Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive technique developed in France in the 1950s that involves injecting small amounts of substances (vitamins, hyaluronic acid, minerals, DMAE, organic silicon, etc.) directly into the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). It's not a cream or a serum: it goes right where the skin needs help.

It is used to improve skin quality, hydrate, add glow, treat mild sagging, lip lines, dark circles, double chin, cellulite and hair loss. It's not surgery or magic, but it is one of the most versatile techniques in modern aesthetic medicine.

Mesotherapy has multiple applications:

• Facial: glow, mild sagging, lip lines, dark circles, luminosity.
• Hair: hair loss due to stress or mild-moderate androgenetic alopecia.
• Body: cellulite, small localised fat, arm or abdominal sagging.

It's not surgery or magic, but it is one of the most versatile techniques in modern aesthetic medicine.

Yes. Mesotherapy involves injections that pierce the skin. It is an invasive medical procedure that should only be performed by doctors or nurses under medical supervision. The Argentine Society of Dermatology includes it as a fundamental technique in facial dermato-aesthetics.

In the hands of an expert doctor who knows the vascular anatomy of the face, the risk is almost non-existent (less than 0.01%). In the hands of an intruder (aesthetician, cosmetologist), the risk skyrockets. The cases of necrosis you see on the internet are, in the vast majority, the result of malpractice.

A granuloma is a chronic inflammation that forms a hard lump under the skin. It is the immune system's response to a "foreign body" that it cannot eliminate. It has been documented in the medical literature as an adverse reaction secondary to mesotherapy, even with traditionally considered safe ingredients.

With quality products: granulomas are extremely rare (<0.1%).
With fake or contaminated products: the risk is high.
Granulomas are treated with corticosteroid injections, but in some cases they can leave a permanent scar.

Yes, it's possible, although extremely rare (isolated cases in the medical literature). It occurs if product is injected into an artery that connects to the ophthalmic artery (the one that goes to the eye). That's why:

• Mesotherapy on the forehead should be done with very superficial needles.
• Mesotherapy on dark circles should be done by an expert doctor who knows the anatomy of that area (it's one of the most dangerous).
• Never get mesotherapy on dark circles with a non-medic.

How to detect it: The product has no original packaging, or the packaging has been tampered with. The price is suspiciously low (€20-30 per session). The professional is not a doctor. They offer you "import product" without further details.

Yes. The trauma of the injections can reactivate the herpes simplex virus. If you have a history of herpes, the doctor should prescribe antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir) 2 days before and 5 days after mesotherapy. Do not get mesotherapy if you have an active cold sore.

No, if done properly. Mesotherapy injections are very superficial (0.5-2 mm deep). They don't leave permanent scars. Small hyperpigmented macules (dark spots) can remain if the skin is very sensitive or if you get sun exposure afterwards. But they are not scars.

Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but bearable. Anaesthetic cream is applied 20-30 minutes beforehand and, in some cases, an automatic injector gun that makes a quick "click-click" sound.

It doesn't reach the bone: the needle is very short (4-6 mm) and only enters the dermis. The full facial session lasts 15-30 minutes. Afterwards, the skin is red with small dots (like mosquito bites).

In a recent study, patients reported local pain with variable intensity of up to 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 during hair mesotherapy sessions. With topical anaesthesia, discomfort is significantly reduced.

No. Mesotherapy is injected into the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), not the fat or bone. The depth is 0.5 to 2 mm, depending on the area and objective:

• Face (cheeks, forehead): 0.5-1 mm.
• Double chin and neck: 1-1.5 mm.
• Scalp: 1-2 mm.
• Body (thighs, abdomen): 2-3 mm.

In hair mesotherapy, the use of 30 or 32 G needles at 4 mm depth is recommended.

Depends on the objective:

• Injector gun (multi-needle injector): faster (less time), more uniform (same depth per injection), but less precise. Ideal for large areas (scalp, thighs).
• Manual injection with syringe: slower, more precise (you can adjust depth at each point). Ideal for delicate areas (dark circles, eye contour).

There is no "better" technique; it depends on the area and the doctor's experience.

Depending on the technique and surface area. A full face (forehead, cheeks, chin, neck) can require between 100 and 300 injection points. You won't feel them all individually; it's a sensation of "rapid pricks".

No. The injections are very fine and superficial. Small drops of blood (red dots) may appear, but there is no active bleeding. The doctor cleans the area and you don't need cotton pads.

