Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is an aesthetic medicine technique consisting of injecting very small quantities of substances (vitamins, amino acids, co-enzymes, minerals, low-concentration hyaluronic acid depending on the formula) into the superficial dermis. It aims to improve skin quality, tone, and hydration, and can be offered for the face, neck, décolleté, hands, or scalp in cases of hair thinning. Mesotherapy is suited to patients seeking a discreet, preventive, or corrective approach, respecting facial harmony and naturalness. This text is intended for general guidance.

Principles of Treatment

• General principle: mesotherapy relies on repeated superficial injections of micro-quantities of products designed to stimulate local cellular functions, improve hydration, and deliver nutrients directly to the dermis.
• Products used: formulations composed of vitamins (vitamin C, B), amino acids, co-factors, minerals, and sometimes weakly cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Formulations are chosen according to skin needs and tolerance.
• Areas concerned: face, eye contour, neck, décolleté, backs of hands, and scalp (scalp treatment as a complement to medical management for hair thinning).
• Personalisation: each protocol is adapted to the patient's morphology, skin condition, and goals after a medical assessment. Mesotherapy does not replace specific medical treatments for pathological conditions.

Session Process

• Prior consultation: discussion of history, skin examination, expectations, explanation of options, and development of a personalised treatment plan. Information on contraindications and precautions.
• Duration and process: the session generally lasts 20 to 45 minutes depending on the area and protocol. After disinfection, superficial injections are performed using very fine needles or a mesotherapy gun. The number of points and the technique depend on the area treated.
• Comfort and sensations: the procedure is generally well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic cream may be offered for hypersensitivity. Mild tingling, warmth sensations, or transient skin tension may be felt.
• Precautions during the session: strict adherence to aseptic rules, use of sterile products, and traceability of injected substances.

Post-treatment Course and Results

• Immediate post-treatment effects: localised redness, minimal swelling, small bruises, or tightness sensations may occur and subside within a few hours to a few days.
• Onset of results: progressive improvement in radiance, hydration, and skin texture often perceptible after the first series of sessions, and more pronounced after several sessions.
• Average duration: variable depending on the formula, age, lifestyle, and complementary care; maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months may be recommended.
• Variability: effects differ from person to person; the prior consultation explains realistic goals and defines an appropriate protocol.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Main contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, active skin infection in the area to be treated, known allergy to any of the components, uncontrolled coagulation disorders, anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment to be disclosed before the session.
• Precautions: inform the physician of all ongoing treatments (medications, supplements), history of labial herpes if the face is being treated, and past history of scarring or skin reactions. Avoid intense sun exposure and aggressive skin procedures immediately before and after treatment as per consultation recommendations.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

• Common and transient adverse effects: redness, localised swelling, bruising, pain, or temporary subcutaneous nodule sensations.
• Less frequent effects: local or general allergic reaction, infection if aseptic rules are not observed, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, formation of small nodules or granulomas.
• Safety note: these risks are explained and assessed during the consultation. Complications remain rare when the procedure is performed by a trained practitioner under rigorous aseptic conditions.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is mesotherapy painful? Most patients experience mild tingling or a punctual prick sensation. A topical anaesthetic cream may be offered to improve comfort.

How many sessions are needed? An initial protocol of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart is frequently recommended, followed by maintenance every 3 to 6 months. The exact number is adapted to skin condition and the goals discussed at the consultation.

When can I resume my usual activities? Return to activities is generally immediate. It is however advised to avoid intensive make-up, intense sport, saunas, and prolonged sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours as per the practitioner's recommendations.

Can mesotherapy help with hair thinning? Scalp mesotherapy may be proposed as a complementary approach in certain situations of hair thinning; its value and place in the management plan will be assessed during the consultation alongside appropriate medical treatments.