MesoGlow: all about the injection lifting procedure

Elena Lazareva – head of the training center “Philosophy of Beauty” (Ukraine, Odessa);

Tatyana Monastyrskaya – chief medical specialist of the Philosophy of Beauty training center, teacher of the courses “Fundamentals of Cosmetology” and “Practical Mesotherapy”, cosmetologist (Ukraine, Odessa).

Hormone therapy

Aging is the process of breakdown of the connective and elastic tissues of the skin. During the aging process of the skin, degeneration of its connective and elastic tissues occurs, and atrophy of subcutaneous fat also begins. As the number of growth factors and growth factor receptors decreases, communication between the different layers of the skin begins to deteriorate. As a result, the skin becomes loose and wrinkles appear. However, skin aging is just the tip of the iceberg. Aging and fading are not only age categories. Rather, these are characteristics of the internal state of the body, when a decrease in the adaptive, protective and restorative functions of the body is manifested in the form of senile changes. These processes manifest themselves in the form of structural changes, both in skin cells and in the extracellular space. They depend on age and skin type, but most importantly – on the state of the body’s hormonal system. It is known that the function of the hormonal system is controlled by a small part of the brain - the hypothalamus, where substances that affect hormone levels are produced. This process depends on the functional state of the hypothalamus itself, and its condition depends on the quality of blood supply to the structures of the brain. It, in turn, is determined by a genetic factor that affects the metabolism of cholesterol derivatives and the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels. Residents of northern latitudes are less susceptible to this factor, while southerners suffer from it to a greater extent. It is not without reason that it has been noted that southern women mature and age earlier. One of the main hormones that maintains the tone and beauty of our body is somatotropin (HGH), also called growth hormone. With its deficiency, many body functions are disrupted, including the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles. However, wrinkles are only an external manifestation of negative processes occurring in the body. Another factor in reducing skin elasticity is a decrease in the level of female sex hormones (estrogens).

An equally important hormone, the rhythm of production of which regulates the entire cycle of human life, is melatonin. It is formed in the pineal gland (epiphysis), also known as the “third eye”. The pineal gland is mentioned in the famous “Treatise on Man” by Rene Descartes (1664), and is called the “seat of the soul.” In youth, the maximum amount of this hormone is produced, and in old age it is almost not produced. Melatonin regulates the body's immune and endocrine systems, increases resistance to cancer and other diseases, promotes visual acuity, lowers blood cholesterol, and normalizes blood pressure. Under its influence, the amount of fat deposits decreases. Another “youth hormone” is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Laboratory studies have shown that restoring the level of DHEA to the level inherent in a young body makes it possible not only to significantly extend life expectancy, but also to change its quality, maintaining energy and a joyful mood.

It would seem that if hormones have such a direct effect on the youth of the body in general and the skin in particular, then if their production is insufficient, a simple solution suggests itself - to introduce artificial hormones from the outside. However, when receiving hormones in the form of injections, the body reduces the already small amount of hormones produced independently: hormonal dependence is formed.

Therefore, one of the promising ways of rejuvenation is the impact on the autoregulatory systems of the body (namely, the hypothalamus).

It can be carried out directly - pharmacologically (using chemicals) or indirectly - biosynthetically. One of these techniques is mesotherapy.

Mesolift is part of the strategy

Known as a method of treatment for more than 150 years, mesotherapy today is one of the modern areas of cosmetology, the most effective method of non-surgical correction of facial contours, eliminating wrinkles, slowing down the aging process, and treating hair loss.

For lifting the skin of the face and neck, one of the popular aesthetic mesotherapy procedures is the MesoGlow procedure. In the USA, this procedure is also called MesoLift - non-surgical facelift. The procedure is carried out exclusively using preparations based on hyaluronic acid, possibly using multivitamins, minerals, medical vasodilators, the DMAE complex (for mature skin), using mesotherapy techniques for the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and hands.

The procedure improves skin hydration and smoothes out fine wrinkles. Its main action is aimed at stimulating cellular and mitochondrial activity through the introduction of microinjections of nutrients, vitamins, oligoelements, nucleotides, hyaluronic acid and other substances. This process also activates intercellular metabolism and improves local metabolism. Several consecutive procedures stimulate fibroblasts and, in turn, help increase collagen production. But it is worth noting that the therapy is not aimed at treating pigmentation, rosacea, acne or telangiectasia.

The MesoGlow procedure is indicated for any age and can be performed on patients from 25 to 60 years old. It is performed on the face, neck, décolleté and hands. The procedure is part of an overall strategy for treating aging along with contouring, peels, laser procedures, IPL, botulinum toxin injections, etc.

Main component

The main ingredient in MesoGlow cocktails is hyaluronic acid (HA). With this method of administration, HA stimulates metabolic processes in the cells and intercellular space of the skin. In this way, new blood vessels are formed in the area of application. This method of skin rejuvenation should be carried out regularly, since HA is included in the body’s metabolic processes and is completely absorbed after 15-20 days.

The degree of “absorption” of the drug by the body and the number of injections depends on the initial condition of the skin. The drier the skin, the faster it absorbs HA and the longer the effect of the mesotherapy procedure lasts.

