Understanding Mesotherapy Side Effects: What You Need to Know

All medical procedures, even cosmetic ones, carry a certain dose of risk. Some can be dangerous due to their experimental nature, but those procedures are rare. Mostly they are risky because they are invasive (surgery, for example), but even administering a formula or medicine through injection carries a slight chance of causing unwanted side effects. Most non-invasive methods in aesthetic treatments face the same issue, and mesotherapy is no exception. 

In most minimal and non-invasive procedures, including mesotherapy, side effects are typically not caused by the procedure but rather by factors such as undiagnosed conditions in patients, untrained personnel performing the procedure, or the body’s reaction to the ingredients used in the formula. Before we get to the mesotherapy side effects, we’re going to do a small refresher on what it is and how it works. 

What Is Mesotherapy, and How Does It Work?

Initially used to treat vascular and chronic pain conditions, mesotherapy was developed in 1952 by French physician Dr. Michel Pistor. Over time, its application evolved to encompass cosmetic and aesthetic purposes. Today, mesotherapy is commonly utilized for skin rejuvenation, cellulite reduction, and localized fat reduction.

This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a customized mixture of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, nutrients, and medication directly into the mesoderm, the middle layer of the skin. The carefully chosen ingredients are tailored to address specific concerns, such as cellulite, wrinkles, and fine lines. 

By targeting the mesoderm, the treatment aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and encourage collagen production, leading to improved skin firmness and texture. Additionally, the injected substances can help break down fat cells, leading to localized fat reduction and cellulite improvement. 

Nothing we’ve mentioned so far is unusual or dangerous. At worst, the patient could experience an allergic reaction to the mesotherapy mixture used, not to the procedure itself. So let’s take a look at the procedure.

The procedure involves using micro intradermal injections either in the treatment area or along the edges using 13 mm needles (30 or 32 gauge) or 4 mm needles (27 gauge). The injections are carried out after thorough skin disinfection, ensuring patient comfort with quick needle insertion and gentle drug delivery.

Despite its popularity, standardizing mesotherapy in dermatological applications is challenging due to its wide application. Experts, however, agree on the infiltration depth, recommending a needle tilt of 30° to 45° to deposit the drug about 2 millimeters deep into the dermis, optimizing therapeutic agent delivery to the targeted area.

As a non-surgical option, mesotherapy boasts quick recovery and minimal downtime, attracting those seeking rejuvenated and sculpted skin, similar to the results from Belotero treatment.

Is Mesotherapy Safe?

Mesotherapy as a procedure is completely safe when done in a clinic by trained medical professionals. In most cases where side effects are present, the procedure was performed by untrained individuals or in unhygienic conditions, often both. In cases where the procedure is done in clinical conditions, the side effects were caused by ingredients used in a mixture or by undiscovered or underlying health conditions of the patients.

While discussing safety, it is essential to note that mesotherapy is not an FDA-approved procedure. However, if the drug used in combination with mesotherapy is FDA-approved, it’s considered as an off-label use of an already approved formula. Remember that only FDA-approved drugs can be prescribed for off-label use, though. Compounded drugs do not fall under off-label use, and practitioners can face sanctions under FDA regulations if they use compounded drugs on a patient, regardless of the procedure used.

Side Effects of Mesotherapy

Most patients who undergo a mesotherapy procedure experience little to no side effects during or after the treatment. However, in rare cases, the following may occur. It is essential to note that while these are considered side effects of the treatment, only a few are directly caused by the mesotherapy procedure itself. Common side effects are:

• Swelling and bruising: This occurs due to the trauma caused by the needle and the presence of foreign substances in the dermal layers. 
• Redness and irritation: Some individuals may experience redness and irritation at the injection sites. This reaction is usually due to the body’s immune response to the injected substances.
• Sensitivity and Itching: Sensations of sensitivity and itching might occur in the treated area. This can result from the interaction between the ingredients in the mixture and the body’s immune system.
• Pain or discomfort: The needle injections can cause mild pain or discomfort during and after the procedure. This discomfort is often temporary and should subside over time. This is one of the most common mesotherapy reactions, but it can be avoided by applying anesthetics to the target area. 
• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the injection sites. This can happen if proper hygiene and sterilization practices are not followed during the procedure.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the components of the injected mixture. Allergies can lead to various symptoms, such as rash, hives, or even more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
• Skin Pigmentation: In some cases, the treated area may experience temporary discoloration or changes in pigmentation. This is typically a result of the body’s response to the injected substances.
• Ulceration: Rarely, mesotherapy may lead to the formation of ulcers at the injection sites. Ulceration can occur due to tissue damage or inflammatory responses.
• Panniculitis: Panniculitis, an inflammation of the fatty tissue layer under the skin, is another infrequent side effect of mesotherapy. This condition may develop in response to the injected substances, causing localized inflammation and discomfort.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy complications are nearly non-existent, and if they do occur, they are typically mild and non-life-threatening when treated properly. It’s reassuring to note that there have been no reported fatalities as a result of the procedure. 

Suitable candidates for mesotherapy are individuals of legal age who are already at their desired weight and in good health, seeking non-surgical solutions for skin rejuvenation, cellulite reduction, and localized fat targeting. But most importantly, eligibility will depend on an individual’s medical history and goals.

With that in mind, certain patients are not suitable candidates for the procedure either because it hasn’t been adequately tested on them or due to the increased risk of mesotherapy complications.

The following patients should avoid Mesothepray treatment: 

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• Diabetic patients;
• Patients with autoimmune diseases; 
• Patients with urticaria problems;
• Individuals with blood coagulation issues;
• Patients with severe chronic illnesses; 
• Those with a history of paralysis;
• Cancer patients;
• Patients with cardiac disease who are on various medications;
• People who have allergies to any substance used for the procedure.

Conclusion

Mesotherapy risks are virtually non-existent when the procedure is done by trained medical professionals using proper techniques, appropriate tools for the job, and ensuring a sterile environment. All of these will minimize the chance of any side effects, not just those associated with mesotherapy. By adhering to these essential guidelines, practitioners and patients can have confidence in mesotherapy’s safety and benefits.

FAQ

Does mesotherapy have negative side effects?

Only the standard risks associated with aesthetic procedures can occur when done by trained professionals in a sterile environment. Allergic reactions, swelling, sensitivity, bruising, and other similar side effects are rare but can occur, albeit very rarely. 

Who should avoid mesotherapy?

Individuals who should consider avoiding mesotherapy treatment includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, diabetic patients, anyone suffering with auto-immune diseases or urticaria problems, individuals experiencing blood coagulation issues, severe chronic illnesses, a history of paralysis, cancer patients, and also patients with cardiac disease who seek treatment with various medications.

What should I avoid after mesotherapy?

After mesotherapy, you should avoid touching or massaging the treated area, excessive sun exposure, strenuous activities, hot baths, saunas or steam rooms, alcohol consumption, non-prescribed medications, and applying topical creams or products without medical advice.

Reference: 

1. Mesotherapy – The french connection; G Sivagnanam; Jan 2010
2. A Complication of Mesotherapy: Noninfectious Granulomatous Panniculitis; Mark D. P. Davis, MD; Tina I. Wright, MD; James M. Shehan, MD; Jun 2008
3. Mesotherapy: What is new?; Konda D and Thappa DM; 2013
4. Mesotherapy, definition, rationale and clinical role: a consensus report from the Italian Society of Mesotherapy; M Mammucari, A Gatti, S Maggiori, C A Bartoletti, and A F Sabato; Jun 2011
5. Mesotherapy: Safety profile and management of complications; Kerasia-Maria Plachouri and Sophia Georgiou; Dec 2019