Everything You Should Know About Mesotherapy for Fighting the Effects of Aging

It’s incredible how many cosmetic procedures exist that you may not be aware of. Mesotherapy, a French-origin treatment, is one of these options that has been around since the 1920s but is still relatively unknown in the U.S.

If you're interested in discovering more about this treatment and possibly trying it for yourself, keep reading to learn about the benefits, duration, cost, potential side effects, and much more about mesotherapy.

What Is Mesotherapy?

Simply put, mesotherapy involves injecting various substances into the skin. Known also as 'bio-revitalization,' mesotherapy is a targeted technique that delivers different outcomes based on the ingredients used. 'It’s essentially a transdermal injection of compounds like multivitamins, peptides, plant extracts, or even substances aimed at reducing fat cells,' says Pietro Simone, celebrity esthetician and founder of Pietro Simone Skincare. 'Bio-revitalization introduces elements into the skin that aren’t fillers or Botox, helping revitalize the skin tissue.'

Benefits of Mesotherapy

As Simone explains, the benefits of mesotherapy depend on the ingredients used, ranging from deep hydration and fibroblast stimulation to skin brightening and aiding the renewal process, as well as reducing cellulite and stretch marks.

David Goldberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, is less convinced about the effectiveness of mesotherapy. 'We conducted a study over 10 years ago, published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, that showed no improvement in skin with just vitamin and mineral injections, based on both clinical evaluations and biopsies,' Dr. Goldberg notes. Despite its ongoing popularity in France, mesotherapy is rarely used in the U.S. today.

What is now widely practiced in the US is mesotherapy with hyaluronic acid, a more straightforward version of what is typically used in fillers. 'These injections give the skin a healthy glow because they are excellent moisturizers,' says Dr. Goldberg. 'Lastly, Botox and similar treatments are injected in microdoses (mesoBotox) to address fine lines, oily skin, enlarged pores, and redness.'

How Long Does Mesotherapy Last?

The duration of results varies depending on the individual, lifestyle, and the skin's condition before the treatment. 'Typically, when I was preparing a client for their pre-treatment mesotherapy session, I would guide them through a course of treatments,' explains Simone. For hyaluronic mesotherapy, it's generally done once a month, while mesoBotox is performed every three months, according to Dr. Goldberg.

How Much Does Mesotherapy Cost?

The cost of mesotherapy will vary based on your location and where the treatment is performed. Dr. Goldberg shares that a hyaluronic acid mesotherapy session typically costs around $300 to $500, while a mesoBotox session can range from $1000 to $1500 per treatment.

Side Effects of Mesotherapy

Dr. Jimmy C. Sung, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Tribeca Aesthetics, explains that most mesotherapy substances are made by compounders, which means they often lack consistent standards and quality control. 'At times, drugs are also used off-label, with no clinical studies to confirm the safety or effectiveness of mesotherapy,' he says. 'This can lead to issues like infection, skin irregularities, or lumpiness after injections.'

In general, mesotherapy is considered a safe and effective treatment, according to Simone. However, understanding the ingredients used is crucial. 'Swelling is fairly common, and bruising or redness may occur as well—those are the main reactions I've seen before and after the treatment,' says Simone.

What to Expect During a Mesotherapy Treatment

Your experience will depend on the doctor performing the procedure. 'I always prepared the skin, then let the doctor handle the injections,' shares Simone. 'Afterward, I would complete the process with a calming massage, LED therapy, and other related treatments.'

The core of mesotherapy involves multiple microinjections that typically cover the full face, neck, and sometimes the decollete. 'If you have a fear of needles, mesotherapy may not be the best choice for you, as it involves a lot of microinjections,' says Simone.

Difference Between Mesotherapy and Liposuction

Fat-dissolving mesotherapy often uses chemicals like phospholipids to break down fat cells. 'It’s a bit like pouring Drano to clear a clogged kitchen drain,' says Dr. Sung. 'The results are difficult to predict and manage. In contrast, liposuction is a surgical method to remove fat, which tends to be more precise and predictable.'

While both fat-dissolving mesotherapy and liposuction aim for similar outcomes, they differ greatly in their approach and timing. With mesotherapy, the client typically undergoes several sessions to achieve the desired results, according to Simone. On the other hand, liposuction generally delivers the expected results in a single session.