What is anti-ageing mesotherapy?
As defined in the Mesotherapy Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) (Mezoterapi Uygulama Kılavuzu) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, 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”. Anti-ageing mesotherapy is the form of this procedure planned to address the changes seen in the skin with age.
Two points to know first:
- Growing older is not a disease. The changes seen in the skin with age are normal; the procedure is not presented as a necessity.
- Ageing cannot be stopped. No statement may be made to the effect that the procedure will stop, reverse or delay ageing.
The procedure may only be performed by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry.
When is the procedure considered?
In the Guideline’s list of indications, the heading relating to the skin is keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound), scar, discolouration, acne and similar skin diseases; the Guideline also names disorders of the microcirculation (impaired blood flow in the small vessels of the skin).
The decision on suitability is made at the end of the examination. Some changes in the skin may run alongside metabolic factors: thyroid function, the course of blood sugar, iron and B12 status, sleep routine. These areas are therefore reviewed before the procedure; the detail is on the Skin Health page.
If there is a skin lesion that has not been diagnosed, a dermatology assessment is carried out first.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
The list is taken from the Mesotherapy Application Guideline.
- 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 with hypertension in which blood pressure control cannot be achieved
- In patients with diabetes in which 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 mesotherapy 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
- In patients with a bleeding diathesis
- In patients with a body mass index above 30
- In patients with a diagnosis of AIDS
Special groups: in oncology patients (with the opinion of the specialist physician primarily responsible for their treatment), in advanced age and during an acute flare of a chronic disease, the procedure is performed with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. A medical history is taken; you are asked about current medication, any history of allergy and co-existing conditions. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Information and consent. The procedure and possible side effects are explained verbally and in writing; a form is signed.
- Preparation. There must be no cream, moisturiser or make-up on the procedure area. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Application. The product is applied in small doses to the determined layer of the skin using fine needles.
- 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.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before the procedure, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use (in particular blood thinners)
- Your known allergies
- Your pregnancy status
Come in comfortable, clean clothing, with no cream, moisturiser or make-up on the procedure 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 given written recommendations on sun protection
Risks and side effects
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.
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
- Oedema lasting beyond 72 hours or increasing steadily
- Spreading bruising
- Steadily increasing pain, widespread rash
In the event of shortness of breath, swelling of the face or tongue, altered consciousness or blanching of the skin, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Does anti-ageing mesotherapy stop ageing?
No. Ageing cannot be stopped, and no statement may be made to the effect that the procedure will reverse or delay ageing. Growing older is not a disease; the changes seen in the skin with age are normal.
At what age should it be started?
There is no set age, and the procedure is not presented as a necessity. Under the Guideline, the procedure is not carried out under 18 years of age. Suitability is assessed according to the complaint and the examination findings.
How many sessions are needed for anti-ageing 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.
How long does the result of anti-ageing mesotherapy last?
No such assurance can be given. Changes in the skin develop alongside age, sun exposure, sleep routine, nutrition and general health. The procedure is not independent of these factors.
Is anti-ageing mesotherapy performed in pregnancy?
No. The Mesotherapy Application Guideline states clearly that mesotherapy is not performed in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Are tests requested before anti-ageing mesotherapy?
Whether they are necessary varies from person to person. Certain changes in the skin may run alongside thyroid function, blood sugar, and iron and B12 status; which investigations are needed is determined at the end of the examination.
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)
