Doctors are raising concerns over a new beauty trend that can lead to dangerous “lumps and bumps” on the skin.
The procedure, which involves injecting a blend of vitamins and minerals beneath the skin to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and remove under-eye bags, has gained popularity on social media despite significant health risks.
Originally developed in France in 1952 to treat blood vessel and immune system disorders, mesotherapy has since evolved into a widely used treatment for skin rejuvenation and fat reduction, according to DermNet.
Today, it is promoted as a non-invasive option for reducing signs of aging on the face, hands, and stomach.
Mesotherapy injections often leave small, raised bumps under the skin, temporarily creating a honeycomb or reptilian-like texture before the solution settles, according to Healthline.
Although the procedure is marketed as painless with minimal recovery time, experts warn that the potential risks can far outweigh any cosmetic benefits.
Speaking to 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 like Botox, mesotherapy formulas lack standardization, meaning patients often have little to no knowledge of what is being injected into their skin.
“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 warned.
These injections typically contain a mix of vitamins, enzymes, and even prescription medications, with individual ingredients that may be FDA-approved.
However, the formulas themselves are not FDA-approved for facial use, creating a risk of dangerous inconsistencies.
Experts Warn Against DIY Mesotherapy as Unregulated Kits Flood Social Media
Dr. Tripathi, a California-based plastic surgeon, compared 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, available online for as little as $45 and up to $349, have fueled a DIY trend among social media users.
TikTok videos show individuals attempting to perform the procedure at home, which experts say significantly increases the risk of infection, granulomas, and scarring.
While mesotherapy is marketed as a solution for under-eye bags, dermatologists emphasize that under-eye concerns vary widely.
Factors such as fat migration, pigmentation, dehydration, and aging-related loss of elasticity all play a role, making a tailored approach essential.
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 seem like a potential solution for under-eye hollowing, Dr. Tripathi noted that clinical studies have not validated its effectiveness.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist, stressed the importance of 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.”
Although mesotherapy is marketed as a quick fix for under-eye concerns, its risks and lack of regulation make it a potentially dangerous choice.