using dermal fillers such as Restylane. 
With our techniques the lips are enhanced, giving a fuller appearance,
and the upper lip lines are erased without producing the lumpiness typical of collagen products.

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This is another example of dermal filling of the smile lines and also the Obagi system to
remove age spots from the forehead and cheeks.

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Thermage - the "lunch-time" facelift

Our doctors have performed more Thermage procedures than any other office in the entire Philadelphia and South Jersey area.  We are also a clinical training and testing site, as selected by the Thermage company, to train other doctors in Thermage and the latest Thermage procedures, like Cellulite by Thermage and Body by Thermage.

The Thermage procedure reduces sagging skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. This FDA-approved method for tightening the skin is useful for enhancement of the face, neck, forehead, jowls, arms, abdomen and buttocks.  It is performed with an advanced device known as the Therma Cool TC, that uses radio-frequency energy to heat collagen in the lower layers of the skin, while protecting the skin surface with a cooling spray.  This heating action causes the deep structures in the skin to tighten immediately.  Over time, new collagen grows to further tighten your skin and produce a youthful, lifted appearance.  Thermage is very safe and is performed in about an hour.  It requires no incisions, injections or recovery time.  The procedure, as featured on Good Morning America, Oprah, and on CNN health reports, is currently available at our office.

All Thermage treatments at the Magaziner Center are performed
by one of our board-certified physicians.

 

"Belly Buster" Thermage for a flatter and tighter stomach; reported by NBC Channel 10, Philadelphia. Click here to play video

Click on photos for a larger image (use your "back" button to return here)

The newest breakthrough in cellulite treatments..... results with just one treatment, and FDA cleared! Announcing Cellulite by Thermage!

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Thermage treatments on the neck.

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The before and after photos below show a Thermage treatment for sagging skin.

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The photos above show how Thermage can be used to enhance the lips.... these results are immediate and long lasting.  The procedure takes 30 minutes and does not involve any down time or preparation.  No medications or injections are used.  It also can be used to lift and pout the lips.

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The above photos show results two months after Thermage to the full face and neck.  Note the substantial improvement in the jowls and neckline. The patient looks much more youthful, but completely natural.

 

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Five weeks after one thermage treatment to the face. Note the improvement in the neck, jowls and cheeks.

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These photos show the dramatic results achieved using both Thermage and
mesotherapy. The after photos are one week post Thermage.
 

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These photos show the results of a Thermage treatment before, and six weeks after.  Note the tighter jaw line, reduction of jowls, reduction of the smile line, tighter neck and improved skin quality. The results will continue to improve for six months following the treatment.

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Thermage FAQ's

The Thermage procedure reduces the signs of aging skin, giving you a more youthful appearance.  Also called ThermaCool, and Radiothermoplasty, the Thermage procedure is performed with a technology cleared by the FDA.  Doctors Magaziner and Greenberg have the latest generation in this technology and are fully certified by the Thermage Company in its use.What is the Thermage procedure?
The Thermage procedure is an advanced method for tightening loose skin that requires only the touch of a sophisticated treatment tip to your skin.  The treatment tip delivers radiofrequency energy just millimeters under the surface of the skin without the need for incisions, injections, or surgery.

Is it safe?
The Thermage procedure is very safe.  Although it is possible that skin damage can occur, it is usually temporary.  This treatment has been carefully studied in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of adverse events.  It is common to experience mild redness or swelling after the procedure.  For treatment of the face, it is also common to experience some mild soreness under the jawbone.  The side effects are minimal compared to traditional face-lifts or other surgical tightening procedures.

How long is the procedure?
The Thermage procedure can take from one-half hour to an hour and thirty minutes depending on the body part(s) to be treated.  A typical Thermage "face lift" procedure may take one hour.  Drs. Magaziner and Greenberg offer treatment to the neck, lower and mid face, eyes, brow and forehead.  Other areas of the body can also be treated to tighten loose skin.

When will I see results?
Recently published studies conducted by Thermage show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment.  In some cases, our physicians have obtained dramatic results in as little as three weeks.

How many treatments will I need?
A single Thermage treatment has produced good results in the majority of patients.  During your consult, our doctors will assess the quality and laxity of your skin to determine the treatment schedule.  Furthermore, we will discuss and recommend complementary therapies to assist in skin rejuvenation such as diet, nutrient supplements, and the Obagi Nu-Derm system.

How long before I can return to my normal activities?
Most people return to their regular activities shortly after having the procedure.  This compares most favorably to a face-lift, which often is accompanied by severe swelling, bruising, pain, and a lengthy period of recovery before returning to normal activities.

Do I need to do anything special for my skin following the procedure?
There is no special care required.  Patients can continue to follow their skin health regimen as recommended by our physicians.  Makeup can be used immediately after the procedure.  Sunscreen is recommended for good skin care.

How does Thermage work?
The Thermage procedure uses a special treatment tip to deliver radiofrequency energy into the collagen layers of the skin.  This form of energy produces a heating action to cause a tightening of the collagen.  Over a period of about 6 months, new collagen grows to further tighten your skin and produce a more youthful, vibrant, natural appearance.  Our patients describe it as "turning back the hands of time".  Many patients prefer the look of natural rejuvenation that Thermage provides versus the "pulled" appearance of a face lift.

What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein molecule that supports the structure of the skin.  Over time, collagen becomes depleted or damaged by the sun, smoking, dietary or environmental factors.  Collagen also becomes depleted during the aging process, and is usually controlled by heredity.  The results are visible signs of aging, such as loose skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?
With each touch of the Thermage treatment tip, you will experience a brief intense heating sensation as the collagen in deep layers of your skin is tightened.  To protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable, a cooling spray is delivered during the application of the treatment tip.  Additionally, as part of pretreatment, a pain medication is given to reduce the discomfort of the heat sensation.

