Doctors warn about permanent damage caused by new beauty trend that leaves people looking like reptiles
Specialists are warning those wanting to lighten their under eye area with a non-surgical procedure to be aware that dangerous ‘lumps and bumps’ could arise.
Statistics published by the National Institutes of Health cited that more than 19.1 million non-surgical procedures were performed worldwide in 2023.
Botulium toxin, more commonly known as Botox, topped the list, with hyaluronic acid, hair removal and chemical peels trailing behind.
Another rising non-surgical procedure that’s rising in popularity in the United States is Mesotherapy.
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But what is the ‘tweakment’ and why are medical practitioners warning about ‘reptilian skin’ side-effects?
What is Mesotherapy?
Healthline has defined mesotherapy as a ‘technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin, as well as remove excess fat.’
This non-surgical procedure - billed as being ‘minimally invasive’ - utilizes very fine needles to deliver injections into the middle layer of the skin.
Often, these injections take place around the neck, face, hands, hairline, stomach and/or the décolletage.
What is Mesotherapy used for?
Primarily, Mesotherapy is employed by those who want to treat a myriad of skin, hair and body hangups.
The rejuvenation technique is versatile—often being used to minimise stretch marks and diminish the look of cellulite. As mentioned, some also use the treatment for fat removal.
It should be noted though that the American Society for Plastic Surgeons does not recommend mesotherapy in the latter instance, citing a lack of research into its effectiveness.
Recently, there’s been an uptick in people opting to have injections to get rid of dark circles underneath their eyes—with the procedure promising you can lighten the skin and reduce eye bags.
What are the risks of Mesotherapy?
If you’re adamant that you want to go ahead with the procedure, then you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider first.
After being injected, expect to experience negative side-effects like redness, tenderness and even bruising.
Some will also experience small raised bumps underneath the skin, which some have described as ‘reptilian like’.
“Lumps and bumps are probably the most common complication from mesotherapy,” writes the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology.
“They can result when the solution is distributed unevenly or when the solution is not homogenous and has different effects in different zones.
“Concentrations vary when the mix is not homogenous and one area may have totally different materials from an adjacent one.”
Unfortunately, there are some other, more serious, risks that come with having Mesotherapy.
There’s a risk of infection which could cause long term tissue death or damage, says Dr Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a New York based dermatologist.
“Patients may experience long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin necrosis due to product placement in blood vessels, or even permanent eye damage,” she added.
Who performs Mesotherapy and is it regulated?
Unlike other injectable procedures like Botox, practitioners mix up their own blend of fluids to use in Mesotherapy—meaning the substance isn’t regulated or tested.
“While mesotherapy may be legal in some other countries, the absence of US regulatory oversight means patients could be exposed to counterfeit or unverified products,” explained Dr Kazlouskaya.
Meanwhile Dr Tripathi, a plastic surgeon based in California, said that inexperienced practitioners could cause more harm than good where Mesotherapy is concerned.
“Inexperience can be a problem that creates unsightly results,” he told the Daily Mail.
“If someone wants a solution for their under eyes, the treatment has to be tailored based on their particular anatomy. Not all eyebags are created equal.”
What other ways can you relieve dark circles and eye bags?
Dr Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist based in New York, recommends you understand the risks of Mesotherapy before heading in for treatment at your local clinic.
“As a dermatologist, I always emphasize the importance of a tailored approach to addressing dark circles, starting with identifying the underlying cause and exploring evidence-based options that provide safe and predictable results,” she told the publication.
If you decide not to go ahead with the non-surgical treatment then there are a few ways you can get rid of dark circles.
The Cleveland Clinic writes that getting more sleep, elevating your head at night and laying cucumber slices on your eyes are all methods that can help.
Meanwhile, those with eye bags are advised by the Mayo Clinic to cut down on fluids before bedtime and use a cool compress.
Ella Scott