What is facial mesotherapy?
As defined in the Mesotherapy Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, mesotherapy is a method carried out “by injecting herbal or pharmacological products in small doses, regionally and with special needle techniques, into the layers of the skin in sessions”. Facial mesotherapy is this procedure performed on the face.
The procedure may only be performed by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry.
The approach at the practice: before the procedure, metabolic factors (thyroid function, the course of blood sugar, iron and B12 status, current medication) are reviewed. Some skin complaints may occur alongside these factors; details are on the Skin Health page.
Facial mesotherapy is the general framework for this group. Area-specific procedures are described on separate pages: Mesotherapy Around the Eyes, Mesotherapy Around the Mouth, Neck Mesotherapy and Hand Mesotherapy. Which area will be assessed is determined at the consultation.
When is the procedure considered?
Under the Mesotherapy Application Guideline, the skin-related situations in which the procedure may be considered are:
- Keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound)
- Scar
- Pigmentation
- Acne and similar skin diseases
- Microcirculation disorders (impaired blood flow in the small vessels of the skin)
Appearing on this list does not mean the procedure will eliminate these conditions. The decision on suitability is made at the end of the consultation.
The diagnosis and treatment of skin disease fall within the dermatology specialty. If there is an undiagnosed skin lesion, a dermatology assessment is carried out first.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
The list below is taken from the Mesotherapy Application Guideline.
- In pregnant and breastfeeding patients
- In patients under 18 years of age
- In patients with an infection in the procedure area
- In patients with an open wound or 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
- 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
Under the Guideline, the procedure is performed with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician in oncology patients (the specialist physician primarily responsible for their treatment), in patients of advanced age and in patients during an acute attack of a chronic disease.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment and suitability decision. A detailed history is taken and added to the file, covering current medication, allergy history and co-existing conditions. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the method of application and possible side effects are explained in writing and verbally; an information form is completed and signed.
- Preparation of the area. There must be no cream, moisturiser or make-up on the procedure area. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Procedure. The product is applied in small doses, with fine needle tips, to the intended layer of the skin. It may be done manually or with a device.
- Observation. The patient is kept under observation after the procedure; vital signs and any side effects observed are recorded in the file.
The materials used are single-use.
How long does it take, and how many sessions are needed?
The Guideline states that, in procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks. The number of sessions is determined according to the person, the indication and the outcome of the assessment; no definite number can be given in advance.
At each session, vital signs, the technique used and any side effects observed are recorded in the patient’s file; the plan is reviewed accordingly.
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
- Whether you are pregnant or suspect you may be
Come in comfortable, loose and clean clothing, with no cream, moisturiser or make-up on the procedure area.
After: there may be redness, mild swelling and tenderness in the procedure area. The Guideline states that mild oedema seen in the first 72 hours is an expected finding. Recommendations specific to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
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 the way the procedure is carried out
- Oedema, pain and tenderness
- Pain due to excessive use of the 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
If side effects persist after the session, a further assessment is carried out and, where necessary, the procedure is discontinued. In situations that may be life-threatening, the patient is referred to a higher-level centre by calling 112.
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 exceeding 72 hours or progressively increasing
- Change in skin colour or spreading bruising
- Progressively increasing pain
- Widespread rash, itching
- Dizziness, a feeling of faintness
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
What is done in facial mesotherapy?
As defined in the Guideline, products are applied in small doses and with special needle techniques to the intended layer of the skin, in sessions. The procedure may be done manually or with a device; the materials used are single-use.
How many sessions are needed for facial mesotherapy?
No definite number can be given in advance. The Guideline states that, in procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks; the number of sessions is determined according to your indication and the outcome of the assessment.
Is facial mesotherapy performed during pregnancy?
No. The Mesotherapy Application Guideline states clearly that mesotherapy is not to be performed in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, please state this at the beginning of the consultation.
Can I wear make-up before the procedure?
No. The Guideline stipulates that there be no cream, moisturiser or make-up on the procedure area. Please come to the procedure with clean skin.
Will I be left with marks after the procedure?
There may be redness, mild swelling and tenderness after the procedure; the Guideline describes mild oedema in the first 72 hours as an expected finding. Oedema exceeding 72 hours, spreading bruising or blanching of the skin are not expected findings; in these situations, please get in touch.
I take a blood thinner; can I have the procedure?
The Guideline lists the use of warfarin among the situations in which the procedure cannot be performed. For other blood-thinning and anticoagulant medicines, suitability is assessed separately. Do not stop your medication on your own initiative.
Can the result of facial mesotherapy be known in advance?
No. The Ministry of Health guideline states that no statement may be made to the effect that the procedure will eliminate a disease or treat it on its own. The response varies from person to person, and no outcome can be foreseen in advance.
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 (this repealed the regulation dated 27 October 2014 and numbered 29158, Article 19). https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/04/20260428-2.htm (opens in a new tab)
