Dr. Donaldson does not offer or recommend mesotherapy because it is not regulated by the FDA, not endorsed by major American medical societies, and not proven to be safe in Level-I evidence medical literature. There is no standard formulation for which chemicals are used, how they are mixed, and what constitutes effective quantities. It it still unknown where the fat goes after it dissolves, how it affects the liver and kidneys over time, and what the side effects of the chemicals and dissolved fat might include.

On July 1st, 2008, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons published a policy statement with guiding principles on mesotherapy for physicians: ASPS mesotherapy statement.

This provides a good overview on the risks and controversies from the world’s largest plastic surgery organization.

For patients interested in mesotherapy, Columbus, Ohio, surgeon Dr. Donaldson recommends liposuction or other types of cosmetic surgery instead. These techniques are generally safer, more effective, better studied and more tightly regulated than injection lipolysis.