What is mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is the introduction of active substances into the skin through a series of small injections. The preparations may use hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, peptides and other components depending on the purpose of the procedure. In scientific reviews, mesotherapy is described as a technique in which therapeutic or bioactive substances are administered precisely through intradermal injections. One systematic review formulates it as “intradermal injections” - that is, the introduction of drugs into the skin, and not simply applying the product to the surface. Unlike creams and serums, which mainly work on the surface, mesotherapy allows you to deliver active ingredients directly to the area where they need to act. That is why it is used as a professional injection treatment to improve hydration, tone, elasticity and overall appearance of the skin.

When may mesotherapy be recommended?

Mesotherapy may be considered when skin looks tired, dry, dull, less elastic, or is responding to stress, seasonal changes, active sun, lack of sleep, or inadequate care. The procedure can also be used on the scalp for thinning hair or as part of a comprehensive hair loss program. The final indications are determined by a specialist after an examination. This is especially important in the case of hair loss, because it can be associated not only with the condition of the scalp, but also with deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress, skin diseases or medication.

Facial mesotherapy

Facial mesotherapy is aimed at improving the quality of the skin: hydration, freshness, elasticity, even tone and an overall well-groomed appearance. The procedure may be relevant for patients who notice dryness, dullness, fine wrinkles, loss of tone or a “tired” appearance of the skin. In studies, injectable complexes based on hyaluronic acid, amino acids and antioxidant components are studied precisely in the context of improving skin condition and signs of aging. For example, a 2024 study evaluated the skin's reaction after injections of a hyaluronic complex with amino acids and vitamins for facial rejuvenation. For the patient, this does not mean a “face change”, but a gradual improvement in the appearance of the skin. After the course, it may look more moisturized, fresh and well-groomed. But the result depends on the initial condition of the skin, the drug, lifestyle, age, number of procedures and proper home care.

Mesotherapy of the neck, décolleté and hands

The neck, décolleté and hands are often more sensitive to the sun, dryness and age-related changes. The skin in these areas is thinner, so fine lines, loss of tone and uneven tone can become noticeable earlier. Mesotherapy in these areas can be used to maintain hydration, improve the visual quality of the skin and provide preventive care. DermNet specifically mentions the face, scalp, neck, décolleté and hands as areas of application for mesotherapy. This is especially important if the patient wants to work not only with the face, but also maintain exposed areas that often show fatigue and photodamage.

Mesotherapy for hair

Hair mesotherapy is an injection procedure in which specially selected drugs are injected into the scalp. It may be considered for hair thinning, seasonal hair loss, poor quality, brittleness, dullness, or reduced density. It is important not to confuse it with PRP/plasma therapy. Mesotherapy involves the administration of ready-made drugs or mesococktails, while PRP uses the patient's own plasma, obtained from blood after centrifugation. A 2023 systematic review noted that among the studies of mesotherapy for hair, androgenetic alopecia was the most frequently studied. A separate 2022 review on mesotherapy for pattern hair loss made a cautious conclusion: the technique showed effectiveness, but the samples were small, and comparative studies with other methods are not yet enough. The authors directly emphasize: “Future research is required” — further studies are needed for stronger evidence. Hair mesotherapy can be part of a comprehensive approach, but should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment for any hair loss. If hair falls out actively, for a long time or in foci, the cause must first be understood. Sometimes the patient needs not only an injection procedure, but also additional tests, consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist, correction of deficiencies or treatment of the underlying condition.

Hair mesotherapy or plasma therapy: what's the difference?

Mesotherapy and PRP/plasma therapy may look similar to the patient, as both involve microinjections into the scalp. However, the essence of the procedures is different.

How is the procedure carried out?

After the procedure, small papules, redness, sensitivity, slight swelling or occasional bruising may remain. These are expected reactions after injections, but any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a specialist. DermNet lists allergic reactions, skin infections, pigmentation, bruising, ulceration, scarring and panniculitis among the possible side effects of mesotherapy. That is why the procedure should be performed with sterility, proper selection of the drug and medical assessment of contraindications.

