A growing cosmetic trend is raising alarms among medical professionals, as it gains traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Known as mesotherapy, this procedure promises to reduce wrinkles, eliminate under-eye bags, and tighten loose skin—all without surgery. While mesotherapy has been practiced in Europe and other countries for decades, it’s still relatively new in the United States. As more people seek quick fixes for aging skin and stubborn fat, experts are urging caution. Despite its glossy marketing and seemingly simple approach, mesotherapy carries significant risks, and many individuals may not fully understand what they’re signing up for. Medical professionals are now speaking out about the potential dangers of this treatment and the lack of proper regulation surrounding it.
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical procedure where fine needles are used to inject a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sometimes prescription medications just below the skin’s surface. Originally developed in France in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor, the technique was intended to address vascular and immune system issues. Over time, it evolved into a cosmetic treatment marketed as a way to melt away belly fat, tighten sagging skin, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While it can technically be performed on any part of the body, mesotherapy is especially popular for areas like the abdomen, hands, and under the eyes. After the injections, some patients notice small bumps under their skin, but these typically fade with time.
However, not everyone walks away from mesotherapy with smooth, glowing skin. Some patients have reported experiencing a bizarre side effect: their skin begins to resemble that of a reptile, with uneven textures and strange, scaly patterns. These results have been widely shared on social media, sparking debates about the safety and efficacy of the procedure. While these images may seem exaggerated or isolated, medical professionals warn that such outcomes are entirely possible, especially when treatments are performed by unqualified practitioners or with unverified products.
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, has been vocal about the risks of mesotherapy, particularly when it comes to under-eye treatments. In an interview with MailOnline, she explained, “The risks of under-eye mesotherapy extend beyond minor side effects, particularly when individuals opt for untrained technicians or attempt to perform the procedure themselves at home. Patients may experience prolonged bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin damage from the product entering blood vessels, or even irreversible damage to their eyes.”
One of the biggest concerns with mesotherapy is the lack of standardization in the substances being injected. Unlike treatments like Botox or dermal fillers, which are tightly regulated and approved by agencies like the FDA, mesotherapy injections are often customized by individual practitioners. These mixtures can include a variety of substances—vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and even prescription medications. While some technicians may use high-quality ingredients, others might cut corners with counterfeit or unsafe products. This inconsistency leaves patients vulnerable, as they often have little to no knowledge about what is being injected into their skin.
In the United States, mesotherapy occupies a regulatory gray area. The procedure itself isn’t illegal, but it’s not endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any specific medications for mesotherapy use. This lack of oversight creates a breeding ground for risky practices, including the use of unsafe products or unqualified practitioners performing the treatment. The situation is similar in the United Kingdom, where mesotherapy remains largely unregulated. However, the UK government is currently exploring the creation of licensing requirements for non-surgical cosmetic treatments, which would include mesotherapy under its framework.
The potential risks of mesotherapy are significant and shouldn’t be underestimated. According to Healthline, complications can range from minor bruising and swelling to severe outcomes such as nerve damage, blood vessel injuries, skin burns, and infections. If the injected solution accidentally enters a blood vessel, it can cause tissue damage, scarring, or even permanent disfigurement. These risks are heightened when treatments are performed by untrained technicians or individuals attempting DIY procedures at home using online-purchased products.
Despite these warnings, mesotherapy continues to grow in popularity, fueled by social media influencers showcasing their seemingly flawless results. The allure of a quick, minimally invasive solution to stubborn fat and under-eye bags is hard to resist, but experts urge potential patients to approach with caution. If you’re considering mesotherapy, it’s critical to do thorough research beforehand. Ensure that the practitioner is licensed, highly trained, and transparent about the substances being used in the injections. Ask questions about the ingredients, the brand of the products, and whether they are FDA-approved.
In a world where beauty trends spread like wildfire across social media, it’s easy to overlook the potential consequences of poorly regulated treatments. Mesotherapy may offer enticing promises of rejuvenated skin and quick fixes, but the risks are too significant to ignore. Medical professionals like Dr. Kazlouskaya are sounding the alarm because the consequences of unsafe practices can be life-changing. Until stronger regulations and oversight are in place, anyone considering mesotherapy should proceed with extreme caution. In the pursuit of beauty, no shortcut is worth risking your health or safety. It’s essential to prioritize professional expertise and safety over viral trends and influencer endorsements because the long-term consequences of a poorly performed procedure are far more than skin deep.
