What is neck mesotherapy?
Neck mesotherapy is the mesotherapy procedure performed on the neck. 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”.
The skin of the neck is thinner than the skin of the face, and there is less fatty tissue. The area also contains the thyroid gland, large blood vessels and nerves. The procedure is therefore performed more superficially, and the points of application are chosen with care.
The procedure may only be performed by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry (opens in a new tab).
What is assessed before the procedure?
If there is a palpable swelling or fullness in the neck, its cause is investigated before the procedure is planned. Swelling in the neck may be related to conditions such as an enlarged thyroid gland or an enlarged lymph node; these are not conditions that mesotherapy addresses.
Before the procedure, you are therefore asked about:
- Palpable swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing
- Known thyroid disease and any thyroid medication you take
- Previous neck surgery or a history of radiotherapy to the area
- Marked sun-related changes in the skin
For neck and thyroid complaints, see the Thyroid Diseases 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, and in patients with a drug interaction
- 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 patients of advanced age and in patients during an acute attack of a chronic disease, the procedure is carried out 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:
- A swelling or mass whose cause has not been investigated (this needs to be assessed first)
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- A history of radiotherapy to the neck area
- Previous neck surgery or scar tissue in the area
- Active thyroid disease (suitability is determined together with the relevant assessment)
The procedure is not carried out directly over the thyroid gland.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. The neck is examined; swelling, masses and thyroid findings are reviewed. You are asked about current medication and any history of allergy. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Information and consent. The risks specific to the area are explained; a form is signed.
- Preparation. The area must be free of cream, moisturiser and make-up. Antisepsis is ensured.
- The procedure. Because the skin here is thin, the product is applied superficially; the points of application are chosen with the anatomical structures in mind.
- 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 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
- Whether you have noticed a palpable swelling in your neck
Come in loose clothing that does not press at the collar, with no cream, perfume or make-up on the neck.
After:
- There may be redness, mild swelling and tenderness; you may feel temporary discomfort when moving your neck
- The Guideline describes mild oedema in the first 72 hours as an expected finding
- On the day of the procedure, you are advised not to apply perfume to the neck or wear tight jewellery, and to protect the area from the sun
Risks and side effects
Points that also need attention in this area
- More marked bruising and irregularity (the skin in this area is thin)
- A temporary change in sensation, depending on the point of application
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 or discharge in the procedure area
- A high fever
- Oedema exceeding 72 hours or progressively increasing
- Spreading bruising
- Loss of strength or numbness in the arm
- Widespread rash, itching
In the event of difficulty in breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling in the neck, new-onset hoarseness, swelling of the face or tongue, altered consciousness or blanching of the skin, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Does neck mesotherapy harm the thyroid gland?
The procedure is not carried out directly over the thyroid gland; the points of application are chosen with the anatomical structures in mind. If you have a known thyroid disease or a palpable swelling in your neck, please state this at the start of the consultation.
I have a swelling in my neck; can the procedure be performed?
If there is a swelling or mass in the neck whose cause has not been investigated, the procedure is not planned; the cause is assessed first. Swelling in the neck may be related to conditions such as an enlarged thyroid or an enlarged lymph node, and these are not conditions that mesotherapy addresses.
How many sessions are needed for neck mesotherapy?
No definite number can be given in advance. The Guideline states that, for procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks.
Will my neck lines go away?
No such outcome can be stated in advance. Changes in the skin of the neck develop together with age, sun exposure, posture habits and changes in body weight. The response varies from person to person.
Can I move my neck after the procedure?
Yes, although in the first few hours you may feel temporary discomfort in the area when you move. On the day of the procedure, you are advised not to apply perfume to the neck or wear tight jewellery.
Is neck mesotherapy carried out in pregnancy?
No. The Mesotherapy Application Guideline states clearly that mesotherapy is not to be 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)
