What is hand mesotherapy?
Hand mesotherapy is mesotherapy performed on the skin on the back of the hand. 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”.
The skin on the back of the hand is thin, and beneath it lie superficial veins and tendons. The hands are exposed to the sun throughout the year and are washed frequently during the day. These three features affect both how the procedure is planned and the care that follows it.
The procedure may be performed only by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry (opens in a new tab).
What is assessed before the application?
Discoloured patches on the back of the hand may arise for different reasons. If there is a patch that is new, growing, or changing in colour or border, a dermatology assessment is required first; this procedure does not take the place of that assessment.
We also ask about the following:
- Numbness, tingling or loss of strength in the hands, with nerve entrapment in mind
- Joint swelling, morning stiffness (an assessment relating to Muscle and Joint Pain may be required)
- Thyroid function and anaemia (these may accompany changes in the nails and skin)
- Occupational contact with chemicals or water
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, and in patients with an interaction with medication
- 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
Special groups: in oncology patients, in advanced age and during an acute flare 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:
- Eczema, contact dermatitis or an active skin disease
- Lymphoedema (particularly in the arm on the same side after breast surgery)
- A fistula or vascular access
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- A discoloured patch or mole whose cause has not been investigated (a dermatology assessment comes first)
- Loss of sensation in the hand area
If there is active joint inflammation, the procedure is postponed.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. The hand is examined; discoloured patches, joint findings, sensation and circulation are assessed. Current medication and any history of allergy are recorded. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Information and consent. The risks specific to the area are explained; the form is signed.
- Preparation. There must be no cream or nail polish on the hands; jewellery and rings are removed. Antisepsis is ensured.
- The procedure. The product is applied at an appropriate depth, with the superficial veins and tendons taken into account.
- Observation. Vital signs and any side effects observed are recorded in the patient’s file.
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 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 pregnancy status
Come with no cream or nail polish on the hands; rings and bracelets are removed before the procedure.
After:
- Bruising and swelling may occur on the back of the hand; because the hands are used and washed frequently, healing in this area may be somewhat more noticeable
- On the day of the procedure, you are advised to avoid frequent hand washing, contact with detergents and cleaning work without gloves
- Sun protection is particularly important in this area; the hands are exposed throughout the year
- The Guideline describes mild oedema in the first 72 hours as an expected finding
Risks and side effects
Points that also need attention in this area
- Bruising due to injury to the superficial veins
- A feeling of restriction in finger movement caused by transient swelling on the back of the hand
- Jewellery becoming tight
- Irritation of the procedure area because the hands are in frequent use
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:
- Numbness, loss of strength or restricted movement in the fingers
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling or discharge in the hand
- A high fever
- Oedema lasting beyond 72 hours or increasing steadily
- Spreading bruising
- A ring or bracelet becoming tight
- Widespread rash, itching
In the event of spreading redness in the hand accompanied by fever, 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
Is it suitable for the patches on my hands?
The nature of the patch is assessed first. If there is a patch that is new, growing, or changing in colour or border, a dermatology assessment is required; this procedure does not take the place of that assessment.
Is anything done about the veins on the back of the hand?
This procedure is directed at the condition of the skin; it does not aim to change the appearance of the superficial veins. During the procedure, these veins are taken into account.
How many sessions are needed for hand mesotherapy?
A definite number of sessions cannot be given in advance. The Guideline states that, in procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks.
Can I wash my hands after the procedure?
On the day of the procedure, you are advised to avoid frequent hand washing, contact with detergents and cleaning work without gloves. You will be told at the end of the procedure when you can return to your normal routine.
I have had breast surgery; can the procedure be performed?
Because there is a risk of lymphoedema in the arm on the same side, the procedure is not carried out on that side. Please mention your surgical history at the start of the consultation.
Why is sun protection particularly important?
The hands are among the areas that remain exposed to the sun throughout the year. Sun protection in this area, both after the procedure and in general, matters for the course of changes in the skin.
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)
