The biggest complication of mesotherapy is not knowing enough about the treatments.

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD answers: Mesotherapy side effects - what to expect?

What sort of side effects are possible with mesotherapy?


Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
11 months ago

Numerous dermatologists and plastic surgeons are worried about mesotherapy because they do not understand the outcomes of the treatment. The biggest complication of the procedure is not knowing or fully understanding what is specifically being injected. Today, we simply do not know how effective and safe the mesotherapy injections are. Questions about the procedure that I have been frequently asked but unable to answer include: does the fat come back or is it dissolved permanently? What is the long term results of meostherapy injections?

Mesotherapy is a minimal invasive procedure which employs a series of multiple injections of various pharmaceutical and homeopathic chemical agents into the selective areas of fat. Mesotherapy injections target fat cells by inducing fat cells to rupture and/or causing cellular death. A patient may feel burning and irritation at the injection site and experience swelling at the time of the injections and immediately afterwards. The most common agents injected are Phosphatidylcholine/Sodium Deoxycholate.

Personally, I have been very interested in mesotherapy, but reluctant to use it until I know I can expect reasonable outcomes consistently. Until that is accomplished, I must recommend that you be extremely cautious. Please check into the credentials of the treating physician and his/her experience. You should seek treatment by physicians who are properly trained and certified by The American Board of Aesthetic Mesotherapy. Check with your state medical boards to see if mesotherapy treatments are allowed.

Thank you for your question, and I hope this helps.

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