Is Mesotherapy FDA Approved?

Mesotherapy in the U.S. is most often promoted for cellulite treatment or fat reduction, but it is quite controversial. It is not FDA-approved, but legal because the ingredients are, though for completely different and unrelated procedures.

There are some studies ongoing, but the most recent published data has not provided any reason to think that it is safe and effective.

Mesotherapy arrived to United States in the 1990's and since than it has been questioned as far as its safety and effectiveness. Since the arrival it has also been seeking the FDA approval. The Food and Drug Administration has approved many commonly used drugs used in mesotherapy like Aminophylline, Yohimbine, Procaine, Lidocaine, L-Carnitine, but not for the use as a liquid solution for the injections directly into the skin. There are some compounds used by the mesotherapy practitioners that do not have the FDA approval like vitamins, minerals, biotin. There are not considered drug or foods. So far there are no new updates on the subject from FDA.

Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons worry about Mesotherapy because they do not understand the outcomes of the treatment.
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure which employs a series of multiple injections of pharmaceutical and homeopathic chemical agents into the selective areas of fat, inducing fat cells to rupture and cause 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 I am reluctant to use it until I know I can expect a consistent positive outcome. Therefore, I must recommend that you be extremely cautious. If you remain insistent on Mesotherapy, you should seek treatment by physicians who are properly trained and certified by The American Board of Aesthetic Mesotherapy.
Mesotherapy is not FDA approved. The FDA cannot control the use of practitioners performing Mesotherapy because this practice falls under the jurisdiction of state medical boards. Therefore, check with your state medical boards to see if Mesotherapy treatments are permitted.
Thank you for your question, and I hope this helps.