Doctors warn against cosmetic trend that leaves you looking like a reptile – revealing risk of permanent eye damage
DOCTORS are warning against a dangerous method for getting rid of dark under eye circles.
Mesotherapy involves a liquid concoction made of vitamins, minerals, hormones and enzymes injected under the eyes, leaving patients looking with a reptile-like pattern on the skin.
It purports to fill in wrinkles and decrease fat to leave under eyes looking smoother.
The cosmetic procedure has been around for decades but has made a sudden comeback, with clips shared on social media by multiple influencers.
Those reported to have had some form of the procedure include Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Mesotherapy can be used anywhere on the body but is most popular on the face, hands and stomach.
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However, it temporarily results in raised bumps under the skin resembling honeycomb - though others have described it as reptilian.
Experts say the procedure, despite the marketing, comes with more serious long-term risks.
Dr Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a New York-based dermatologist told the : "The risks of under-eye mesotherapy go beyond minor side effects, especially when people go to inexperienced technicians or do this at home.
"Patients may experience long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin necrosis due to product placement in blood vessels, or even permanent eye damage."
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Unlike botox, the substances used for mesotherapy are unregulated, meaning each practitioner will create their own unique mixtures.
Dr Kazlouskaya added: "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."
Some mixtures include prescription meds like antibiotics or drugs that relax blood vessels, reports .
The fluid blends are reportedly available online for as little as £35 - though in the UK the cost for the procedure itself is usually between £200 and £700.
And the method requires little training to administer it - with inexperience leading to unsightly results.
This can include the development of small collection of blood cells and tissue under the eyes called granulomas - which could lead to infection and long term damage.
The cost of mesotherapy in the UK is between £200 and £700.
Dr Hannah Kopelam, a dermatologist, emphasised the "importance of a tailored approach" when looking to remove dark eye circles.
"Starting with identifying the underlying cause and exploring evidence-based options that provide safe and predictable results," she explained.
What is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy treatments are non-surgical and involve quick injections into the mesodermal layer of the skin.
The fluid put into the skin claims to help in a variety of ways depending on where it is injected.
The needles are tiny and are applied in several places in the affected area.
From reducing the appearance of cellulite, acne and even stretch marks, mesotherapy can be ideal for various issues, if done safely.
They can help by increasing circulation of blood flow to a specific area, stimulating the production of collagen, as well as addressing areas of damaged connective tissue.
The injections are a cocktail of vitamins, minerals and pharmaceuticals - however, these are not regulated.
It can be completed within an hour and you do not need recovery time afterwards, hence why it is a popular choice.
Side effects
People who undergo mesotherapy may also experience these side effects:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Sensitivity
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Bruising
- Bumps at the injection site
- Dark patches of skin
- Rash
- Infection
- Scarring