Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy effectively treats fine lines and wrinkles by delivering a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances directly into the skin’s mesoderm layer through micro-injections. This targeted approach stimulates collagen production, a crucial protein for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Additionally, the injected substances promote improved hydration and blood circulation, contributing to smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

A study assessed the clinical impact of mesotherapy on periorbital wrinkles (fine lines and creases that form around the outer corners of the eyes) and examined skin changes resulting from the treatment. ^[1] Six volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types III or IV and Glogau class I–III wrinkles underwent a three-month mesotherapy course, receiving six sessions at two-week intervals. Standard photographs and skin biopsies were collected at baseline, end of treatment, and three months post-treatment. Results showed an increase in collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, total elastin, and tropoelastin.

A study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and subject satisfaction of combining non–cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) compound filling with mesotherapy for the correction of horizontal neck lines, comparing it with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A). ^[2] In this study, female patients with moderate-to-severe neck lines received either 2 or 3 sessions of non–cross-linked HA compound filling plus mesotherapy or 1 session of BTX-A injection. Results showed that the combined treatment significantly improved horizontal neck lines grades compared to BTX-A, with consistent outcomes across different baseline grades. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and patient satisfaction ratings were notably higher for the HA filling plus mesotherapy group. No serious adverse events were reported, suggesting that combined treatment offers significant improvement and high patient satisfaction for moderate-to-severe horizontal neck lines.

In a study involving thirty-four volunteers, the subjects were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. ^[3] The control group received medical hyaluronic acid gel while the treatment group received medical dextrose tincture during three mesotherapy sessions with a 28-day interval. Video image acquisition and various skin tests were conducted before and 28 days after treatment, assessing skin moisture content, glossiness, heme content, collagen density, and elasticity. Results demonstrated that medical dextran tincture significantly increased skin moisture retention, gloss, and collagen density while reducing skin retraction time. These effects were more pronounced compared to medical hyaluronic acid gel. Both doctor and volunteer subjective evaluations indicated substantial improvements in overall skin photoaging scores and various skin problems, respectively, highlighting the moisturizing, luster-enhancing, and collagen-boosting effects of medical dextran tincture.

Treatment Options

Mesotherapy treats fine lines and wrinkles by delivering a personalized blend of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances directly into the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity for a rejuvenated appearance.

Mesotherapy can treat hyperpigmentation by delivering a customized mixture of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into the skin, promoting cellular repair and regeneration. The cocktail of nutrients helps to regulate melanin production, reducing excess pigmentation and promoting a more even skin tone. The targeted delivery of these ingredients through mesotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment for hyperpigmentation.

In one study, five patients with pigmented gingiva (gums) in the maxillary (upper jaw) or mandibular anterior (front part of the lower jaw) region underwent a series of locally injectable vitamin C treatments once a week for 4 to 5 sessions. ^[4] The efficacy of the depigmentation was assessed using the Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and Gingival Pigmentation Index (GPI), along with measures such as gingival luminescence (L*) and pigmented surface area (PSA) based on digital photographs. Results showed significant reductions in GPI, DOPI, and PSA at 1 month, with no significant change from 1 to 3 months. The L* value increased significantly and patients reported minimal pain, favorable gingival color changes, and high overall satisfaction, suggesting that oral mesotherapy with locally injectable vitamin C is an effective, minimally invasive technique for gingival depigmentation.

In a clinical trial involving 30 patients at Dermatology Clinics, melasma (brown or grayish-brown facial patches) therapy was conducted using two different cocktails (A and B) with the mesotherapy technique. ^[5] Cocktail A included tranexamic acid (TA), vitamin C, and glutathione, while Cocktail B consisted of TA and vitamin C. Both cocktails were applied to different halves of the patients’ faces for six sessions at 2-week intervals. The modified Melasma Area and Severity Scoring (mMASI) were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Results showed that both cocktails significantly reduced the mMASI score on each side, with Cocktail A demonstrating a greater reduction compared to Cocktail B. Erythema (redness), edema (swelling), and ecchymosis (bruising) were not significantly different between the two cocktails. The study concludes that combination mesotherapy is effective in treating melasma, with Cocktail A, containing glutathione, yielding superior results compared to Cocktail B.

In another study, twenty healthy non-smokers with hyperpigmented gingiva were randomly assigned to receive either mesotherapy (G1) with intra-mucosal injection of ascorbic acid once a week for three weeks, or Gel (G2) with topical ascorbic acid gel applied once daily for three months. ^[6] Evaluations including the pigmentation index (DOPI), patient satisfaction, and histological analysis were conducted at baseline and after 6 months. Results revealed that the median DOPI significantly decreased after 1 month in G1, with a higher satisfaction level compared to G2. Both treatments led to a reduction in the mean area fraction of melanin-forming cells after 6 months, but the effect size was greater in G1 than in G2. The study concludes that vitamin C mesotherapy demonstrated superior and quicker results compared to the topical gel, with both techniques being painless and aesthetically satisfying for managing gingival hyperpigmentation.

Treatment Options

Mesotherapy can treat hyperpigmentation by delivering a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into the skin, regulating melanin production and promoting cellular repair for a more even skin tone.

