What is acne scar mesotherapy?
In acne scar mesotherapy, products considered appropriate for the scars that remain on the skin after acne are applied to a determined layer of the skin using the mesotherapy technique.
The Mesotherapy Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) (Mezoterapi Uygulama Kılavuzu) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye lists acne and scars among the indications for mesotherapy. As defined in the Guideline, mesotherapy is a method applied “by injecting herbal or pharmacological products in small doses, regionally and with special needle techniques, into the layers of the skin in sessions”.
Two points to know first:
- Active acne and acne scarring are separate issues. If there is still active acne on the skin, that must be assessed first; a scar procedure is not planned while the acne is active.
- Not every scar is the same. Whether a scar is depressed, raised or consists only of a change in colour affects the decision on suitability.
It cannot be said that a scar will disappear completely.
The procedure may only be performed by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry (opens in a new tab).
When is the procedure considered?
The decision on suitability is made at the end of the examination. The assessment takes into account:
- The type of the acne scarring
- The extent of the acne scarring
- The patient’s skin type
- Any previous procedures
If there is active acne, the acne is assessed first. Where the acne is widespread or persistent, a dermatology assessment is required; a scar procedure does not take the place of treatment for the acne.
There may be an underlying condition beneath the acne that requires assessment. Acne that begins in adulthood, does not respond to treatment, or occurs together with findings such as menstrual irregularity or excessive hair growth may need an internal medicine assessment. This assessment is described on the Insulin Resistance page.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
The patient groups in whom the procedure cannot be performed under the Mesotherapy Application Guideline are listed below:
- In pregnant and breastfeeding patients
- In patients under 18 years of age
- In patients with an infection, an open wound or a rash in the procedure area
- In patients with an inflammatory skin disease or rosacea
- In patients in whom blood pressure or blood sugar control cannot be achieved
- In patients with advanced heart failure and/or a history of a heart attack
- In patients with advanced liver and/or kidney failure
- In patients taking warfarin
- In patients with a history of allergy to the product to be used
- In patients with an interaction between current medication and the product
- In patients with a history of epilepsy (not in remission)
- In patients with septic arthritis, and in patients in the active phase of a rheumatic disease
- In patients with a history of a cerebrovascular event, and in patients with a bleeding diathesis
- In patients with a body mass index above 30
- In patients with a diagnosis of AIDS
Under the Guideline, in oncology patients (with the opinion of the specialist physician primarily responsible for their treatment), in patients of advanced age and in patients during an acute attack of a chronic disease, the procedure is performed with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician.
Additional conditions specific to this area
The procedure is not performed if the following are present in the area to be treated:
- An active acne lesion, an inflamed raised lesion or an open wound
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- Taking, or having recently stopped, certain acne medicines taken by mouth (the waiting period is determined together with the physician concerned)
- A tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scarring (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound)
- A recent chemical or device-based procedure on the area (the timing is adjusted accordingly)
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. The type and extent of the scarring are assessed, and whether there is active acne is determined. You are asked about acne medicines you are taking or have recently stopped, any tendency to keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound), and previous procedures. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Referral where necessary. If the acne is active and widespread, it is assessed first; where necessary, you are referred to dermatology.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the product to be used, the limits of what may be expected and possible side effects are explained verbally and in writing; a form is signed.
- Preparation. The area must be free of cream, moisturiser and make-up. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Application. The product is applied to the determined layer of the skin using the mesotherapy technique.
- Observation. Vital signs and any side effects that occur are recorded in your file.
How long does it take, and how many sessions are needed?
The Guideline states that, for applications other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks. The number of sessions cannot be given in advance as a single figure; it varies with the type and extent of the scarring.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before the procedure, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use
- Which acne medicines you are taking or have recently stopped
- Any skin procedures you have had recently
- Your pregnancy status
Come with no cream, moisturiser or make-up on the area.
After:
- Redness, mild swelling and tenderness may occur; the Guideline describes mild oedema in the first 72 hours as an expected occurrence
- You are advised not to rub, squeeze or scratch the area
- Sun protection is recommended (a change in colour may be seen in the area of the scar)
- The periods you are given for make-up, hot environments and the sauna must be observed
- You are asked to avoid intense exercise and sweating for a period
Recommendations and the periods that apply to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Specific to this procedure
- Transient acne-like raised bumps in the area after the procedure
- A change in colour in the area of the scar
The unwanted effects reported by the Guideline fall under the following headings.
Related to the product
- Mild itching and redness
- With acid-based products, pain during the procedure; excessive pain sensitivity after the session
- In applications containing a corticosteroid, thinning of the skin (atrophy) and change in colour
Related to how the procedure is performed
- Oedema, pain and tenderness
- Pain due to an excessive amount of product
- Local infection where hygiene rules are not followed
Related to the injection entry point
- Bleeding, pain and tenderness
- Tenderness of the skin at the end of the procedure
Rarely seen situations for which a plan of intervention is set out in advance
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Tissue death (dermal necrosis)
- Vasovagal syncope (fainting)
- Raised blood pressure
- Oedema lasting beyond 72 hours, or excessive oedema
Results vary from person to person. It cannot be said that a scar will disappear completely.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling or discharge in the procedure area
- A high fever
- New inflamed, painful raised bumps
- Oedema lasting beyond 72 hours or increasing steadily
- Spreading bruising
- Rapidly increasing swelling or hardening in the area
- Widespread rash, itching
In the event of shortness of breath, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty swallowing, altered consciousness or blanching of the skin, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Can an acne scar procedure be performed while I have active acne?
No. If there is an active acne lesion, an inflamed raised lesion or an open wound in the procedure area, the procedure is not carried out. The acne itself is assessed first; where it is widespread or persistent, a dermatology assessment is required.
Does an acne scar go away completely?
No; it cannot be said that a scar will disappear completely. The Guideline states clearly that, for mesotherapy, no statements may be made to the effect that it will eliminate a disease or treat it on its own. The response varies with the type of the scarring.
Are depressed scars and dark scars assessed in the same way?
No. Whether a scar is depressed, raised or consists only of a change in colour affects both the decision on suitability and the planning. Which of these applies is determined at the examination.
I am taking medicine for acne; can the procedure be performed?
If you are taking, or have recently stopped, certain acne medicines taken by mouth, suitability and the waiting period are assessed together with the physician concerned. Please state at the consultation which medicines you are taking and which you have recently stopped.
Could there be another cause underlying my acne?
Acne that begins in adulthood, does not respond to treatment, or occurs together with findings such as menstrual irregularity or excessive hair growth may need an internal medicine assessment. This assessment is described on the Insulin Resistance page.
How many sessions are needed for acne scar mesotherapy?
A definite number of sessions cannot be given in advance. The Guideline states that, for applications other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks; the number of sessions varies with the type and extent of the scarring.
When can I wear make-up after the procedure?
The periods that apply to you for make-up, hot environments and exercise are given in writing at the end of the procedure. Observing these periods matters in reducing the risk of infection in the procedure area.
Is acne scar mesotherapy performed in pregnancy?
No. The Mesotherapy Application Guideline states clearly that mesotherapy is not performed in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Sources
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Health Services, Mezoterapi Uygulama Kılavuzu, Ankara, June 2025. https://ekutuphane.saglik.gov.tr/Yayin/694 (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Uygulamaları Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 28 April 2026 / 33237. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/04/20260428-2.htm (opens in a new tab)
