What is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves administering a series of microinjections directly into the mesodermal layer of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. These injections deliver a customized blend of active ingredients, such as vitamins, peptides, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and antioxidants, to address specific aesthetic and medical concerns.
Developed in France in the 1950s, mesotherapy was originally used for pain management. Today, its applications have evolved significantly and are widely used in aesthetic medicine for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, cellulite reduction, and localized fat loss. The targeted delivery of biologically active compounds helps improve cellular metabolism, stimulate circulation, and restore hydration and elasticity.
Areas Where Mesotherapy Can Be Used
Mesotherapy is a versatile treatment option that can be applied across various zones of the face and body:
- Face: Improves hydration, radiance, elasticity, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Neck and Décolletage: Restores firmness, smooths crepey texture, and improves tone.
- Scalp: Stimulates hair follicle activity, enhances blood flow, and supports hair regrowth in cases of thinning or alopecia.
- Hands: Minimizes visible signs of aging and pigmentation while improving texture.
- Body (Abdomen, Thighs, Arms): Aids in cellulite reduction and localized fat contouring through lymphatic activation and lipolysis.
Types of Mesotherapy Treatments
Mesotherapy treatments are categorized based on the clinical indication and desired aesthetic outcome. Different formulations target specific concerns:
- Skin Rejuvenation: Enhances hydration, elasticity, and overall skin tone. Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid, vitamins (A, C, E), and coenzymes.
- Hair Restoration: Supports scalp microcirculation, nourishes hair follicles, and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase. Key actives include biotin, copper peptides, and growth factors.
- Cellulite Reduction: Promotes fat breakdown, improves lymphatic drainage, and smooths uneven skin. Phosphatidylcholine and organic silicon are often used.
- Pigmentation Correction: Reduces melanin production, lightens age spots, and evens skin tone. Formulations often contain tranexamic acid, glutathione, or arbutin.
The specific mesotherapy products used will vary in composition depending on the brand, treatment area, and patient profile.
Top Mesotherapy Product Brands
- BCN®: Offers specialized cocktails for skin brightening, anti-aging, and fat reduction.
- PRX-T33®: A biorevitalization peel with a mesotherapy-like effect for non-invasive skin renewal.
- JALUPRO®: Amino acid and HA-rich injectables that stimulate collagen for skin and hair.
- Cytocare: A line of HA-based injectables designed for hydration and dermal density improvement.
- Fillmed: Advanced anti-aging mesotherapy products that target skin quality and radiance.
- Filorga: Renowned for revitalizing cocktails that improve tone, glow, and skin structure.
- Juvederm: Known for dermal fillers but also offers revitalizing HA boosters.
- Restylane: HA-based injectable solutions that include mesotherapy-like boosters.
- Revofil: Offers HA products with biomimetic peptides for deep rejuvenation.
- Saypha: Provides hyaluronic acid treatments for hydration and fine line correction.
- Stylage: Combines HA with antioxidants for refined skin revitalization.
- Teosyal: Features Redensity I, a well-known injectable for hydration and skin glow.
Mesotherapy Injections Administration Technique
Mesotherapy is typically administered via microinjections using very fine needles or mesogun devices to deliver product into the dermis or subcutaneous layer. The method allows even distribution of active substances with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Common injection techniques include:
- Point-by-point: For precise delivery to targeted areas.
- Nappage: Shallow injections in a uniform grid across larger zones.
- Linear threading: Used for deeper delivery along wrinkles or lines.
Only trained and licensed medical professionals should perform mesotherapy due to the technique sensitivity and product-specific requirements.
How Long Does a Mesotherapy Procedure Take?
Treatment time varies based on the area treated but typically ranges from 20 to 45 minutes. Smaller zones like the face or scalp may require shorter sessions, while body treatments can take longer.
How Long Do the Results of Mesotherapy Last?
Initial improvements may appear after 1–3 sessions, but the best results develop after completing a treatment series, often spaced weekly or biweekly. Results generally last 3 to 6 months, after which maintenance sessions are recommended to preserve outcomes.
Mesotherapy Benefits
Mesotherapy is highly customizable and offers a wide range of clinical and cosmetic benefits:
- Improves skin hydration, texture, and tone
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Promotes hair growth and scalp health
- Breaks down fat cells and reduces localized volume
- Aids in the treatment of cellulite and skin laxity
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive with little to no downtime
- Suitable for all skin types with adjustable formulas
Common Mesotherapy Side Effects
Mesotherapy is generally well tolerated, especially when performed by qualified professionals. Common and temporary side effects include:
- Mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- Temporary itching, burning, or sensitivity
- Small papules or bumps that resolve within 24–72 hours
Severe reactions such as allergic responses or infection are rare and typically associated with improper technique or non-sterile conditions. Adherence to sterile protocols significantly minimizes these risks.
