A dangerous beauty trend is taking social media by storm, and doctors are raising the alarm about its long-term effects. Known as mesotherapy, this procedure promises to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and eliminate under-eye bags. However, experts warn that it often causes raised bumps resembling a reptile’s texture and carries serious risks, including permanent damage to the skin and eyes. Let’s dive into the facts behind this controversial trend and why it’s raising red flags among medical professionals.
What Is Mesotherapy and Why Is It Popular?
Mesotherapy, originally developed in France in 1952, was first used to treat blood vessel and immune system disorders. Over the years, it has evolved into a cosmetic treatment marketed as a non-invasive way to rejuvenate the skin and reduce fat in areas like the face, stomach, and hands.
The procedure involves injecting a mix of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and medications under the skin to target specific issues. On social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, influencers rave about its ability to smooth wrinkles and banish under-eye bags without surgery.
However, this supposed miracle treatment comes with a dark side. Many users report that mesotherapy injections leave small, raised bumps resembling a honeycomb or reptilian-like texture on the skin. These effects may be temporary, but the risks of infection, scarring, and even permanent damage make it far from a safe choice.
The Hidden Dangers of Mesotherapy
While mesotherapy is often marketed as a quick, painless treatment with little downtime, the potential side effects can far outweigh its benefits. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are particularly concerned about the lack of regulation and the risks posed by inexperienced practitioners.
Unregulated Formulas
Unlike FDA-approved injectables such as Botox or fillers, mesotherapy formulas are not standardized. This means patients often have no idea what they’re being injected with. Ingredients can include everything from vitamins and enzymes to prescription medications, and while some components may be FDA-approved individually, the overall mixtures are not.
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist based in New York, warns that this lack of regulation leaves patients vulnerable to counterfeit or unverified products. “Patients may not only experience severe allergic reactions or infections but also permanent skin damage or necrosis if the product is placed in blood vessels,” she explains.
Inexperienced Technicians and DIY Risks
Another alarming trend is the rise of DIY mesotherapy kits available online for as little as $45. These kits often come with little to no instructions, encouraging individuals to inject themselves at home. TikTok videos showing at-home procedures have gone viral, despite experts strongly advising against such practices.
Dr. Tripathi, a plastic surgeon in California, likens the unregulated nature of mesotherapy to the supplement industry: “You may not know what you’re getting, and doing it yourself significantly increases the risks of infection, scarring, or granulomas.”
Doctors have warned against the procedure. Credit: shapecharge/Getty
Why Mesotherapy Leaves Skin Looking Like Scales
One of the most disturbing effects of mesotherapy is the raised, bumpy texture it can leave on the skin. These lumps form when the injected mixture takes time to settle, creating a temporary reptilian-like appearance. While some might brush this off as part of the healing process, doctors caution that such irregularities can lead to more serious complications.
The injected areas are particularly prone to bruising, swelling, and even granulomas—small, inflamed lumps that may require surgical removal. Additionally, improper injection techniques can cause product migration, where the mixture moves to unintended areas, leading to uneven results or permanent deformities.
The Appeal of Mesotherapy: Why People Are Taking the Risk
Despite the risks, the allure of mesotherapy lies in its promise of quick fixes for common cosmetic concerns. Under-eye bags, wrinkles, and sagging skin are often seen as telltale signs of aging, and the prospect of addressing these issues without surgery is understandably tempting.
For many, mesotherapy also represents an affordable alternative to more invasive procedures. However, this affordability often comes at a high cost to safety and health.
Mesotherapy can have nasty side effects. Credit: FG Trade/Getty
Safer Alternatives to Address Under-Eye Bags
Dermatologists emphasize that under-eye concerns vary widely and require tailored treatments. Not all eye bags are the same, and identifying their root cause is essential for effective care.
Skincare Solutions
For mild cases, topical treatments like retinol or vitamin C serums can improve skin elasticity and reduce discoloration. Hydrating eye creams with peptides can also help plump the skin and reduce puffiness.
Evidence-Based Procedures
For more pronounced under-eye bags, dermatologists recommend evidence-based treatments such as:
- Laser Therapy: Targets discoloration and improves skin texture.
- Plasma Injections (PRP): Stimulates collagen production and revitalizes the under-eye area.
- Blepharoplasty: A surgical option for severe cases, removing excess fat and tightening skin.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist, stresses the importance of a customized approach: “Addressing under-eye concerns starts with identifying the cause and exploring evidence-based treatments that are safe and effective.”
The Role of Social Media in Promoting Unsafe Trends
Social media platforms have played a significant role in popularizing mesotherapy, with influencers showcasing their “transformations” and downplaying the risks. Unfortunately, this trend highlights a growing problem: the glamorization of unregulated procedures for the sake of aesthetics.
The rise of DIY culture further exacerbates the issue, as individuals attempt complex treatments without proper training. While these videos may appear harmless, they often lack the context needed to understand the potential dangers, leaving viewers misinformed.
Doctors’ Verdict: Avoid the Risks
Medical professionals overwhelmingly agree that mesotherapy is not worth the gamble. From severe allergic reactions to permanent skin damage, the risks far outweigh the potential cosmetic benefits. Furthermore, the lack of regulation and the DIY culture surrounding mesotherapy only amplify its dangers.
As Dr. Tripathi aptly puts it, “The promise of eliminating under-eye bags or wrinkles in a single session may sound appealing, but the unpredictability and potential for harm make it a hazardous choice.”
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Over Quick Fixes
While the desire to look youthful and refreshed is understandable, mesotherapy’s risks make it a dangerous gamble. Instead of chasing unregulated beauty trends, prioritize treatments that are evidence-based and administered by qualified professionals. There’s no shortcut to safe, effective skincare—and sometimes, the best beauty decision you can make is to say no.
