Doctors are warning against a new beauty trend that causes dangerous ‘lumps and bumps’ on people's skin.
This technique, which involves injecting a mix of vitamins and minerals under the skin to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and eliminate under-eye bags, has been trending on social media despite serious risks.
Developed in France in 1952 to treat blood vessel and immune system disorders, mesotherapy has evolved into a popular treatment for skin rejuvenation and fat reduction, per DermNet.
Today, it is marketed as a non-invasive alternative for addressing signs of aging in areas such as the face, hands, and stomach.
Mesotherapy injections often leave small, raised bumps under the skin, creating a temporary honeycomb or reptilian-like texture before the mixture settles, per Healthline.
While the procedure is billed as painless with minimal recovery time, experts warn that the potential side effects can far outweigh any cosmetic benefits.
Via the Daily Mail, Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a New York-based dermatologist, cautioned: “The risks of under-eye mesotherapy go beyond minor side effects, especially when people go to inexperienced technicians or do this at home.
"Patients may experience long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin necrosis due to product placement in blood vessels, or even permanent eye damage.”
Unlike regulated injectables such as Botox, mesotherapy formulas are not standardized, meaning patients often have no knowledge of what they are being injected with.
“While mesotherapy may be legal in some other countries, the absence of US regulatory oversight means patients could be exposed to counterfeit or unverified products,” Dr. Kazlouskaya added.
The ingredients in mesotherapy blends, ranging from vitamins and enzymes to prescription medications, are supposed to include FDA-approved components.
However, the formulas themselves are not FDA-approved for use on the face, leaving room for dangerous inconsistencies.
Dr. Tripathi, a California-based plastic surgeon, likened the lack of regulation to the supplement industry: “Just like the multi-billion dollar supplement industry, it’s not regulated, so you sometimes may not know what you’re getting.”
Mesotherapy kits, sold online for as little as $45 and as much as $349, have also encouraged a DIY culture among social media users.
Videos on TikTok show individuals attempting to administer the procedure at home, which experts say significantly increases the risks of infection, granulomas, or scarring.
The appeal of mesotherapy lies in its promise to eliminate under-eye bags, but dermatologists stress that the causes of under-eye issues vary widely.
Factors include fat migration, pigmentation, dehydration, and aging-related loss of elasticity. Addressing these concerns requires a tailored approach, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Dr. Tripathi explained: “Not all eye bags are created equal. The treatment has to be tailored based on anatomy. For some, discoloration may be the issue, and skincare or plasma injections can help. For others, laser treatments or blepharoplasty surgery might be more effective.”
While mesotherapy might theoretically help those with hollowing under the eyes, Dr. Tripathi pointed out that clinical studies have not supported its effectiveness.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist, emphasized the importance of seeking evidence-based treatments: “As a dermatologist, I always emphasize the importance of a tailored approach to addressing dark circles, starting with identifying the underlying cause and exploring evidence-based options that provide safe and predictable results.”
While mesotherapy may seem like a quick fix for under-eye concerns, its risks and lack of regulation make it a potentially hazardous choice.
