What is skin mesotherapy?
Skin mesotherapy is the procedure also known colloquially as the “youth vaccine”. 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”.
Only physicians holding the relevant certificate may perform the procedure, and only at premises authorised by the Ministry.
How it differs from Facial Mesotherapy: facial mesotherapy is defined by area; skin mesotherapy, by contrast, may also be performed on areas other than the face and is planned with the overall condition of the skin in mind. Which procedure is suitable is decided at the end of the consultation.
The approach at the practice: before the procedure, we review thyroid function, blood sugar trends, iron and B12 status and current medication. Some changes in the skin can occur alongside these factors; details are on the Skin Health page.
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 the list does not mean that the procedure will eliminate that condition.
Diagnosing and treating skin diseases falls to the dermatology specialty. If there is an undiagnosed skin lesion, a dermatology assessment comes first; this procedure does not take the place of that assessment.
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 where blood pressure control cannot be achieved
- In patients with diabetes where 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
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.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment and the suitability decision. A history is taken; we ask about current medication, allergy history and co-existing conditions. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Information and consent. The procedure and its possible side effects are explained in writing and verbally; a 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.
- The procedure. The product is applied in small doses, with fine needle tips, to the determined layer of the skin; this may be done manually or with a device.
- Observation. 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 and the outcome of the assessment; no definite number can be given in advance.
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, 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 describes mild oedema seen in the first 72 hours as an expected finding
- You are given written recommendations on sun protection and on keeping the area clean
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 acidic products, pain during the procedure; excessive pain sensitivity after the session
- In procedures 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
If side effects persist after the session, a further assessment is carried out and, where necessary, the procedure is discontinued.
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 colour or spreading bruising
- Progressively increasing pain
- Widespread rash, itching
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
Are skin mesotherapy and the “youth vaccine” the same thing?
The medical name of the procedure is skin mesotherapy; colloquially it is also called the youth vaccine. The medical name is used on this page. The difference in name does not change what the procedure involves.
What is the difference between skin mesotherapy and facial mesotherapy?
Facial Mesotherapy is defined by area; skin mesotherapy may also be performed on areas other than the face and is planned with the overall condition of the skin in mind. Which of the two is suitable is decided at the end of the consultation.
How many sessions are needed for skin 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 the outcome of the assessment.
Is skin mesotherapy carried out in pregnancy?
No. The Mesotherapy Application Guideline states clearly that mesotherapy is not to be performed in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Can I go out in the sun after the procedure?
Recommendations on sun protection are given to you at the end of the procedure. While redness and tenderness of the skin persist, avoiding direct sun exposure is generally recommended.
I have rosacea; can the procedure be carried out?
The Guideline lists inflammatory skin diseases and rosacea among the situations in which the procedure cannot be performed. If you have this diagnosis, please mention it at the beginning of the consultation; follow-up falls within the field of the dermatology specialty.
Will my skin improve?
No such outcome can be stated in advance. 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.
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)
