Mesotherapy in Geneva : a supervised technique
Absolute contraindications to mesotherapy
Certain medical conditions systematically exclude mesotherapy because of the risk of complications or interactions with injected products.
- Known allergies to any injected component (hyaluronic acid, vitamins, preservatives, anaesthetics…) : a detailed medical history is essential before the first session.
- Local skin infections (abscess, impetigo, active herpes) : injecting infected skin significantly increases the risk of bacterial or viral spread to surrounding tissues.
- Acute febrile conditions, such as influenza or an ongoing infection.
- Taking anticoagulants at therapeutic doses : this increases the risk of bleeding or extensive bruising after injection.
- Progressive or unstabilised autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, scleroderma or certain forms of polyarthritis : because of the risk of an unpredictable inflammatory reaction.
- Severe immune disorders, particularly in immunocompromised patients, for whom any breach of the skin may provide an entry point for infection.
In these cases, the doctor may suggest alternatives or postpone treatment until the medical situation stabilises.
Relative contraindications to mesotherapy
Certain situations are not formally prohibited but require a rigorous assessment of benefits and risks and adaptation of the protocol.
- Very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin : mesotherapy can be performed, but with carefully selected ingredients, superficial injections and appropriately spaced sessions.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients : under the precautionary principle, mesotherapy is generally not recommended during pregnancy, although no study has formally proven a danger. During breastfeeding, individual discussion may be considered. Dr Romano does not perform mesotherapy sessions in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Ongoing oral retinoid or isotretinoin treatment : these medicines can weaken the skin and interfere with healing. It is therefore preferable to postpone mesotherapy until a few months after treatment ends.
- A history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring : caution is required, particularly on the body or areas prone to tension on scars.
- Recent aggressive aesthetic treatments (deep peel, ablative laser) : the skin must have fully recovered before any further injection-based stimulation.
The doctor adjusts the formulation, technique and session frequency according to the patient's condition.
Drug interactions and mesotherapy
Certain medicines can interfere with the course of or recovery after a mesotherapy session.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines (aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin…) promote post-injection bruising. As a preventive measure, they must be reported to the doctor, even when used at low doses.
- Long-term oral corticosteroids may reduce the skin's response to treatment.
- Immunosuppressants, particularly after transplantation or during cancer treatments, expose patients to infection risk.
- Certain photosensitising antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, may make the skin more vulnerable to light after mesotherapy, especially when performed on the face.
A complete analysis of ongoing treatments is therefore essential before any session. The doctor then decides whether treatment is feasible and when to schedule it.
Specific cases : scalp, facial or body mesotherapy
Each anatomical area has its own characteristics, and certain contraindications may depend on the treated area.
For hair mesotherapy, sessions are avoided in cases of an infected scalp, active seborrhoeic dermatitis or a psoriasis flare.
For facial mesotherapy, significant cold sores or an acute inflammatory episode are reasons to postpone treatment.
For body mesotherapy, any unhealed skin lesion or one undergoing treatment is a temporary contraindication.
The protocol is systematically adapted according to the patient's phototype, local vascularisation and the sensitivity of the treated tissues.
Mesotherapy and psychological profile
In aesthetic medicine, mental health and the patient's motivations are an integral part of care.
Mesotherapy's naturally gradual, subtle results do not suit patients seeking immediate or dramatic transformations.
Anxious patients, those with chronic dissatisfaction or those expecting a "radical change" must therefore be supported cautiously. In some cases, it is preferable to postpone treatment or suggest a psychological consultation if the aesthetic request conceals underlying distress.
Conclusion : are there contraindications to mesotherapy ?
Mesotherapy is a safe, effective and customisable aesthetic treatment, provided it is performed within a strict medical framework.
In Geneva, patient safety relies above all on analysing contraindications, whether absolute or relative.
Through a thorough prior consultation, a complete medical history and full knowledge of the injected ingredients, the doctor adapts the protocol to each patient to ensure effectiveness, comfort and safety.
Far from an "automatic" treatment, mesotherapy is therefore a considered medical approach requiring listening, judgement and expertise. This rigour makes it, when properly performed, a treatment of choice for safely improving skin quality or slowing certain signs of ageing.
