A controversial beauty treatment has been making waves on social media, promising younger-looking skin, reduced wrinkles, and the elimination of under-eye bags. However, dermatologists and medical professionals are sounding the alarm, warning that this new beauty trend is leaving people with dangerous lumps and bumps, creating a scaly, reptilian-like texture on the skin.

Known as mesotherapy, this technique involves injecting a cocktail of vitamins, enzymes, and other substances under the skin. While originally developed in 1952 in France to treat blood vessel and immune system disorders, it has since evolved into an unregulated cosmetic procedure that many people are now performing at home.

Despite being marketed as a non-invasive alternative to Botox and fillers, mesotherapy carries serious risks, including permanent skin damage, severe allergic reactions, and even blindness in extreme cases.

So why is this risky procedure gaining popularity? And what are the long-term consequences of experimenting with unapproved beauty injections? Let’s dive into the dangers behind this viral beauty trend.

What is Mesotherapy and How Does it Work?

Mesotherapy involves using micro-injections to infuse the skin with a mix of active ingredients, such as vitamins, plant extracts, hormones, or medications, to rejuvenate the skin, tighten sagging areas, and break down fat deposits.

It is commonly used on:

• The face (to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and eliminate under-eye bags)

• The hands (to improve skin texture and elasticity)

• The stomach and thighs (as a fat-reducing treatment)

Unlike Botox or dermal fillers, mesotherapy is not FDA-approved for cosmetic use. Since the formulas used in these injections vary widely, patients often have no clear idea of what they’re injecting into their skin.

The Shocking Side Effects of Mesotherapy

1. The “Reptilian Skin” Effect

One of the most disturbing side effects of mesotherapy is the temporary formation of lumps and bumps under the skin, creating a honeycomb or reptilian-like texture. According to dermatologists, this occurs because the injected substances do not immediately dissolve, leaving the skin bumpy and uneven for days or even weeks.

Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, warns that these visible bumps may persist longer than expected, leading to permanent textural changes in the skin.

2. Severe Allergic Reactions and Skin Necrosis

Because mesotherapy formulas are not standardized, patients often experience severe allergic reactions, swelling, and long-lasting bruising. In some cases, improper injection techniques can accidentally introduce substances into blood vessels, causing skin necrosis (death of skin tissue).

“The risks of under-eye mesotherapy go beyond minor side effects,” Dr. Kazlouskaya explained. “If done incorrectly, patients could suffer from permanent skin damage, infections, or even blindness if the injection affects delicate blood vessels around the eyes.”

3. Unregulated and Unverified Ingredients

One of the biggest concerns with mesotherapy is the lack of regulation. Unlike Botox or dermal fillers, which have strict FDA guidelines, mesotherapy formulas are mixed without any oversight.

Dr. Tripathi, a plastic surgeon in California, compared the industry to the multi-billion dollar supplement market, saying:

“It’s not regulated, so you don’t always know what you’re getting. You might be injecting a mixture of vitamins, but without proper testing, it’s impossible to verify what’s really in these vials.”

This lack of control has led to counterfeit and dangerous products entering the market, putting unsuspecting patients at serious risk.

The Rise of DIY Mesotherapy: A Recipe for Disaster

Thanks to social media, mesotherapy has now become a do-it-yourself beauty trend, with influencers sharing step-by-step guides on how to inject the substances at home.

Online platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with videos of people self-administering mesotherapy injections, often using kits purchased from unverified sources. These kits range from $45 to $349, making the treatment more accessible but also significantly more dangerous.

Experts warn that DIY mesotherapy dramatically increases the risk of:

• Severe infections from non-sterile equipment

• Granulomas (painful lumps under the skin)

• Scarring and permanent skin damage

Dr. Kazlouskaya strongly advises against at-home treatments, stating:

“People are playing with fire. They don’t realize the dangers until it’s too late. Even minor mistakes can lead to serious, irreversible damage.”

Why Under-Eye Bags Can’t Be Fixed with a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

One of the biggest reasons people turn to mesotherapy is the promise of erasing under-eye bags, but dermatologists emphasize that this issue varies from person to person.

The causes of under-eye bags include:

• Fat migration (common with aging)

• Hyperpigmentation (dark shadows due to skin tone)

• Fluid retention and dehydration

• Loss of collagen and skin elasticity

Dr. Tripathi explains that mesotherapy is not a universal solution, as different underlying causes require different treatments.

“Not all eye bags are the same. Some people need skincare, some need laser treatments, and others might benefit from surgery. Using mesotherapy without proper evaluation can do more harm than good.”

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist, urges patients to seek evidence-based treatments instead of chasing viral beauty trends.

“Before trying any cosmetic treatment, always consult a medical professional. Your skin deserves safe, proven solutions—not experimental injections with unknown long-term effects.”

Alternative Treatments for Healthy, Youthful Skin

Instead of risky injections, dermatologists recommend safer, proven alternatives to rejuvenate the skin:

• Retinol and vitamin C serums (to boost collagen production and brighten skin tone)

• Hydrafacials and microneedling (to improve skin texture and elasticity)

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy (a natural alternative for skin rejuvenation)

• Laser resurfacing (to target deep wrinkles and pigmentation issues)

Final Thoughts: Is Mesotherapy Worth the Risk?

At first glance, mesotherapy sounds like an appealing, non-invasive alternative to Botox or fillers. However, the lack of regulation, serious side effects, and potential for permanent damage make it a risky gamble.

The trend of DIY beauty treatments is growing, but just because something is popular online doesn’t mean it’s safe. When it comes to your skin, the best approach is one backed by science, research, and professional expertise.

Before trying any unapproved cosmetic procedure, ask yourself: Is temporary beauty worth the permanent risks?

What Do You Think?

Would you ever try mesotherapy, or do the risks outweigh the benefits? Let us know in the comments!