A doctor is taking the time to warn people of the harms of a cosmetic trend on the rise again. The alarming trend in question? A treatment called mesotherapy, where substances are injected under the eyes to combat wrinkles.
The treatment recently grew popular in the US, especially after it has been around for decades in other countries.
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More about mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical procedure involving a technician using small needles to inject a mixture of vitamins and minerals in the form of liquid under the skin. The aim of this therapy is to decrease fat and banish under-eye bags.
There is a story behind it
The mesotherapy treatment was first developed in 1952 in France to treat blood vessel and immune system disorders.
Now, however, it is used to remove fats in the stomach, tighten skin, and erase wrinkles anywhere in the body.
Temporary side effects
Mesotherapy is most commonly performed on the stomach and hands, immediately leaving small raised bumps under the skin. While they have been compared to the skin of a reptile, it’s a temporary side effect that resolves on its own.
It may pose some serious risks
Yes, mesotherapy is normally a painless procedure with a small recovery time. However, a doctor warned about the serious risks that the treatment might entail. In addition, it may not achieve the needed results and may backfire.
A doctor shares his take
Dr Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist based in New York, talked to MailOnline about their warning. They shared that mesotherapy being done by an inexperienced technician or at home can make the risks “go beyond minor side effects.”
The risks in question
Dr. Kazlouskaya clarified the serious and risky side effects that can occur due to mesotherapy, saying: “Patients may experience long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin necrosis due to product placement in blood vessels, or even permanent eye damage.”
Every doctor has their combo
Some say that each practitioner has their own fluid combination to use in mesotherapy.
Thus, patients are not aware of what they’re getting injected with under their skin. The injections usually contain enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and other nutrients, plus or minus prescription medications.
Regulations concerning mesotherapy
“While mesotherapy may be legal in some other countries, the absence of US regulatory oversight means patients could be exposed to counterfeit or unverified products,” Dr Kazlouskaya explained.
Healthline also reported that risks of mesotherapy include nerve and blood vessel damage, irregular skin contours, burns, and infection.
Mesotherapy status in the US and UK
Neither the American Society of Plastic Surgeons nor the FDA has endorsed or approved any medications for mesotherapy.
As for the UK, Mesotherapy is not currently directly regulated by law. However, the government is looking into a new licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which may include mesotherapy.
Speculations that celebrities have used it
Since the trend emerged, Influencers have been sharing photos of the procedure on social media. Furthermore, there have been speculations that Jennifer Aniston, 55, has used some form of the injections and undergone mesotherapy on various parts of her body.
