Paul T Rose | PubMed Health

PubMed2005

Histological changes associated with mesotherapy for fat dissolution.

Mesotherapy is a form of medical therapy popular in Europe and South America. It is used for treating a variety of medical conditions, including the treatment of localized fat deposits and cellulite. Phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate injections are a popular technique to treat localized fat accumulations and have recently become synonymous with mesotherapy, although their history and technique are distinct. To treat localized fat deposits, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and deoxycholate (DC) are utilized. To date, there have been no published histological studies that explain the mechanism of action of PC and DC.Method. In this study the authors have obtained skin biopsies from a patient who had undergone mesotherapy with PC and DC. Punch biopsies were taken at one and two weeks after the procedure.Results. Each of the biopsies taken at one and two weeks after treatment with PC and DC showed a normal epithelium and dermis, with a mixed septal and lobular panniculitis. The fat lobules were infiltrated by increased numbers of lymphocytes and, in particular, macrophages. The macrophages consisted of conventional forms, foam cells, and multinucleated fat-containing giant cells. The inflammation was associated with serous atrophy and microcyst formation.Conclusion. This study demonstrates that mesotherapy with PC and DC affects the subcutaneous fat. We theorize that the reduction of subcutaneous fat likely follows inflammatory-mediated necrosis and resorption.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

The potential role of minoxidil in the hair transplantation setting.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade surgical management of hair loss has become an increasingly popular and satisfying procedure for both men and women, as innovations in donor harvesting, graft size, and hairline design have resulted in consistently natural-appearing hair restoration. OBJECTIVE: In addition, a better understanding of the regulation of the hair-growth cycle has led to advances in the pharmacologic treatment of androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: Currently there are two U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents that promote hair regrowth: over-the-counter topical minoxidil solution for men and women and prescription oral finasteride tablets for men. In October 2001, a group of 11 international experts on hair loss and hair transplantation convened to review the physiology and effects of pharmacologic treatments of hair loss and to discuss the value of administering topical minoxidil therapy as an adjunct to hair transplantation. RESULTS: This article presents the key findings and consensus points among the participants, including their current use of pharmacologic treatments, strategies for optimal results both pre- and postsurgery, and the importance of realistic patient expectations and compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the surgeons' clinical experience, the use of approved hair regrowth agents in hair transplant patients with viable but suboptimally functioning follicles in the region to be transplanted can increase hair density, speed regrowth in transplanted follicles, and complement the surgical result by slowing down or stopping further hair loss.

Administration, Oral↗