Mesotherapy, first used in 1952 for pain relief, is now marketed as a beauty treatment for fat reduction, skin tightening, and rejuvenation. It involves injecting vitamins, enzymes, and plant extracts through microneedling.

Healthline notes it’s meant to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, but it often causes temporary swelling or “reptile skin.” Risks increase due to its rising popularity online and the availability of DIY kits for as little as \$45. Dr. Prem Tripathi warns, “The affordability and simplicity make it easy to misuse.”

A major issue is the lack of regulation. Unlike FDA-approved treatments, mesotherapy blends are often custom-made by providers. Dermatologist Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya cautions that this “opens the door to counterfeit or unsafe ingredients.”

The under-eye area is especially dangerous. Mistakes here can cause “bruising, allergic reactions, skin necrosis, or permanent eye damage.” Other side effects include infections and granulomas.

Though viral videos show “instant results,” the reality is riskier. Mesotherapy isn’t the miracle it’s portrayed as. Always consult a qualified professional—because “no look is worth compromising your health.”