A decades-old cosmetic treatment that promises to be a miraculous cure for under-eye bags, wrinkles, and stubborn fat is making a huge comeback. However, physicians warn that the therapy, which gives humans the appearance of scaly reptiles, might cause irreversible harm such as scarring and blindness.
Mesotherapy may seem futuristic, but it is far from new. It was first used in 1952 by a French doctor to “relieve pain.” However, it has been repackaged as a quick treatment for cosmetic concerns, and it is rapidly gaining popularity.
“Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin, as well as remove excess fat,” Healthline writes of the microneedling procedure. “The idea behind mesotherapy is that it corrects underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage.”
Injections frequently produce small lumps beneath the skin that resemble raised welts. This can result in a honeycomb effect—a lumpy, bloated appearance that some have likened to the feel of reptile skin. And, while swelling is typically transient, it is only the beginning of what might go wrong.
Social media hype.
Beauty bloggers have inundated social media with videos of “instant” results, claiming that mesotherapy is a safer, more inexpensive alternative to Botox and fillers. With kits accessible online for as low as $45, the procedure has become a DIY dream—or nightmare—for those looking to achieve youth and perfection.
Dr. Prem Tripathi, a plastic surgeon in California, noted that mesotherapy has grown in popularity because it is affordable, quick to do, and requires little training—a dangerous mix that has led to influencers posting videos of how easy it is to inject at home.
But it’s not always safe, especially if you don’t know what you’re putting on your face, experts say.
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Unlike FDA-approved treatments like Botox or fillers, mesotherapy formulas are not regulated. Each practitioner creates their own blend, frequently using prescribed medicines or even dubious substances.
“While mesotherapy is legal in some other countries, the lack of regulatory oversight in the United States means patients may be exposed to counterfeit or unverified products,” Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist in New York, told the Daily Mail.
Tripathi compared it to “the multibillion-dollar supplement industry,” adding that “it’s not regulated, so you sometimes don’t know what you’re getting.”
DIY beauty side effects
When it comes to cosmetic operations, no location is riskier than the area just behind your eyes, which is extremely sensitive and densely packed with blood vessels. One erroneous action, whether by an untrained injector or a do-it-yourself kit, might have disastrous repercussions.
“The risks of under-eye mesotherapy go beyond minor side effects, especially when people go to inexperienced technicians or do this at home,” Kazlouskaya told the newspaper.
“Patients may experience long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin necrosis due to product placement in blood vessels, or even permanent eye damage.”
There is also the danger of infection and granulomas, which are tiny masses of blood cells and tissues that form when the immune system reacts to a foreign material.
Flashy promises
In a society fixated on perfection and instant satisfaction, it’s simple to succumb to a captivating promise, particularly when it’s just a click, swipe, or syringe away. However, the portrayal of mesotherapy as a miraculous treatment is not always accurate.
Behind the filtered photographs and viral films is a growing list of genuine people who have suffered bruising, severe responses, and, in the worst-case scenario, permanent harm.
Before you put your looks or well-being in the hands of a trendy therapy, do your research and consult a trained practitioner. Also, remember that looking good is never worth jeopardizing your well-being.