What are the main benefits and side effects of hyaluronic acid injections (mesotherapy)?

Generally, hyaluronic acid-based nutrient agents are precisely injected into the dermis to stimulate collagen production. The usual reference price for a hyaluronic acid injection (mesotherapy) ranges from 1000 to 3000 yuan per session, with visible improvements typically seen within 3 to 7 days. The primary benefits of mesotherapy include hydration, improved skin tone, minimized pores, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced skin elasticity. Side effects may include redness and swelling, discomfort or pain, bruising, risk of infection, and allergic reactions. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Primary Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapy

1. Hydration

Mesotherapy directly delivers hydrating components such as hyaluronic acid into the dermis. Hyaluronic acid has a strong water-retaining capacity, helping the skin maintain adequate moisture, making the skin smooth and radiant while improving dryness.

2. Improved Skin Tone

Mesotherapy stimulates skin metabolism, promoting the elimination of melanin while nourishing the skin. This results in healthier, more radiant skin, brightening the complexion and achieving a naturally fair and luminous appearance.

3. Minimized Pores

Mesotherapy stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness, resulting in plumper skin that effectively minimizes pores and creates a smoother skin surface.

4. Reduced Wrinkles

The nutrients delivered by mesotherapy and the stimulated collagen can fill in fine lines and wrinkles, increasing skin volume and elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and giving the skin a tighter, more youthful appearance.

5. Enhanced Skin Elasticity

The nutrients injected during mesotherapy activate skin cell activity, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts, increasing the content of elastic fibers and collagen in the skin, enhancing skin elasticity, and improving skin firmness.

II. Side Effects of Mesotherapy

1. Skin Redness and Swelling

Due to the micro-injuries caused by the injections, redness and swelling at the injection sites may occur, typically noticeable within the first 1-2 days and gradually subsiding afterward.

2. Discomfort or Pain

During the injection process, patients may experience a certain degree of pain due to needle penetration and medication irritation. There may also be mild stinging or discomfort after the injection, which usually subsides within a few hours to a day.

3. Bruising

The injection may damage capillaries under the skin, causing blood leakage and resulting in bruising, which generally takes 3-7 days to fade gradually.

4. Risk of Infection

If aseptic techniques are not strictly followed during the injection or if post-treatment care is inadequate, the skin wounds may become infected by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms, leading to symptoms such as increased local redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Severe cases may result in inflammation.

5. Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be allergic to ingredients in the mesotherapy solution, such as hyaluronic acid or lidocaine, presenting symptoms such as skin itching, redness, hives, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock.

After undergoing mesotherapy treatment, it is essential to follow the doctor's post-care instructions strictly. Particularly, sun protection is crucial; sunscreen should be applied when going outdoors, and wearing a hat or using an umbrella is recommended to avoid direct UV exposure to the skin, preventing issues such as pigmentation.