It can be tolerated without anaesthesia (many patients tolerate it well). But anaesthetic cream (30-40 minutes before) makes you barely feel the injections. If you are very sensitive, ask for it.

30-60 minutes in total:

• Preparation (cleaning, anaesthesia if applicable): 15-30 min.
• Injection: 10-20 min (depending on extent).
• Post-treatment (cleaning, calming cream): 5-10 min.

Yes, these "lumps" are called papules or microcysts and are normal. They form due to product deposits in the dermis. They disappear within 24-72 hours as the product is absorbed and distributed. Don't squeeze or scratch them.

Bruises (haematomas) are very common in mesotherapy. They depend on:

• Your vascularisation (some people have more fragile capillaries).
• If you take anticoagulants (aspirin, ibuprofen, omega-3, vitamin E).
• The doctor's technique.

Bruises disappear in 5-10 days. They are not dangerous, only unsightly.

Redness (erythema) is the most common side effect. It lasts 24-72 hours and is due to the normal inflammatory reaction. If in addition to redness you have intense itching, extreme swelling or difficulty breathing, it could be an allergic reaction.

Ideally wait 24 hours to apply makeup. If urgent, wait at least 6-8 hours and use mineral or hypoallergenic makeup. Makeup can clog the entry microchannels and increase the risk of infection.

No for the first 48 hours. Hot water and heat increase inflammation and the risk of bruising. Wait 48 hours before hot showers, sauna, hot bath or intense exercise.

No. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of bruising and inflammation. Wait 24-48 hours.

Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is HA in liquid form (not a gel like fillers). It doesn't add volume, deeply hydrates the skin, improves texture, luminosity and slightly stimulates collagen. It's the star ingredient in skinboosters (like Profhilo).

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a substance that improves muscle tone and skin firmness. It is used in mesotherapy for sagging. It is safe at appropriate doses, but can cause irritation.

Similar, but in sterile injectable form. The vitamins (B12, B6, B5, vitamin C) are the same molecules, but the injectable presentation is sterile, has a specific concentration and doesn't have the excipients of tablets. Do not use oral vitamins to inject yourself.

Yes, it expires. Mesotherapy products come in single-dose or multi-dose vials. Once opened, they must be used within a few hours and must not be reused on another patient (risk of infection). A serious doctor will open the vial in front of you and discard it after use.

Both, if the loss is not too advanced. Hair mesotherapy:

• Reduces hair loss (from the 3rd-4th session).
• Stimulates new hair growth (finer at first, then thicker).

It doesn't work if the follicle is already dead (advanced baldness with smooth, shiny skin).

Hair mesotherapy is effective for androgenetic alopecia, but it doesn't cure it. It is used as a maintenance treatment, combined with minoxidil or finasteride. Results are better the earlier you start.

Recent studies explore new molecules such as bicalutamide in mesotherapy for female androgenetic alopecia, showing promising results in stabilising hair loss and reducing seborrhoea. The proper technique uses 1 ml syringes with 30 or 32 G needles at 4 mm depth, depositing 0.05-0.1 ml per point.

No, it doesn't work. If the scalp is smooth and shiny (no visible follicles), the follicle has died. Mesotherapy won't revive it. You need a hair transplant.

Yes, the scalp is a very sensitive area and has many nerve endings. Hair mesotherapy hurts more than facial mesotherapy. Topical anaesthesia or even local anaesthesia can be used in very sensitive cases.

Typical hair cocktails contain:

• Minoxidil (growth stimulator)
• Dutasteride or Finasteride (antiandrogen, blocks DHT)
• Biotin, zinc, B vitamins (nutrients)
• Copper peptides (stimulators)
• Recently, bicalutamide as an alternative for women

Not all cocktails contain dutasteride; it depends on the cause of alopecia.

Exactly, that's why. The scalp is one of the most vascularised areas of the body. Bruising is very common in hair mesotherapy. They disappear in 5-10 days.

Lipolytic mesotherapy (with ingredients like phosphatidylcholine, sodium deoxycholate) destroys fat cells, which are then eliminated by the body. But it's not liposuction: volume loss is moderate and requires several sessions.

The FDA has issued warnings about these treatments due to lack of solid scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for fat removal, as well as the lack of approval of the products used. Adverse side effects such as permanent scars, skin deformation and painful deep nodules have been reported.

