Face mesotherapy delivers the hydrating and nourishing components the skin needs into the near surface layer of the facial skin, in small doses and across many points. Depending on skin type, the blend can contain hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Creams and serums work on the outermost layer of the skin, whereas here the blend reaches the targeted layer directly. At his clinic in Nişantaşı, İstanbul, Dr. Levent Ünal plans the treatment according to what the examination shows.
What face mesotherapy addresses
The skin holds less water as the years pass. The surface starts to look duller, make up no longer sits well, superficial dryness lines become more visible and the skin takes longer to recover. A demanding work schedule, poor sleep, smoking, sun and seasonal changes can all speed this up. Face mesotherapy aims to support the skin from within at that point and to contribute to its moisture balance and tissue quality. It is not a volumising treatment and it has nothing to do with muscle movement; its job is skin quality.
Which areas and situations it covers
- Cheeks and cheekbone area: dullness, a flat look and moisture loss.
- Forehead and temples: superficial dryness lines.
- Around the mouth: fine lining and a lacklustre appearance.
- Chin and lower face: the general vitality of the skin texture.
- Skin that looks tired during seasonal changes or particularly draining periods.
The face is often planned together with the neck and decolletage, because these three areas do not age independently of one another. Which areas to include is decided together during the visit.
Who it suits
It is considered for people who notice dullness, dryness or a loss of vitality in the skin and who are looking for tissue support rather than a visible change in volume. It can also be considered earlier on as a preventive approach. Realistic expectations matter, because they shape how the plan is built.
Situations that need closer assessment include pregnancy and breastfeeding, an active acne infection, eczema, cold sores or any other skin infection in the treatment area, a bleeding disorder or the use of blood thinning medication, a known allergy to the blend, and poorly controlled systemic conditions. Suitability is decided by a medical assessment.
How a session goes
- Examination: skin type, hydration, the products in use and the medical history are reviewed, and expectations are discussed.
- Preparation: make up is fully removed, the skin is cleansed with a suitable solution and, if needed, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied and left to work.
- Choosing the blend: the content is decided according to what the skin needs that day.
- Application: the blend is distributed superficially with fine needles across many points.
- Review: the area is cooled, aftercare is explained and the timing of the next session is planned.
The treatment is carried out in an outpatient setting and is usually short. Most people go back to their normal day the same day.
Onset and duration of the effect
The effect does not appear after a single session; it builds gradually as the course progresses. A series repeated at set intervals is therefore usually advised, after which sessions can continue less frequently. How long the appearance lasts depends on skin type, age, sun protection, smoking and daily skincare habits. Results vary from person to person, and no outcome can be promised in advance.
Aftercare and what to watch for
- Avoid heavy make up on the first day, especially foundation and concealer.
- Postpone sauna, steam rooms, sunbeds and very hot environments for a few days.
- Do not rub the area, and avoid harsh exfoliation or cleansing brushes.
- Be careful with sun protection.
- Drink plenty of water and keep moisturising the skin.
Small raised points, mild redness or occasionally small bruises can appear after the treatment. These generally settle in a short time. If anything unexpected develops, it is best to contact the clinic.
Points that are often confused
Face mesotherapy and filler are not the same treatment. Filler adds volume to a specific area, while mesotherapy supports the overall texture of the skin. It is also confused with botulinum toxin, which addresses lines caused by muscle movement; mesotherapy has no such effect.
Another misconception is expecting one session to be enough. The treatment is planned as a course. Mesotherapy also does not replace daily care: sun protection, suitable cleansing and a regular moisturising habit remain an inseparable part of the process.