Visit the Thermage Company Web site at: www.thermage.com
 

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©2002  Scott R. Greenberg, MD
 

What our patients are saying

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"Diets, exercise, creams....I had tried them all.  I couldn't get my thighs to match the rest of my thin body.  I resigned myself to having liposuction even though I didn't really feel comfortable about having major surgery to correct a figure flaw.  I consulted with several cosmetic surgeons and had a date and a procedure planned. 

Before I underwent surgery, I decided to research other alternatives.  I came across a non-surgical procedure called mesotherapy, found Dr. Greenberg and that's when I was on my way to thinner thighs! At first I was skeptical, but decided to try it since I was very hesitant about liposuction.  The injections brought about minor discomfort but nothing like recovery from liposuction!  I started to see results after a few weeks and I needed about 12 sessions with Dr. Greenberg to achieve the results I wanted.

I am now so happy with my body. I lost inches on my thighs and my cellulite has vanished.  I feel confident wearing shorts, skirts, and even a bathing suit on the beach!  (now fitting into clothes that were in the back of my closet the last few years).  Some advice to those who are considering mesotherapy...be patient, look for minor results at first and most of all, trust Dr. Greenberg's experience.  He knows how to evaluate your improvement and is very willing to discuss how your treatment is progressing."

T.S.

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"I came to see Dr. Greenberg out of pure frustration. In the past few years, I noticed, much to my dismay, that I was developing cellulite. This is an issue I thought I would never have to deal with. I am a young, thin woman who works out regularly. Unfortunately, no matter how thin I got or how much I worked out I could not get rid of it! When I met with Dr. Greenberg, he suggested I try Mesotherapy – an alternative treatment for cellulite removal.  With nothing to lose, I decided to try it. After one treatment I noticed results! It is fast, fairly painless (considering I’m a huge chicken) and there’s no down time. I was thrilled. I was thrilled. I’ve tried everything out there – creams, vitamins and even ender molgre. Nothing came close to the results I achieved with meso. This is the first year in the past few that I am actually looking forward to the summer season! Thank you Dr. Greenberg!"
A.B. (name withheld)

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"It was approximately two months ago when I decided to seek the care of Dr. Greenberg concerning love handles I developed. All my life I’ve been very athletic and have maintained a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. However, after sustaining a shoulder injury two years ago, which took approximately one year to heal, I went back to training hard to get back into my prior shape, but to no avail. No matter what I did, the love handles remained.
     Now, I understand the meaning of training hard. I was a Division One wrestler throughout college and went on to coach at the college level. However all the diet, running and lifting resulted in better cardio and physical shape, the love handles remained.  After coming to the conclusion that there was little I could do on my own to alleviate the situation, I consulted Dr. Greenberg and the Magaziner Center for Wellness. After just two visits with Dr. Greenberg and undergoing mesotherapy treatments, I lost approximately 2" around my midsection. After five visits I lost approximately 4 ½" and went from a 36" waist to a 31 ½" waist.
      Dr. Greenberg is an excellent doctor who looks at the entire picture and is genuinely concerned with his patients’ well-being. I think he was actually as happy as I was seeing my successful progress. I would recommend Dr. Greenberg and mesotherapy to anyone who has a problem area that they want to improve."
D.F. (Name withheld)
 

Mesotherapy frequently asked questions

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How much does mesotherapy cost?
Mesotherapy treatments cost from $350-$450 per area per treatment, not including $275 for initial consultation and examination.  A treatment area is defined as the abdomen, thighs, arms, etc. Smaller areas such as the face and neck are priced accordingly.  A full face mesolift is $500 per session.

How many treatments are required?
Generally, the average patient requires eight to ten treatments.  However thin people with problem areas such as "love handles" or "saddlebags" may require less, whereas obese individuals may require more.

What are the side effects?
Side effects are generally limited to bruising.  The bruises usually fade within one week.

Can I go back to work after the treatment?
Yes.  The procedure generally takes 30 minutes and requires no preparation or recovery time. Furthermore, no heavy bandages or girdles are used.

Are the treatments painful?
The majority of patients experience minimal discomfort with mesotherapy.  For those with lower pain thresholds, a numbing cream or painkillers can be used.

How long do the benefits last?
Treatment areas will remain free of unwanted fat as long as the patient maintains a healthy diet and exercise. Treatments for cellulite and for mesolift will require maintenance on a six month to one year basis.

How many treatments are required before I see results?
It depends on the patient's body.  Some patients see results after one treatment session while others may require four to five treatments to begin to see results.  Often the patient's clothing will become looser and friends and family will tell the patient they appear thinner.  However, mesotherapy is more about losing inches than losing large amounts of weight.

Is mesotherapy different from liposuction?
Yes, it is very different.  Besides involving no anesthesia and surgical risk, mesotherapy requires no recovery time.  Mesotherapy also removes the fat from the fat cell without destroying it.  We believe this helps give mesotherapy its natural appearance.  Also, if you gain weight after having mesotherapy, the fat will simply return to the treated area, unlike liposuction, where fat can start to occur in places that had been thin in the past, such as the arms, neck, face, and calves.

How do I make an appointment?
You can call our office at 856.424.8222.  Because there are only a select few physicians across the country who properly use mesotherapy, we will make special arrangements for out-of-state patients who wish to travel to our office.

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