Fat-dissolving fads: Too good to be true?

Jul 26 2005

The search for a non-surgical method to get rid of unwanted fat is not new - and neither is 'mesotherapy', a technique which claims to dissolve fat by injections of medications or vitamins, minerals and herbs.

According to Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President-Elect;

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - and it could be dangerous as well. At the British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons we are concerned when unproven techniques such as mesotherapy gain public attention based on hype."

The BAAPS, the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit encourages open-mindedness in regard to new treatment modalities, but also urges caution.

According to Douglas McGeorge;

"Patients who choose to undergo mesotherapy must first understand that they are assuming the unknown consequences and long-term effects of an unproven treatment that lacks adequate validation of safety and clinical effectiveness."

According to Norman Waterhouse, former President of the BAAPS;

"The BAAPS believes that research into new cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments is important and should be conducted responsibly by qualified physicians, according to established scientific and ethical guidelines that are accepted medical practice. The public must be cautious in regarding such treatments as "harmless" without scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy."