Draining mesotherapy, also known as mesotherapy for water retention, is a medical technique that improves the appearance of the skin, reduces swelling, and helps stimulate lymphatic and venous circulation. It is primarily intended for people suffering from water retention, heavy legs, watery cellulite, or small localised oedemas. This method, performed exclusively in a medical clinic, helps refine the body contour, improve skin quality, and relieve circulatory discomfort, without surgery or interruption of daily activities. It is based on injections of carefully selected substances known for their draining, circulation-enhancing, and fat-burning properties.
Draining mesotherapy differs from methods such as pressotherapy or lymphatic massage because it works through active substances injected directly into the tissues. Pressotherapy uses external pressure to mechanically stimulate lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic drainage massage mainly improves superficial lymphatic circulation.
Mesotherapy works from within, directly at the heart of the tissues. It improves microcirculation, reduces inflammation, and promotes the resorption of oedema. The other methods can complement mesotherapy; however, this technique is the only one capable of delivering active ingredients directly into the dermis, where the origin of the circulatory disorder lies.
Water retention is the excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues, mainly affecting the legs, ankles, abdomen, or face. It results from an imbalance between the movement of fluids into and out of the cells and the interstitial tissue. The causes are numerous : venous or lymphatic insufficiency, hormonal fluctuations, a sedentary lifestyle, an overly salty diet, stress, or certain medications. The lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste products and excess fluids, may sometimes function less efficiently, leading to swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and localized oedema. Draining mesotherapy acts precisely on this local dysfunction : it improves microcirculation, strengthens the walls of the veins, and enhances the elimination of stagnant fluids.
It helps restore the body's fluid balance in the tissues progressively.
Draining mesotherapy is not only intended for aesthetic concerns. It also has recognised medical indications, particularly for treating heavy leg syndrome, mild venous insufficiency, oedema following trauma or surgery, as well as certain inflammatory pain caused by fluid stagnation. From an aesthetic perspective, it is especially suitable for people with water-retention cellulite, localised swelling of the thighs, knees, arms, or face, or skin irregularities related to poor circulation. It is also intended for active people, whether they practise sports or not, who are looking for a gentle and progressive solution.
The session begins with a comprehensive medical assessment, including an examination of the area to be treated, an evaluation of venous and lymphatic circulation, and the identification of factors that contribute to water retention, such as lifestyle, diet, hormones, or medical history. Dr Romano then prepares a personalised mesotherapy cocktail tailored to the patient's circulatory condition and skin quality. The injections are performed using a mesotherapy gun, which ensures precise and consistent delivery. They are superficial, virtually painless, and do not require anaesthesia. The session generally lasts between twenty and thirty minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. No social downtime is required : the patient can resume normal activities immediately after the session.
In draining mesotherapy, the active ingredients are carefully selected for their effects on circulation and inflammation. These include plant extracts such as horse chestnut, butcher's broom, and sweet clover, which strengthen the walls of the veins and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Caffeine helps reduce swelling. Vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids improve microcirculation, skin quality, and tissue regeneration. Combined in personalised formulations, these active ingredients work together to reduce fluid stagnation in the tissues, diminish water-retention cellulite, and restore the skin's vitality.
The draining mesotherapy protocol depends on the degree of water retention and the way the tissues respond to treatment. In general, three to six sessions, scheduled one to two weeks apart, are recommended to achieve a noticeable improvement. The results appear gradually : reduced swelling, improved drainage, greater circulatory comfort, and a visibly more refined silhouette. Once the initial results have been achieved, maintenance sessions can be performed every three to six months to preserve the benefits.
Medical follow-up allows the treatment to be adjusted as needed. During follow-up consultations, Dr Romano may adapt the dosage, change certain active ingredients, or modify the frequency of the sessions. This makes it possible to respond to the body's natural changes, such as hormonal fluctuations, seasonal effects (for example, heat that promotes swelling), or lifestyle changes, such as returning to sports or travelling. This ensures that the treatment remains effective and perfectly tailored to the patient's needs.
Draining mesotherapy can be combined with other aesthetic treatments to improve skin quality, refine the body contour, or reduce water retention. It works particularly well alongside tissue-stimulating techniques such as radiofrequency or cryolipolysis, especially when cellulite has a fatty or fibrous component. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, or supplements that support microcirculation may further enhance the results. The choice of complementary treatments is determined during the initial consultation, according to the patient's expectations and the characteristics of their tissues.
Draining mesotherapy is a safe technique when performed by a trained and experienced physician. Side effects are uncommon and generally mild, such as slight redness, temporary skin sensitivity, or small bruises. However, the treatment is contraindicated in cases of skin infection, allergy to any of the injected products, severe coagulation disorders, or during pregnancy. Before any treatment, an initial consultation is essential to ensure that there are no contraindications and to guarantee the patient's safety. The choice of products, their dosage, and the injection technique must be carefully tailored to each individual.
Draining mesotherapy helps stimulate microcirculation and reduce the discomfort associated with water retention and heavy legs. By improving venous and lymphatic circulation, it promotes the elimination of waste products and gradually helps reshape the body contour : the legs, knees, and ankles appear slimmer.
The results develop progressively : swelling decreases, the legs feel lighter, the body contour appears more harmonious, and the skin becomes firmer and more toned. Lymphatic drainage improves, and water-retention cellulite is visibly reduced.
In some cases, draining mesotherapy may also improve sleep, posture, or mobility, particularly when water retention causes discomfort or a feeling of heaviness.
The price of a draining mesotherapy session in Geneva is approximately CHF 300 per treatment area. The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the water retention and the patient's lifestyle. The initial treatment phase generally includes between four and six sessions, scheduled one to two weeks apart. Once the desired results have been achieved, a maintenance session every four months helps preserve the draining effect, improve skin quality, and maintain circulatory comfort. This progressive and personalised treatment protocol ensures visible, natural, and long-lasting results while adapting to each patient's individual needs.
The results of draining mesotherapy reported in the medical literature show measurable improvements in microcirculation, a reduction in oedema, and a decrease in water-retention cellulite. Several studies support its benefits in reducing swelling and improving skin quality. A clinical study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ("Efficacy of intradermal mesotherapy in cellulite reduction", 2017) reported a reduction in hypodermal thickness and a visible improvement in cellulite grade after several treatment sessions. Other publications, such as the review "Mesotherapy – The French Connection" published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, describe improvements in skin firmness and circulatory function thanks to the substances injected into the dermis. The review "Mesotherapy: What is new?" (Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology) also concludes that mesotherapy can improve skin quality and circulatory comfort when performed regularly and according to a well-structured protocol. Overall, these publications highlight progressive benefits, particularly when treatment follows a structured protocol and is performed by a trained and experienced physician.
The initial treatment phase generally includes 4 to 6 sessions, scheduled one to two weeks apart. Maintenance sessions every four months help preserve the results.
The injections are superficial and well tolerated. Most patients describe only mild discomfort.
Patients typically notice reduced swelling, lighter-feeling legs, firmer skin, and a gradual refinement of the body contour. The results develop progressively over the course of the treatment sessions.
Draining mesotherapy is contraindicated in cases of skin infection, allergy to any injected component, severe coagulation disorders, or during pregnancy. A comprehensive medical assessment is carried out to determine whether the patient is eligible for treatment.
Yes. In Geneva, it is often combined with radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, or ultrasound treatments to optimise results for cellulite and skin quality.
