Doctors warn against dangerous new cosmetic trend that leaves people looking like reptiles
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A decades-old beauty trend of injecting mysterious substances under the eyes is making a dangerous comeback. Called mesotherapy, it is a cosmetic procedure in which a technician uses small needles to inject a liquid mixture of vitamins and minerals under the skin to smooth and tighten wrinkles and decrease fat, all in an effort to banish under-eye bags.
![[Some people online say the procedure makes them look reptilian immediately after injections]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/13/20/93133153-14150457-image-a-13_1734122075722.jpg)
It's been around for decades in other countries, but has grown in popularity in recent years in the US. It can be performed anywhere there is skin, and is also popular on hands and the stomach. But before you'll see any potential benefits, the procedure leaves small raised bumps underneath the skin immediately after injection, giving it a honeycomb-like appearance before it settles. Some even say it makes people look 'reptilian' immediately after the injections.
![[Jennifer Aniston is widely praised for her youthful appearance, and has been open about getting peptide injections, which may be considered a form of mesotherapy, in her face. She's also shared she has gotten a salmon sperm facial and has a rigorous skin care routine]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/06/20/85648325-14150457-Jennifer_Aniston_still_looks_as_youthful_as_ever_with_her_stunni-a-11_1733518409647.jpg)
But this is a temporary side effect. Doctors say mesotherapy - which is billed as a painless procedure with little recovery time - comes with serious risks and may not have the desired effect. Dr Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a New York based dermatologist told DailyMail.com: '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.'. In addition, each practitioner has their own unique mixture of fluids that they use in mesotherapy, so patients don't know what they're getting in their dose, as the substance isn't regulated or tested like Botox.
