What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a medical technique that consists of injecting small quantities of active substances directly into the dermis, the intermediate layer of the skin. Developed in France in 1958 by Dr Michel Pistor, this approach is based on a simple principle: delivering active ingredients precisely where they are needed, while limiting systemic exposure.
Unlike dermal fillers (based on cross-linked hyaluronic acid), which add volume, or botulinum toxin, which relaxes muscles, mesotherapy aims to improve the intrinsic quality of the skin or to stimulate the scalp. It is a non-surgical medical aesthetic treatment, performed in a medical office, without the need for hospitalization.
The technique uses multiple micro-injections, performed at a shallow depth (1 to 4 mm), in the areas to be treated. This method allows a local and progressive diffusion of the injected active substances.
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How does mesotherapy work?
Mesotherapy works through two complementary mechanisms: a mechanical effect and a biological effect.
The mechanical effect results from the micro-trauma created by multiple needle punctures. These micro-lesions trigger a natural skin repair response, with stimulation of the production of extracellular matrix components in the dermis.
The biological effect depends on the substances injected. The intradermal micro-deposit modulates the kinetics of the active ingredients, slowing their absorption and prolonging their local mechanism of action. Unlike topical application (cream or serum), intradermal injection bypasses the skin barrier and delivers the active substances directly to dermal cells. The local concentration achieved is significantly higher than that of a product applied on the surface, and the active ingredients remain available in the tissues for a longer period.
The effect is progressive and cumulative. A single session is not sufficient: time is required for cells to respond to the stimuli and to produce new extracellular matrix components. This is why mesotherapy protocols always include several sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
What does a mesotherapy solution contain?
There is no single standard formula in mesotherapy. The physician composes or selects a cocktail adapted to the indication and the patient. The products used are medical devices compliant with European pharmaceutical standards.
Frequently used components include:
- Vitamins: vitamin C (antioxidant, cofactor in collagen synthesis), B-group vitamins (cellular metabolism), vitamin E
- Amino acids: proline, glycine, lysine — collagen precursors
- Trace elements: zinc, selenium, magnesium — enzymatic cofactors
- Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid: a hydrating molecule naturally present in the dermis, used here for its moisturizing properties rather than for volumizing effects
- Antioxidants: glutathione, coenzyme Q10 — neutralize free radicals responsible for aging
- Microcirculation-supporting agents: some formulations may include plant extracts or bioactive peptides, depending on the indication
The physician adapts the composition according to the objective: dehydrated skin does not require the same cocktail as a thinning scalp. This personalization is an integral part of the medical act.
Main indications for mesotherapy
Mesotherapy addresses several concerns, mainly in aesthetic dermatology and hair treatment.
Improvement of skin quality: hydration, radiance, texture. Mesotherapy is suitable for dull, tired, dehydrated skin or skin exposed to oxidative stress (sun, smoking, pollution).
Prevention of skin aging: by stimulating the dermis and providing nutrients, mesotherapy can help slow the appearance of early signs of aging. It does not replace a surgical facelift, but acts as a preventive measure or as a complement to other treatments.
Diffuse or androgenetic hair loss: scalp mesotherapy aims to improve local microcirculation, deliver nutrients to hair follicles, and slow hair miniaturization in early to moderate stages. It does not regrow permanently lost hair, but may help stabilize progressive hair loss.
Dull complexion, stressed skin: after pregnancy, a period of fatigue, or weight loss, mesotherapy can help restore skin radiance and vitality.
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How a mesotherapy session is performed
Every mesotherapy treatment begins with a medical consultation. The physician assesses the indication, checks for possible contraindications, examines the area to be treated, and explains the planned protocol. This step is mandatory: mesotherapy is a medical act, not a cosmetic procedure.
On the day of the session, the skin or scalp is cleansed and disinfected. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied 20 to 30 minutes before the injection to reduce discomfort, especially on the face or scalp.
The physician then performs the micro-injections, either manually using a syringe with a very fine needle, or with an injector gun (a medical device that allows control of injection depth and volume). The injections are performed using a nappage technique (multiple closely spaced injection points) over the entire treated area.
A session generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated. Patients usually experience mild to moderate pain during the injections, which stops as soon as the session ends.
After the session, the skin may appear red, slightly swollen, and sometimes show small pinpoint bleeding. These reactions resolve within a few hours. Patients can resume normal activities immediately, avoiding makeup and sun exposure on the same day.
Number of sessions and general protocol
Mesotherapy is based on a progressive treatment course. A single session does not produce lasting results. Standard protocols distinguish two phases:
Initial phase: 3 to 6 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. This phase aims to saturate the dermis with active ingredients and trigger the desired biological response.
Maintenance phase: one session every 2 to 6 months to maintain the benefits obtained. Without maintenance, the effects gradually fade.
The exact number of sessions varies according to the indication, the initial condition of the skin or scalp, and the individual response. A young patient with mildly tired skin will require fewer sessions than someone with severely dehydrated skin or established androgenetic alopecia.
The physician adjusts the protocol over time based on the observed response.
Expected results: what can mesotherapy really provide?
Mesotherapy results are progressive and cumulative. The first effects generally appear after the second or third session: the skin becomes more radiant, better hydrated, and skin texture improves. On the scalp, hair shedding may slow after a few weeks of treatment.
