How many mesotherapy sessions are needed? Intervals and process

What is mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is the delivery of small amounts of a substance with very fine needles into the superficial dermis, directly in the area being treated. The aim is to deliver a small amount of the substance to the area where it is needed^[1]. Mixtures used in aesthetic mesotherapy may contain different ingredients, such as non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Which ingredients are used is determined by the doctor according to the area and the examination findings.

The options offered at our clinic include treatments containing polynucleotides (salmon-derived DNA fragments) and a single-session mesotherapy with a vitamin, mineral and amino acid mixture that contains no filler.

What does the evidence say?

Although mesotherapy is widely used, the scientific evidence is mixed. Because the mixtures, techniques and session plans used vary from centre to centre, it is difficult to compare studies with one another; reviews emphasise that well-designed controlled studies are limited^[2][3]. Some positive findings have been reported in studies of mesotherapy for hair loss, but most of these studies are described as small, with more research needed^[4]. A systematic review of polynucleotide treatments likewise notes, alongside positive findings, that the level of evidence is still limited^[5].

For this reason, we recommend talking openly with your doctor at the examination about what can be expected from mesotherapy. The response varies from person to person.

Session plan by area

• Face: 3 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart.
• Under the eyes: 5 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart.
• Hair: 2 weeks apart; the number of sessions is determined at the examination.
• Neck: The number of sessions is determined at the examination.
• Polynucleotides (face and under the eyes): 2 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart.
• Filler-free vitamin, mineral and amino acid mesotherapy: A single session; the effect lasts about 4–6 months on average and varies from person to person.
• Scars: Either mesotherapy or an enzymatic treatment option is chosen at the examination.
• Stretch marks: The amount used is determined by the size of the area.

These plans are a general framework. The plan can be tailored to you, taking into account the condition of your skin, your age, the target area and your previous treatments.

The difference between mesotherapy and filler

Mesotherapy and filler are often confused. With filler, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel is placed in an area with volume loss or along a specific line, and the aim is to provide support to the area. With mesotherapy, very small amounts of a substance are delivered at many points into the superficial dermis; the aim is not to add volume. This is why mesotherapy does not fill a marked hollow. For areas such as under the eyes, which method, or which combination of methods if needed, is used is decided at the examination.

Mesotherapy sessions can be planned during the same period as botulinum toxin or filler treatments; however, the order and timing are determined by your doctor.

Why sessions at intervals?

In mesotherapy, a small amount of substance is given at each session, and the skin's response to the treatment develops over time. The 2–3 week gap between sessions allows the skin to recover after the previous treatment and allows the doctor to reassess the area before the next session. These intervals are our clinic's treatment plan; the doctor may adjust them according to the area and the person.

The session day and afterwards

A session takes 20–30 minutes on average. If needed, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied before the treatment; the cream is applied at your appointment time. Male patients are asked to come clean-shaven in the treatment area.

After the treatment, mild redness, swelling, small bumps at the needle points and bruising may appear; these usually decrease within a few days. Side effects such as infection, allergic reaction or persistent firmness at the injection site have been reported occasionally^[6]. For this reason, after the treatment:

• Do not wear make-up on the treated area or let it come into contact with water for the first 24 hours,
• Protect yourself from the sun,
• Let your doctor know if you notice increasing pain, redness, warmth, discharge or fever.

Who is it not suitable for?

• Treatment is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Treatment is not carried out if there is severe active acne or an infection in the treatment area.
• For people taking isotretinoin, an oral medicine used to treat acne, treatment is planned 3 months after the end of the course.
• If you take blood thinners or have a known allergy, mention this at the examination; do not stop your medication without consulting your doctor.

Further reading

• Mesotherapy
• Skin renewal
• Under-eye dark circles and hollows
• Preparing for an aesthetic treatment