Does Mesotherapy Really Work To Rejuvenate Your Skin and Treat Hair Loss? According to Dermatologists
Table of Contents
How Does Mesotherapy Work for Skin Rejuvenation?
Is Mesotherapy Effective for Skin Rejuvenation?
How Does Mesotherapy Work for Hair Loss?
Is Mesotherapy an Effective Treatment for Hair Loss?
What to Expect During a Mesotherapy Procedure
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Mesotherapy
Who Is a Good Candidate for Mesotherapy?
What is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a customized cocktail of vitamins, enzymes, plant extracts, and other nutrients into the middle layer of the skin (mesoderm). The mesoderm is not a common term in dermatology, and in this instance likely refers to the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. To be clear, mesotherapy describes the procedure of injecting a substance into a certain location underneath the skin, but does not clarify the type of substances being injected.
How Does Mesotherapy Work for Skin Rejuvenation?
Mesotherapy may be able to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin by delivering a concentrated blend of nutrients directly to the target area, but this depends largely on what's being injected - an idea that we will keep coming back to. A large part of why mesotherapy was invented was because of the idea that most of the topical actives applied onto the skin may not actually reach some of the deeper structures within the skin. For instance, to rebuild collagen, it does not make sense to apply a collagen cream as it would not go through to the dermis and deeper tissues. Enter mesotherapy. A typical mesotherapy cocktail might generally contain a combination of the following:
Vitamins: Such as vitamins A, C, and E, which are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to support collagen production.
Hyaluronic acid: A naturally occurring substance that helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Amino acids: Building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness.
Plant extracts: Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that may nourish and protect the skin, depending on the ingredients.
By injecting these potent ingredients into the middle layer of the skin, mesotherapy aims to stimulate the fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and elastin, resulting in a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Is Mesotherapy Effective for Skin Rejuvenation?
The act of injecting a substance into the skin is commonplace in dermatology, and the very act of injecting the skin may very well stimulate the collagen to rebuild, as is the premise of radiofrequency ultrasound or microneedling. Injecting substances such as steroids and platelet-enriched-plasma (PRP) is also not up for debate. Where we are going with this discussion is that mesotherapy - the act of injecting itself - is not controversial. For instance, one could argue that microneedling with PRP is essentially a form of mesotherapy, as the drug is being delivered to the mesoderm after the channels are created within the skin from microneedling.
While the concept of mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation seems promising, the efficacy of this treatment is still a subject of debate and at this time requires further studies because of the variations in what is being injected in these cocktails. Some studies have suggested that mesotherapy can improve skin hydration, texture, and overall appearance, while others have found no significant difference compared to placebo treatments. One study in 2014 suggested that intradermal hyaluronic acid delivery using mesotherapy resulted in 'increased dermal echogenicity', which was a proxy for skin aging and photoaging. Source On the other hand, another study from 2012 that examined the histology (skin tissue and cell changes on a microscopic level) showed there was no significant benefit to mesotherapy for facial rejuvenation, though the injection that was used contained vitamins and plant extracts, but no peptides, amino acids, or proteins. Source However, most of the high quality studies suggest that larger systematic studies are needed. Source
One factor that may contribute to the mixed results is the variability in the formulations used for mesotherapy cocktails. Different combinations of ingredients and concentrations may yield different outcomes, making it challenging to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the treatment. It also depends on who is performing the injections, as injecting too deeply or superficially may have variable effects on the outcomes.
However, many proponents of mesotherapy argue that the treatment can be highly effective when administered by experienced professionals using high-quality, carefully formulated cocktails tailored to the individual's specific skin concerns.
How Does Mesotherapy Work for Hair Loss?
In addition to skin rejuvenation, mesotherapy has also been explored as a potential treatment for hair loss. When used for this purpose, the mesotherapy cocktail is injected directly into the scalp and around the hair follicles.
The goal of mesotherapy for hair loss is to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth by improving blood circulation and providing essential nutrients. The cocktail may contain ingredients such as:
Growth factors: Substances that can stimulate the hair follicles and encourage the growth of new, healthy hair strands.
Vitamins: Like vitamins B, C, and E, which are essential for hair health and growth.
Amino acids: Building blocks for the proteins that make up hair strands, such as keratin.
Plant extracts: Rich in antioxidants and other compounds that can nourish and protect the hair follicles.
By delivering these nourishing ingredients directly to the scalp, mesotherapy aims to address the underlying causes of hair loss and promote a healthier, fuller head of hair.
Interestingly enough, injections into the scalp is not novel. As dermatologists, we employ intralesional steroids to be injected into the scalp to combat inflammatory or autoimmune hair loss. Platelet-enriched plasma injections into the scalp is also a common procedure for treating hair loss. Therefore, mesotherapy does not seem that novel as the concept itself has been largely studied in the past. What is different is what's actually being injected into the scalp. The ingredients clearly matter here, and a systematic review in 2023 concluded that the lack of standardized regimens for mesotherapy renders the procedure difficult to uniformly recommend to patients at this time, and better studies are needed. Source
Is Mesotherapy an Effective Treatment for Hair Loss?