What mesotherapy can do:
- Improve skin hydration and radiance
- Refine skin texture
- Improve skin elasticity
- Slow hair loss and improve hair density in early to moderate stages
What mesotherapy cannot do:
- Replace a surgical facelift or correct significant skin laxity
- Regrow hair in areas completely devoid of active hair follicles
- Erase deep wrinkles or marked scars
- Produce an immediate effect comparable to a volumizing filler
Effectiveness depends on the quality of the initial indication. A well-selected patient treated with an appropriate protocol will achieve better results than a patient for whom mesotherapy is not suitable.
Side effects and risks
Mesotherapy is generally well tolerated when performed by a trained physician under strict aseptic conditions.
Common and transient reactions:
- Localized redness lasting a few hours
- Small bruises at injection sites
- Sensitivity or mild pain in the hours following the session
- Temporary mild swelling
These reactions usually resolve spontaneously within 24 to 48 hours.
Rare complications:
- Infection: exceptional when aseptic rules are respected, but cases of mycobacterial infections have been reported when hygiene measures were inadequate
- Persistent inflammatory reaction: may occur in case of allergy to a component or inappropriate technique
- Granulomas or nodules: rare, related to a tissue reaction to injected products
- Skin necrosis: extremely rare
The quality of the medical technique, sterile equipment, and practitioner expertise are essential to minimize risks. This is why mesotherapy must always be performed by a qualified physician.
Contraindications
Certain situations prohibit or require postponement of treatment:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (as a precaution, due to lack of data)
- Active skin infection in the treatment area (herpes, infected acne, folliculitis)
- Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases (lupus, scleroderma)
- Known allergy to one of the injected components
- Coagulation disorders or anticoagulant therapy (to be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the physician)
- Active cancer
- Undiagnosed suspicious skin lesions
The physician checks these points during the initial consultation. In case of doubt, additional tests may be requested or the treatment contraindicated.
Mesotherapy vs other injectable treatments
Mesotherapy is part of a broad therapeutic arsenal. It is useful to position it relative to other techniques to understand when it is appropriate.
Mesotherapy vs skinboosters:
skinboosters are injections of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid and are often considered a form of mesotherapy. The main difference lies in composition: skinboosters contain primarily hyaluronic acid at higher concentrations, whereas classic mesotherapy combines multiple active ingredients (vitamins, amino acids, trace elements). Both aim to improve skin quality, but skinboosters primarily target deep hydration.
Mesotherapy vs PRP (platelet-rich plasma):
PRP uses the patient’s own blood, centrifuged to concentrate platelets and their growth factors, which are then reinjected into the skin or scalp. PRP stimulates tissue regeneration through autologous biological mechanisms. Comparative studies suggest that both PRP and mesotherapy can improve trichoscopic parameters in androgenetic alopecia, with variable efficacy profiles depending on the formulations used.
Mesotherapy vs fillers (cross-linked hyaluronic acid):
fillers are injected more deeply to fill a wrinkle, redefine contours, or restore volume. They do not diffuse within the dermis like mesotherapy. The two techniques are often complementary: a filler corrects structure, while mesotherapy improves texture and radiance.
Mesotherapy vs topical treatments:
creams and serums act on the surface. Intradermal injection bypasses the skin barrier and delivers active ingredients directly into the dermis. It does not replace a daily skincare routine, but provides a medical complement for more ambitious objectives.
The choice between these techniques depends on the indication, patient expectations, budget, and medical advice.
Who can perform mesotherapy in Belgium?
In Belgium, mesotherapy is a medical act. Only physicians are legally authorized to perform it. Physicians trained in aesthetic medicine, dermatologists, or other specialists with specific training are qualified to carry out these injections.
Non-physicians (beauticians, unsupervised nurses) are not authorized to inject products into the dermis. This restriction aims to ensure patient safety: mesotherapy requires knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, asepsis, and complication management.
Before choosing a practitioner, verify their medical qualifications and training in aesthetic medicine.
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Price of mesotherapy in Belgium
The cost of mesotherapy varies according to several factors. As an indication, a session generally costs between 100 and 250 euros.
Factors influencing the price:
Treated area: a full-face mesotherapy session costs more than a limited area (such as the eye contour). The scalp may require a large surface, depending on the extent of hair loss.
Products used: some cocktails contain more expensive active ingredients or branded medical devices.
Practitioner expertise: a highly experienced physician or one practicing in a well-known center may charge higher fees.
Complete course: clinics often offer packages for 4 to 6 sessions, with reduced per-session pricing.
Mesotherapy is generally not reimbursed by public health insurance or private insurers, as it is considered an aesthetic and not a therapeutic procedure (except in very specific medical indications, to be confirmed with your insurer).
To find exact pricing, consult the pages of verified clinics and physicians on iGlowly.
Conclusion: mesotherapy — for whom and why?
Mesotherapy is a versatile medical technique, useful for improving skin quality and slowing certain forms of hair loss. It does not replace structural treatments (facelift surgery, hair transplantation) but offers a non-surgical, progressive, and minimally invasive option for patients seeking aesthetic improvement or prevention.
Its effectiveness relies on correct indication, an appropriate protocol, and rigorous medical practice. Results are real, but modest and cumulative. Mesotherapy is suitable for patients willing to commit to a multi-session protocol and who have realistic expectations.
If you are considering mesotherapy, consult a qualified physician who will assess your individual situation and guide you toward the most appropriate technique.
Frequently asked questions about mesotherapy
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