Cellulite is a condition characterized by the appearance of dimpled or lumpy skin, usually on the buttocks, thighs, and hips, caused by the protrusion of fat deposits into the connective tissue beneath the skin. It is more common in women and can be influenced by factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Its appearance is largely influenced by the structure of connective tissue and the distribution of fat in the body.

Mesotherapy can treat cellulite by injecting a combination of pharmaceutical agents, vitamins, and minerals into the subcutaneous tissue (beneath the skin), targeting the underlying causes of cellulite such as excess fat and poor blood circulation. The injections help break down fat cells, improve blood flow, and stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother skin texture and reduced cellulite appearance. Mesotherapy is often used as a non-invasive and localized approach to address cellulite, promoting contouring and skin tightening.

A study evaluated the effectiveness of intradermal mesotherapy for reducing cellulite, utilizing both conventional and high-frequency ultrasound. ^[7] Twenty-one women with cellulite underwent intradermal mesotherapy and skin assessments were conducted. Additionally, measurements of thigh circumference, body mass index, and cellulite severity were conducted using Nürnberger-Müller’s scale. Results showed a significant reduction in cellulite severity, surface area of the hypodermis-dermis junction, and hypodermis thickness. Palpation, decreased thigh circumference, and Nürnberger-Müller’s grade further confirmed cellulite reduction.

A study evaluated the lipolytic (fat loss) potential of solutions used in the practice of cosmetic mesotherapy to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown), cause local fat reduction, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. ^[8] The mesotherapy solutions were tested in a human fat cell sample using the fold induction of glycerol generation as a measure of lipolysis. The following mesotherapy solutions were tested: aminophylline; yohimbine; isoproterenol; melilotus; aminophylline with melilotus; aminophylline with isoproterenol; aminophylline with isoproterenol and yohimbine; aminophylline with isoproterenol and lidocaine; and aminophylline with isoproterenol, yohimbine and lidocaine. Isoproterenol, aminophylline, and yohimbine stimulated lipolysis compared to the buffer control. The lipolysis stimulated by melilotus and isoproterenol was enhanced by aminophylline. The lipolytic stimulation by aminophylline and isoproterenol and by aminophylline and isoproterenol with yohimbine was inhibited by lidocaine, not significant compared to buffer control for aminophylline and isoproterenol, but aminophylline, isoproterenol and yohimbine still stimulated lipolysis more than control. Isoproterenol, aminophylline, yohimbine and melilotus stimulate lipolysis alone, and lipolysis is further enhanced by combining lipolytic stimulators in mesotherapy solutions.

Treatment Options

Mesotherapy treats cellulite by injecting a combination of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and other substances directly into the mesoderm (middle layer of skin), promoting localized fat reduction, improved blood flow, and collagen production for a smoother appearance.

Mesotherapy treats hair loss by injecting a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and growth factors directly into the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. The microinjections enhance blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss. This targeted approach revitalizes the scalp, strengthens existing hair, and encourages the growth of new, healthier hair strands.

A study outlined the safety profile of mesotherapy using dutasteride in real clinical settings for patients with androgenetic alopecia (gradual hair loss influenced by genetic and hormonal factors), with a secondary focus on assessing treatment effectiveness. ^[9] The study included 541 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up. Results showed that the common practice was to administer the treatment every 3 months during the first year. Out of 86 patients assessed after one year, the majority showed clinical improvement, with 33 experiencing marked improvement. Pain was the most prevalent side effect (45.5%), but it was generally mild and self-limited. No serious or sexual adverse events were observed, leading to the conclusion that mesotherapy with dutasteride is an effective and well-tolerated option for both male and female hair loss in real clinical practice, particularly for patients seeking alternatives to oral treatments.

In a clinical trial, 49 clinically diagnosed males with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were divided into two groups: mesotherapy (Group A, 25 participants) and minoxidil (Group B, 24 participants). ^[10] Group A received eight sessions of intralesional mesosolution with microneedling, while Group B applied topical minoxidil 5% twice daily for 4 months. Evaluations using clinical photographs, dermoscopy (a non-invasive diagnostic technique that involves examining skin lesions using a handheld device), trichoscan (utilizes specialized imaging technology to assess and analyze hair and scalp conditions), a 7-point standard assessment tool, and patient self-assessment scores were conducted at baseline and monthly for 4 months. The most common presentation was Grade II. Dermoscopic parameters showed no significant differences between groups, except for a significant increase in the variation of hair shaft diameter between pre- and post-treatment in Group A compared to Group B. Overall, the study suggests that mesotherapy does not exhibit a significant improvement over minoxidil in treating male AGA but may help increase hair shaft diameter.

Mesotherapy injections may contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and medications, tailored to address specific concerns and conditions.

Discomfort during mesotherapy is generally minimal, and topical anesthetics can be applied to minimize any pain associated with the injections.

A mesotherapy session usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated and the specific protocol.

The number of sessions varies based on the condition being treated. For some conditions, a series of sessions spaced over weeks or months may be recommended.

Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional.

Suitable candidates for mesotherapy vary depending on the condition being treated. A consultation with a qualified healthcare professional can determine individual eligibility.

The duration of results varies based on the treated condition. Maintenance sessions may be recommended to sustain and enhance the effects.

Depending on the individual’s goals and circumstances, mesotherapy may be combined with other cosmetic procedures for a comprehensive approach to treatment.