As with skin rejuvenation, the effectiveness of mesotherapy for hair loss is still a topic of debate among experts. Some studies have suggested that mesotherapy can improve hair loss conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding). One study suggested that mesotherapy with a cocktail of amino acids and vitamins was comparable to that of 5% topical minoxidil. Source Another study in 2022 demonstrated mesotherapy injections with dutasteride to be effective for androgenic alopecia without serious side effects. Source
Many other studies have found no significant improvement in hair growth or density after mesotherapy treatments. The effectiveness of hair mesotherapy may depend on various factors, including the cause of hair loss, the individual's response to the treatment, and the specific formulation of the mesotherapy cocktail - which seems to be the most important determinant.
What to Expect During a Mesotherapy Procedure
During a mesotherapy procedure, the treatment area (whether it's the face or scalp) is thoroughly cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort. The mesotherapy cocktail is then injected into the middle layer of the skin using a specialized mechanical gun or fine needles.
The procedure itself is generally well-tolerated, with minimal downtime. However, some patients may experience mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is an evolving area of clinical study, but based on the existing data, these are some of the possible side effects.
For mesotherapy that utilizes HA-based fillers, the Tyndall effect (injection too superficially) results in discoloration of the skin and a firm textural change, which can be a common side effect Source
Infection: Proper sterilization techniques and post-treatment care are crucial to prevent infections. However, despite this, one case report has demonstrated a foreign body granulomatous reaction due to tranexamic acid mesotherapy Source
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to certain ingredients in the mesotherapy cocktail.
Skin irritation or redness: Temporary skin irritation or redness may occur at the injection sites.
Bruising or swelling: Mild bruising or swelling is common but should subside within a few days.
Scarring: Rare but possible if the injections are administered incorrectly or if the skin is particularly sensitive.
Nerve damage: Also rare, but potentially more serious if the injections are too deep or in the wrong area.
Clots, occlusion/stroke, and skin cecrosis: If injected too deeply, this risk is similar to that of fillers if the product is injected into a major vascular structure, which can lead to clots resulting in stroke, blindness, and tissue death among many other adverse effects.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy may be a suitable option for individuals seeking:
Skin rejuvenation: Those looking to improve skin texture, hydration, and overall appearance, particularly for mild to moderate signs of aging.
Hair loss treatment: Individuals experiencing hair loss or hair thinning due to androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or other types of hair loss may respond to improved circulation and nutrient delivery. For scarring hair conditions, mesotherapy should be avoided.
For both of the above, the number of sessions may vary substantially, just as the formulation of the mesotherapy application. Mesotherapy is a treatment method that may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or active skin infections, as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's crucial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine if mesotherapy is appropriate for your specific situation.
How Many Mesotherapy Sessions Are Needed?
The number of mesotherapy sessions required can vary depending on the individual's concerns, the severity of their condition, and the desired results. Most providers recommend a series of 4 to 8 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, for optimal results.
It's important to note that mesotherapy is not a one-time solution, and consistent maintenance sessions may be required to sustain the effects over time.
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What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that uses a technique involving microinjections to deliver various solutions into the skin and hair to address different concerns such as hair loss, skin rejuvenation, and excess fat reduction.
Who can benefit from mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy can benefit individuals looking to improve skin texture, prevent hair loss, and remove excess fat (e.g. Kybella),
How is mesotherapy performed?
Mesotherapy is typically performed by trained professionals such as dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons using specialized equipment like a meso gun or pistor device. The procedure involves injecting customized solutions into the target areas.
Are there any risks associated with mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced physicians. However, like any treatment, there may be risks such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. It is essential to follow post-treatment care instructions.
What are the benefits of mesotherapy for hair?
Based on our literature review, mesotherapy can possibly offer some benefits including improving hair growth, treating hereditary hair loss, and providing nutrients directly to the hair follicles. It can help individuals struggling with hair problems achieve healthier and fuller hair.
Can mesotherapy be used for skin rejuvenation?
Based on our literature review, the data is mixed, but depending on the ingredient, mesotherapy can be effective for skin rejuvenation, in the sense that it may help in achieving glowing skin, reducing wrinkles, and promoting collagen production (e.g. with hyaluronic acid).
How much does mesotherapy cost?
The cost of mesotherapy can vary depending on factors such as the treatment area, the number of sessions required, and the specific solutions used. It is recommended to consult with a dermatologist who performs this procedure to get an accurate cost estimate.
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We are a group of dermatology residents and attending physicians based in Boston, MA. Our team of Ivy League-trained dermatologists is demystifying the cosmeceutical industry by offering unbiased, scientifically supported reviews of skincare products. We are extremely passionate about skincare and making it accessible to all through education. We value integrity, practicality, and inclusivity. No sponsorships were received for the products prior to testing; we feel strongly about providing un-biased reviews. After blogs are published, following the links in this blog post may result in commission.
