Medical direction: Dr. Mouza Al Suwaidi, Canadian Board-Certified Consultant Dermatologist, EDCC Abu Dhabi | Last updated: October 2026
Mesotherapy at a Glance
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a doctor injects very small amounts of vitamins, hyaluronic acid, amino acids or other active ingredients into the middle layer of the skin (the mesoderm). It is used to hydrate and refresh the skin, support thinning hair, and, less commonly, treat small areas of stubborn fat. Most people need a course of sessions, not a single visit. Results vary from person to person, and the treatment should always be done by a licensed doctor or qualified medical professional.
If you are searching for mesotherapy in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this guide covers what the treatment really does, what is backed by evidence, what it costs, and what to check before you book.
What Is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy began in France in the 1950s as a way to manage pain using tiny injections of medication close to the affected area. Over time, the idea moved into aesthetic medicine. Today, cosmetic mesotherapy delivers a customised “cocktail” directly into the skin instead of relying on creams that mostly stay on the surface.
A mesotherapy mix can include:
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin C) and antioxidants
- Amino acids and minerals
- Plant extracts or other active ingredients chosen by your doctor for your concern
Because the formula is customised, two clinics can offer very different “mesotherapy” treatments. This is why the doctor’s experience and the products used matter more than the name of the treatment.
How Does Mesotherapy Work?
The idea behind mesotherapy is simple. Small micro-injections place active ingredients where the skin or scalp needs them. The tiny injury from the needle also prompts the skin’s natural repair response. Depending on the formula, the goal is to improve hydration, texture, glow, and in the case of hair, the environment around the follicle.
Treatment can be given with fine needles, a microneedling pen, or a mesogun device. Your doctor will choose the method based on the area being treated.
Mesotherapy Benefits and Common Uses
Mesotherapy for the face
Facial mesotherapy (often sold as “mesoglow” or “skin booster” treatments) is the most popular use and the most searched one in the UAE. People usually choose it for:
- Dull, tired-looking skin from sun and dry climate
- Dehydrated skin and fine lines
- Uneven texture and a lack of glow
- Early signs of ageing, often from the early thirties onward
It is a skin-quality treatment. It does not lift sagging skin or replace surgery or fillers.
Mesotherapy under the eyes
Some clinics offer mesotherapy for the under-eye area to improve hydration and the look of fine lines and dullness. This skin is thin and delicate, so choose an experienced doctor and expect a conservative approach. It is not a fix for deep hollows or heavy puffiness.
Mesotherapy for hair
Hair mesotherapy places nutrients or medication-based mixes into the scalp to support thinning hair. A 2023 systematic review in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that several studies reported meaningful hair growth improvements, but also noted that treatment protocols are not standardised and that larger controlled trials are still needed. In plain terms: it may help some people, but it is not a guaranteed cure for hair loss, and it works best as part of a plan made after a proper diagnosis.
Mesotherapy for body and fat
Lipolytic mesotherapy aims to reduce small pockets of fat or improve the look of cellulite. Evidence here is weaker than for skin treatments, and it should not be seen as a weight-loss method. Ask your doctor for honest expectations.
Mesotherapy Before and After: What Results Are Realistic?
People often search for “mesotherapy before and after” photos, and it is good to look at them with a careful eye. Here is what to expect:
- Early results: skin often looks fresher and more hydrated within days to a couple of weeks, with the best effect appearing after several sessions.
- Gradual change: texture and glow tend to improve over a course of treatments rather than overnight.
- Limits: mesotherapy does not remove deep wrinkles, lift jowls or change facial shape.
When reviewing photos, check that they come from the clinic itself, use the same lighting and angle, and are not heavily filtered. A research review of facial mesotherapy noted that many of the reported effects are subjective and hard to measure objectively, so honest clinics will talk about “improvement”, not “guarantees”.
Mesotherapy vs PRP vs Microneedling vs Botox vs Exosomes
These treatments are often mixed up. They solve different problems.
Treatment | What it does | Best for | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Mesotherapy | Injects vitamins, hyaluronic acid and other actives into the skin | Hydration, glow, fine texture, some hair support | Formula is customised and not made from your own blood |
PRP | Uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood | Skin renewal, hair thinning | Uses your own growth factors, so it needs a blood draw |
Microneedling | Creates tiny controlled channels in the skin | Scars, pores, texture | Works by stimulating repair; can be combined with mesotherapy |
Botox | Relaxes specific muscles | Expression lines (forehead, frown, crow’s feet) | Treats muscle movement, not skin hydration |
Exosomes | Uses signalling particles to support skin repair | Skin renewal and recovery | Newer treatment with less long-term data |
Which is better? There is no single winner. Mesotherapy is not a substitute for Botox because they do different jobs. Many people combine treatments, such as microneedling with mesotherapy or PRP with mesotherapy, but this should be planned by a doctor. A consultation will help you decide.
What Happens During a Mesotherapy Session?
- Consultation: your doctor reviews your skin or hair, medical history, allergies and goals.
- Preparation: the area is cleansed, and a numbing cream may be applied.
