What is surgical scar mesotherapy?
In surgical scar mesotherapy, products considered suitable for scars that form after a surgical procedure are applied to a determined layer of the skin using the mesotherapy technique.
The Mesotherapy Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye lists keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound) and scar among the indications for mesotherapy. Under the Guideline’s definition, 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”.
It cannot be said that a scar will disappear completely. The procedure is directed at the appearance of the scar; whether any change in appearance is possible is assessed at the examination.
The procedure may only be performed by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry (opens in a new tab).
Scars and stretch marks are covered separately: scars other than those arising from a surgical procedure are described on the Acne Scar Mesotherapy page, and stretch marks due to pregnancy or weight change on the Stretch Mark Procedure page.
When is the procedure considered?
The decision on suitability is made at the end of the consultation. In the assessment, the age of the scar is decisive.
- If the wound has not yet healed or the sutures have not been removed, the procedure is not performed
- In newly formed scars, follow-up and waiting may be needed; a scar may change on its own
- In scars that are raised, hard, or growing beyond their borders, the assessment is different and the opinion of the relevant specialty may be needed
It may be necessary to contact the physician who performed the operation. Particular features of the surgical site (a prosthesis, a graft, a vascular procedure, a history of radiotherapy) affect the decision on the procedure.
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 at the site of the procedure
- 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
- In patients with an interaction between current medication and the 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, and in patients with a bleeding diathesis
- In patients with a body mass index above 30
- In patients with a diagnosis of AIDS
Also note: in uncontrolled diabetes, wound healing may be affected; in those with active oncological disease, the procedure is assessed with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician.
Under the Guideline, 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 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 wound that has not yet healed, or sutures that have not been removed
- Infection or discharge
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- A prosthesis, graft or vascular procedure beneath the scar (assessment by the relevant surgeon is required)
- Radiotherapy to the area (the opinion of the relevant specialist is sought)
- A tendency to keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound)
- Treatment that affects wound healing (the opinion of the relevant physician is sought)
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. The age, structure and site of the scar are assessed. You are asked about the type and date of the operation, any complications, and any tendency to keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound). Current medication is recorded. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- A specialist opinion where necessary. If there is a prosthesis, graft or vascular procedure beneath the scar, the relevant surgeon is contacted.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the product to be used, the limits of what can be expected and possible side effects are explained verbally and in writing; a form is signed.
- Preparation. The area must be free of cream and ointment. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Application. The product is applied to the determined layer of the skin using the mesotherapy technique.
- 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; it varies with the age, structure and site of the scar.
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)
- The type and date of your operation, and any wound healing problems you have had
- Your pregnancy status
Come with no cream or ointment on the area.
After:
- There may be redness, mild swelling and tenderness; the Guideline describes mild oedema in the first 72 hours as an expected finding
- You are advised not to rub or scratch the area
- Sun protection is recommended (colour change may be seen in the area of the scar)
- You are asked to avoid hot environments, saunas and swimming pools for a period
- You are advised to avoid movements and clothing that stretch the area
Recommendations and time periods specific to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Specific to this procedure
- A change in the appearance of the scar that differs from what was expected
- Colour change in the area
- Thinning of the skin (with products containing a corticosteroid)
- In those with a tendency to keloid (a raised scar that spreads beyond the original wound), the risk of scar development is assessed separately
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. It cannot be said that a scar will disappear completely.
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 at the site of the procedure
- A high fever
- Separation along the line of the scar
- Oedema exceeding 72 hours or progressively increasing
- Spreading bruising
- The scar rapidly becoming more raised or harder
- Widespread rash, itching
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
Will my surgical scar disappear completely?
No; it cannot be said that a scar will disappear completely. The Guideline states clearly that, for mesotherapy, no statements may be made to the effect that it will eliminate a disease or treat it on its own. The procedure is directed at the appearance of the scar; whether any change in appearance is possible is assessed at the examination.
How long after the operation can it be performed?
If the wound has not healed or the sutures have not been removed, the procedure is not performed. In newly formed scars, follow-up and waiting may be needed; a scar may change on its own. The appropriate timing is determined at the consultation.
There is a prosthesis beneath my scar; can the procedure be performed?
If there is a prosthesis, graft or vascular procedure beneath the scar, the procedure is not performed without the opinion of the relevant surgeon. Please mention these details of your operation at the consultation.
Is it also performed on raised, hard scars?
In scars that are raised, hard, or growing beyond their borders, the assessment is different and the opinion of the relevant specialty may be needed. Which of these applies is determined at the consultation.
How many sessions are needed for surgical scar mesotherapy?
A definite number of sessions cannot be given in advance. The Guideline states that for procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks; the number of sessions varies with the age and structure of the scar.
Is the procedure painful?
The Guideline reports pain and tenderness related to the injection entry point. Tenderness in scar tissue may differ; this is discussed before the procedure.
Is surgical scar mesotherapy carried out in pregnancy?
No. The Mesotherapy Application Guideline states clearly that mesotherapy is not carried out during pregnancy or 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)