How many treatments are needed?

Mesotherapy is usually performed in a course. The number of treatments depends on the area, the drug, age, skin or hair condition, and the goal of the treatment. For the face, this can be a course to moisturize, tone, and improve the quality of the skin. For the scalp, it can be a course program aimed at supporting the scalp and follicles. DermNet notes that mesotherapy often requires a series of treatments, not a single session. At the same time, the exact scheme should not be copied from the Internet, as drugs, techniques, and indications can vary significantly.

Preparation for mesotherapy

Before the procedure, it is advisable to inform the specialist about all medications you are taking, allergic reactions, chronic diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, susceptibility to herpes, blood clotting disorders, or recent cosmetic procedures.

• You should not actively sunbathe before the procedure.
• There is no need to injure the skin or do aggressive peels without the recommendation of a specialist.
• If there is a rash, inflammation, infection, or irritation in the procedure area, it is better to postpone the visit.
• Before scalp mesotherapy, the specialist will separately explain how to prepare the scalp.

Care after mesotherapy

After the procedure, the skin needs a delicate regime. During the first day, you should not touch the injection area with dirty hands, apply active products without the recommendation of a specialist, visit the sauna, swimming pool, solarium or exercise actively. If the procedure was performed on the scalp, the specialist will separately explain when you can wash your hair, what products to use, and what to temporarily avoid.

Contraindications to mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is not performed in cases of active infections, inflammation in the injection area, acute illnesses, high fever, allergies to the components of the drug, blood clotting disorders, some autoimmune conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding. The procedure may also be postponed if the skin is irritated, injured or has not recovered after other interventions. In 2023, cases of complications after mesotherapy were described, in particular granulomatous reactions to the injected substances. This once again emphasizes that injection techniques should not be perceived as a “light salon procedure” without medical evaluation.

Safety: why the drug, sterility and specialist are important

Mesotherapy is an injection procedure, so safety depends on three key factors: the quality of the drug, the correct injection technique, and maintaining sterility. Questionable cocktails, self-injections, procedures without medical evaluation, or working with drugs of unclear origin can be dangerous. The FDA separately warns about the risks of uncertified injectable drugs for splitting fat: among the reported complications were serious infections, scars, skin deformations, cysts, and painful nodes. Although this applies specifically to “fat-dissolving injections,” and not to classic facial or hair mesotherapy, the safety principle is the same: injections must be performed correctly, sterilely, and not with random drugs. That is why at the Pechersky Clinic, mesotherapy begins with a consultation, not with a “ready-made cocktail for everyone.” The specialist must assess the indications, contraindications, skin or hair condition, and select the procedure according to the patient’s real needs.

What to expect from the result

After mesotherapy, patients may notice a more hydrated, fresher and more well-groomed appearance of the skin, improved tone, softness and overall quality of the skin. In mesotherapy of the scalp, the goal of the procedure is to support the scalp, improve the conditions for hair growth and complement a comprehensive approach to hair loss or thinning. At the same time, the result is not instant and the same for everyone. It is influenced by age, skin condition, cause of hair loss, lifestyle, deficiencies, hormonal factors, home care and regularity of procedures. Scientific sources also emphasize that some areas of mesotherapy require additional high-quality research and standardization of protocols. DermNet directly notes that in the practice of mesotherapy there is a lack of standardization regarding substances, doses and frequency of injections.

Why choose Pechersky Clinic in Truskavets?

At the Pechersky Clinic, mesotherapy is performed with an emphasis on individual selection, safety, and natural results. We do not use a “one-size-fits-all” approach because each patient’s skin, hair, age, lifestyle, complaints, and medical factors are different. The Pechersky Clinic in Truskavets is a medical space where aesthetic procedures are carried out responsibly: with a consultation, assessment of indications, explanation of possible reactions, and recommendations after the procedure.

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