Various experts estimate natural thinning of the skin at 6% per decade, which is mainly due to loss of HA. Its additional provision through injections allows you to restore skin thickness and fight against the inevitable loss of volume. It also acts on angiogenesis, promoting the proliferation of endothelial cells and thus allowing better cutaneous vascularization. HA plays a major role in many cellular processes: immune cell activation, cellular defense, cell migration, cell proliferation and differentiation. But one of the most important functions of HA is to retain water in the extracellular matrix of the skin and provide the necessary moisture. Aging of human skin, especially after 50 years, is accompanied by changes in its macromolecular components, which leads to significant changes in the structure of the intercellular matrix of the skin. The HA content in it also changes, and its ability to retain water gradually decreases. High molecular weight HA solutions form non-occlusive elastic hydrated layers on the skin surface that retain water in the same way that HA retains it in the intercellular matrix of the connective tissues of the dermis. They also protect the skin from harmful external influences that disrupt the skin barrier. This is why HA is a powerful humectant.

However, HA is present inside humans, as in any other living organism. Its molecules are part of the skin, joints, blood, connective tissue, and the vitreous body of the eye. The main function of HA is to bind and retain water in the body, maintaining water balance. By and large, many of our problems are associated with a lack of this substance in the body. The fact is that in youth, fibroblasts responsible for the production of HA produce a sufficient amount of it. Over time, under the influence of various factors (ecology, unhealthy lifestyle, etc.), the amount of HA produced decreases significantly. In this regard, such unpleasant joint diseases, wrinkles, and thinning of the skin occur. Replenishing the number of HA molecules helps slow down this process or, in extreme cases, remove its external manifestations. Its cosmetic use is very wide, and it is worth noting that after a course of almost any procedure, the effect is not only external. The skin is truly hydrated from the inside out, as the moist environment it creates at the surface of the skin reduces water evaporation. In addition, being on the surface of the skin, HA creates a polymer network that allows drugs that act specifically on the skin to stay on it longer, which increases their degree of action, since they have time to penetrate the epidermis. And the most important thing: HA is one of the components of a living organism, and its use, as a rule, is not accompanied by complications.

In addition, in addition to HA, the components of the MesoGlow cocktail for combined care of young skin can include a complex of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Thanks to this combination, the cocktail has an immediate and long-lasting effect due to the penetration of vitamins into the deep layers of the skin.

This cocktail can be prepared by a specialist yourself or used ready-made.

For more mature skin, the optimal solution would be prepared cocktails using HA and lifting components such as DMAE. The tightening effect of DMAE is achieved through the release of neurotransmitters, primarily (which is important at the neuromuscular synapse) acetylcholine. With age, the content of acetylcholine in the dermis decreases, and, consequently, its effect on the condition of the skin (wrinkles) also decreases. Therefore, to make muscles stronger and skin more elastic and dense, it is necessary to increase the level of acetylcholine in the body. Thus, mesotherapy with the presence of DMAE can confidently compete with a circular facelift (plastic surgery).

Other Ingredients

In addition to HA, the main component of the cocktail for the procedure and lifting components, it may include vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes and enzymes.

Vitamin A affects skin elasticity by controlling the growth of epidermal cells, keratinization, promotes scarring and corrects partial thinning of the dermis associated with the aging process. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps maintain tissue integrity by fighting against the formation of free radicals. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and inhibits melanin production. B vitamins are essential for good biological balance of the skin. Vitamin K plays an important role in the regulation of microcirculation.

Amino acids are stable, water-soluble compounds that are the building blocks of molecular proteins. There are 20 essential amino acids and a certain number of non-synthesizable amino acids. The amino acids and multivitamins included in the cocktail are building materials for restoring tissue density. Collagen, which is essential for skin hydration, is made up of similar amino acid sequences. For example, L-glycine provides amino acid sequences with the necessary flexibility. L-proline and L-lysine are included in the amino acid sequence during collagen synthesis at the molecular level of organization. L-valine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine are essential amino acids, one of the main components for tissue growth and synthesis. Acting together, they are a source of energy at the cellular level, promote the restoration of bones, muscles and skin, stimulate the work of fibroblasts, the activity of which after 35 years sharply decreases by 50-60%.

Another essential component is L - carnosine, formed by two amino acids (B-alanil – L-xistidine). It absorbs free radicals, helps the skin rid itself of cellular waste products and protects it from cross-linking. Thanks to L-carnosine, cells remain elastic and young longer. It also protects proteins from glycosylation, i.e. oxidation of proteins by glucose, leading to cross-linking of proteins and disruption of cell functioning. Vascular endothelial enzymes NO synthase are especially sensitive to glycosylation, damage to which leads to hypertension and erectile dysfunction; collagen protein, when its synthesis is disrupted, blood vessels become less durable and the skin becomes covered with wrinkles. L-carnosine also activates special intracellular organelles, the proteasome, which break down glycosylated proteins, thereby saving cells from death.

Coenzymes are organic compounds that, when combined with enzymes, play an important role in the fermentation process. They are primarily “activators” in a biochemical reaction. Injections of coenzymes into the dermis of the skin support biochemical reactions and increase the rate of tissue repair.

Thus, thanks to the composition of mesotherapy cocktails during MesoGlow procedures, the result is visible after two or three procedures. And the visible lifting effect is noticeable almost immediately. The necessary substances are delivered directly to the cells, and a comprehensive rejuvenation of the facial skin occurs and its fresh, radiant appearance is achieved.

First published: KOSMETIK international journal, No. 1 (43), 2011, pp. 36-39