- Treatment: the mixture is delivered with very fine needles, a pen or a device. A session usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
- After the session: mild redness, small bumps or slight bruising are common and usually settle in a few days.
How Many Sessions Do You Need, and How Long Do Results Last?
Clinics commonly recommend a course of about 3 to 10 sessions, spaced one to four weeks apart, followed by occasional maintenance sessions. The exact plan depends on your concern, your starting point and the products used. Results are not permanent, which is why maintenance is part of most plans. Your doctor should explain the full plan and expected timeline before you start, not after you pay for a package.
Mesotherapy Cost in Abu Dhabi
Mesotherapy treatments are typically offered as individual sessions or in customized packages. The recommended treatment plan depends on several factors, including the area being treated, the type of mesotherapy, the number of sessions required, and your individual skin or hair concerns. Your final cost depends on:
- The area treated (face, under eyes, scalp or body)
- The products and formula used
- The number of sessions in your plan
- The experience of the doctor and the location of the clinic
- Whether you add microneedling, PRP or other treatments
Be careful with very low prices. Ask exactly which product is being used, how many sessions are included, and who will perform the treatment.
At EDCC, the cost depends on your concern, the area treated and the plan your doctor recommends. Contact EDCC for a personalised quotation after your consultation.
Is Mesotherapy Safe? Side Effects and Risks
When it is done by a trained professional with approved products in a clean medical setting, mesotherapy is generally well tolerated. But it is not risk-free, and it deserves honest explanation.
Common, short-lived effects:
- Redness, swelling and tenderness
- Small bumps at injection points
- Bruising
- Itching
Less common but more serious reactions reported in medical literature include allergic reactions, skin infections, ulceration, scarring and, rarely, severe complications. A 2019 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explained that a lack of standardisation in products and techniques is one reason complications occur, and called for larger studies to better define the safety profile. Case reports also link problems to unknown substances used in poorly regulated settings, which is why knowing exactly what is injected matters.
Who should usually avoid or delay mesotherapy (always confirm with your doctor):
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- People with known allergies to ingredients in the mixture
- People on blood-thinning medication or with bleeding disorders
- Anyone with a condition that affects healing or the immune system
How to Choose a Safe Mesotherapy Clinic in the UAE
- Check the licence. The clinic should be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai or the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi, and the practitioner should be a licensed professional.
- Ask who performs the injections. In the UAE, injectable procedures are meant to be done by qualified medical professionals, not general beauty staff.
- Ask what is in the mixture. You should be told the products, brands and purpose of each ingredient.
- Expect a consultation first. A good clinic will assess you before recommending a plan, and will tell you when mesotherapy is not the right option.
- Look for honest claims. Be cautious of promises such as “permanent results” or “guaranteed hair regrowth”.
- Review real results and reviews. Look at the clinic’s own photos and independent reviews.
Aftercare Tips
- Avoid heavy makeup for the first 24 hours, or as advised by your doctor
- Use sunscreen daily, which is especially important in the UAE
- Avoid saunas, intense workouts and hot showers for the first day or two
- Do not scratch or pick at injection points
- Keep skin well moisturised and follow the clinic’s instructions
- Contact your clinic if you notice strong pain, spreading redness, pus, fever or unusual swelling
Frequently Asked questions
FAQ
Mesotherapy is used mainly for skin hydration and rejuvenation, supporting thinning hair, and sometimes for treating small areas of fat or cellulite. Skin treatment has the strongest everyday use, while hair and body uses have more limited evidence.
It can improve hydration, glow and texture for many people when done properly, but results vary and the effects are often gradual. It does not replace sunscreen, a good skincare routine or other treatments for deeper concerns.
Results are temporary. Many clinics plan a course of several sessions followed by periodic maintenance. Your doctor can give a more personal timeline.
Usually a course of around 3 to 10 sessions, spaced one to four weeks apart, depending on the concern and the formula.
Neither is better in every case. Microneedling works mainly through skin stimulation and is useful for textureHow many sessions of mesotherapy are needed? and scars. Mesotherapy delivers specific ingredients into the skin. They are sometimes combined.
PRP uses growth factors from your own blood, while mesotherapy uses a prepared mixture. The right choice depends on your goal, skin or hair condition and your doctor’s advice.
They are different treatments. Botox relaxes muscles to soften expression lines, while mesotherapy improves skin quality. They do not replace each other.
You may need multiple sessions, results are not permanent, evidence is stronger for some uses than others, and side effects can occur, especially if untrained providers or unknown products are involved.
Most people describe mild discomfort or a pricking feeling. Numbing cream is often used to make it more comfortable.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection in the area, have relevant allergies, take blood thinners or have certain medical conditions should speak to a doctor first.
Mesotherapy treatments are typically offered as individual sessions or in customized packages. The recommended treatment plan depends on several factors, including the area being treated, the type of mesotherapy, the number of sessions required, and your individual skin or hair concerns.
Some studies show improvement in hair growth, but protocols are not standardised and more large trials are needed. A hair specialist should first identify the cause of your hair loss.