However, recent preclinical studies in animals suggest that sodium deoxycholate is safe for systemic and hepatic metabolism, although with sex-specific adverse effects that mainly affect females.

• Oedematous cellulite (fluid retention, swollen legs): good response.
• Hard cellulite (deep nodules, marked orange peel): limited response; more sessions and combination with other treatments (radiofrequency, massage) are needed.

Lipolysis is the process of fat destruction. In mesotherapy, substances (phosphatidylcholine, sodium deoxycholate, caffeine) are used that break the membrane of adipocytes (fat cells), releasing fat for the body to eliminate.

Yes. Mesotherapy on the arms (posterior area, "bat wings") is very effective for reducing sagging and localised fat. It is combined with radiofrequency for better results.

Because the skin on the legs (especially the inner thighs and back) has more nerve endings and thinner skin than the abdomen. That's why it hurts more.

• Skinboosters (Profhilo): only non-crosslinked HA. More hydration, more glow. Very luminous results.
• Mesotherapy: cocktail (HA + vitamins + antioxidants + peptides). More versatile (can treat sagging, spots, texture, hydration).

They are not exclusive; they can be combined.

• Microbotox: relaxes muscles (better for fine dynamic wrinkles).
• Mesotherapy: improves skin quality (better for texture, hydration, luminosity).

For fine expression lines, microbotox is superior.

• Topical Minoxidil: easier, cheaper, but can irritate the scalp.
• Hair mesotherapy: more expensive, requires injections, but is more effective in moderate cases.

The ideal is to combine them: minoxidil at home, mesotherapy at the clinic.

No, it's not worth it. Needle-free mesotherapy (electroporation, iontophoresis) has very superficial penetration. The results are much more limited (perhaps 10-20% of the effectiveness of needle mesotherapy). If you want real results, endure the needles.

• Radiofrequency: stimulates collagen in depth. Better for sagging.
• Mesotherapy: improves skin quality and mild sagging. Doesn't tighten like RF.

For marked neck sagging, radiofrequency (or Morpheus8) is superior.

No. There are no safety studies in pregnancy. Also, the stress of the injections and possible infection are not worth it.

No either. The products could pass into breast milk. Wait until you finish breastfeeding.

Poorly controlled diabetes affects healing and increases the risk of infection. If your diabetes is controlled (glycated haemoglobin <7%), there's no problem.

Not on areas with lesions. Do not have mesotherapy directly on active acne lesions (pimples) or inflamed rosacea. You can treat clean areas, and the lesions are treated separately.

Yes, they increase bruising. If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelets, you will have many bruises. Do not stop the medication without consulting your GP. It can still be done, but the bruises will be large.

No. If you have a fever, an active infection, or are taking immunosuppressants, do not have mesotherapy. The risk of infection is high. Wait until you recover.

It depends. Active autoimmune diseases are a relative contraindication. You need authorisation from your rheumatologist. If the disease is in remission and controlled, it may be possible.

Ask them directly:

• "Are you a registered doctor?" (you can check with the medical board).
• "Do you have specific training in mesotherapy?"
• "What products do you use? Can you show me the packaging?"
• "What do you do in case of complication (necrosis, allergic reaction)?"

If they get offended or don't answer clearly, they're not a good doctor.

A detailed informed consent is mandatory and a good sign. It informs you of the risks (bruising, infection, necrosis, asymmetries, etc.) and that you accept assuming them. If they don't have you sign anything, run away.

Technique that injects small doses of vitamins, hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients directly into the dermis to improve skin, hair or localised fat quality.

Yes, it's the most serious complication. It occurs if product is injected into an artery. It's extremely rare in the hands of an expert doctor (less than 0.01%).

Extremely rare, but possible if injected into an artery that connects to the ophthalmic artery. That's why only a doctor should do it.

Yes, they are product papules. They disappear within 24-72 hours.

With anaesthetic cream, almost nothing. Without anaesthesia, it's uncomfortable but tolerable injections.

3-6 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart for the initial cycle. Then maintenance every 3-6 months.

Between £70 and £260 per session, depending on the area. Very low prices (<£45) are suspicious.

No. It's an invasive medical procedure. Only doctors or nurses under medical supervision.

No. Risk of necrosis, infection, blindness. Don't do it.

Yes, for mild-moderate androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss). It doesn't work if the follicle is already dead.

Yes, if done by an expert doctor. No, if you look for bargains or have it done by a non-professional.