Mesotherapy for Dark Circles: Effect, Procedure & Costs

Instead of short-term filler effects, Mesotherapy promotes long-term regeneration: With ultra-fine needles, individually tailored, natural active ingredient cocktails are injected precisely into the thin skin under the lower eyelid. This effectively treats fine lines, dry wrinkles, dark circles, and early drooping eyelids with minimal downtime and high tolerance.

Learn how mesotherapy works under the eyes , what you should pay attention to in preparation and what costs you should expect - so that you’re well prepared for the consultation.

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a gentle, minimally invasive injection technique in which tiny cocktails of active ingredients are precisely injected into the middle layer of the skin. Typical ingredients include vitamins, peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid - individually composed according to indication and skin type.

The origin and name go back to the French doctor Michel Pistor, who first developed the technique in 1952 for local pain relief. In 1958, the French trade press coined the term "Mesotherapy" from the Greek mesos ("middle") and therapeia ("treatment").

Core active ingredients of mesotherapy 

In mesotherapy, predominantly natural active ingredients are used, which are generally very well tolerated. The composition of the cocktail follows a proven modular principle and is based on international recommendations as well as the manufacturer's specifications of the individual preparations.

Many Dermatologists and aesthetics specialists use pre-made kits or ready-to-use ampoules containing already matched mixtures of the following ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Amino acids

Flexible active ingredient profile

At the same time, there is room for individual adjustments: Depending on the condition of the skin, age, and desired treatment outcome, polynucleotides or special peptides can be added, or the concentrations of individual components can be finely adjusted.

Expert tip: Ask exactly which active ingredients are used before the treatment, why they were chosen, and whether the mixing ratio can be finely adjusted to your individual needs.

Polynucleotides in mesotherapy - how useful is the active ingredient for dark circles?

In mesotherapy, polynucleotides are considered true "skin boosters," especially in the sensitive eye area: Tiny fragments of DNA and RNA are injected precisely to stimulate the fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin, and at the same time improve microcirculation.

The active ingredient is not used in isolation, but as a targeted addition to established cocktails. This combination offers three main advantages:

• Depot effect for longer effectiveness
  Polynucleotides form a fine polymer network in the tissue that stores and continuously releases active substances. This keeps stimulating signals for fibroblasts active significantly longer than with purely hyaluronic-based injections.
• Regenerative signaling
  The DNA/RNA fragments not only act as fillers but also activate growth factors (e.g., A2A adenosine receptors) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This reduces free radicals and diminishes dark circles-specific shadows.
• Synergy with micronutrients
  In a moist, protective microclimate, polynucleotides increase the absorption and efficiency of vitamins and peptides.

Studies on polynucleotide mesotherapy

Studies show: After just three sessions, the dermis density in the eye area increases significantly—more sustainably than with many pure hyaluronic or vitamin injections. For a long-lasting radiant look.

What does mesotherapy do for dark circles?

Mesotherapy provides the thin skin under the eyes with highly concentrated nutrient cocktails that specifically provide moisture, stimulate microcirculation, and stimulate collagen collagenand elastin production. The result is a gradual improvement in elasticity, hydration, and skin structure – with significantly reduced shadows and wrinkles.

Mechanisms of action of mesotherapy components

• Hyaluronic acid
  As a true moisture magnet, hyaluronic acid can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. Under the eyes, it fills tiny cavities in the tissue, plumping dry lines from within and ensuring the skin appears plumper and more supple.
• Vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, B-complex)
  Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and simultaneously protects against free radicals, while B-vitamins accelerate cell division and renewal. Together they strengthen the microcirculation under the skin, so that nutrients and oxygen can better reach tired eyes.
• Minerals (e.g. silicon, zinc)
  Silicon is a building block for collagen fibers, zinc acts as a cofactor of numerous enzymes in cell metabolism. In mesotherapy for dark circles, both minerals support cell division, stimulate the formation of healthy skin cells and thus increase the dermis density - for a smoother, more radiant look.
• Amino acids (e.g. proline, glycine)
  Proline and glycine are essential components of collagen and elastin, the "scaffolding proteins" that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. By directly supplying these amino acids, the skin under the eyes receives exactly the raw material it needs for natural tightening and regeneration.

How does mesotherapy work for dark circles in comparison to fillers?

Unlike volume fillers, which immediately build up visible volume through injections of endogenous or synthetic substances, mesotherapy for dark circles aims at the regeneration and revitalization of the tissue.

© PMC

Tip: Mesotherapy can complement classic filler applications for slight skin sagging and dark circles, and with its regenerative effect, it creates an especially natural refreshment of the look.

When is a mesotherapeutic treatment sensible?

Mesotherapy against dark circles and fine lines is particularly suitable for gentle yet effective revitalization around the eyes:

• Fine lines & dry wrinkles
  When there is visible loss of elasticity, the classic eye wrinkles, mesotherapy shows its strengths. Polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid stimulate collagen and elastin production and thereby replenish reduced moisture deposits under the eyes from within.
• Dark circles without swelling
  In the case of so-called stress or pigment rings, which mainly arise from thin skin and poor microcirculation, mesotherapy against dark circles can increase the density of the dermis and better scatter light within the tissue. The result: an alert, radiant look.
• Preventive use for initial wrinkles
  As soon as the first crow's feet appear, targeted mesotherapy against eye wrinkles is worthwhile. The early stimulation of skin cells helps slow down the aging process and prevents deeper wrinkles.

Before-After: What mesotherapy can achieve with dark circles

When assessing the success of mesotherapy for dark circles, a gradual but clearly visible effect is usually noticeable: after the second to third session, fine lines and dry wrinkles noticeably decrease, the skin appears smoother and plumper.

Dark shadows under the eyes also soften, as long as they are not caused by pronounced fat or tissue protrusions – here, however, volume fillers or surgical procedures are more likely to be used.

Procedure of Mesotherapy Treatment

1. Preparation and Consultation

In the preliminary discussion, you clarify expectations, contraindications, and pre-existing conditions. Then the doctor adjusts the active ingredient cocktail to your skin type. Before the injection, the eye area is cleaned and, if necessary, prepared with a numbing cream.

2. Procedure of the Session

The treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes. With ultra-fine needles (manually or with a "Mesogun"), the lower eyelid skin receives several small injections. A slight tingling sensation is normal, Pain hardly noticeable. Afterwards, the practice team briefly cools to alleviate redness.

3. Aftercare and Behavior Afterwards

Slight redness or swelling usually subsides within a day. Avoid direct sunlight, Sauna and heavy makeup. Use gentle moisturizers and Sunscreen (SPF 30+). For lasting results, 3 to 4 sessions at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks are recommended.

Experiences with mesotherapy against dark circles

Users report an immediate freshness boost after the first session – the treatment feels gentle and usually only causes mild redness. After just 2 to 3 treatments, fine lines smooth out, and the skin under the eyes appears significantly plumper and more even.

These subjective impressions are confirmed by a current pilot study: The injections combined with hyaluronic acid in the lower eyelid area proved to be safe and almost painless. Initial improvements in the skin structure were already evident during the course of treatment.

Risks and side effects: What do I need to know?

Mesotherapy in the eye area has a good safety profile since active ingredients are only applied locally to the skin. Side effects are usually limited to temporary redness, swelling, or small bruises (ecchymoses).

Rare complications such as granulomatous reactions, infections or allergic skin reactions are mainly due to improper application or lack of hygiene. Therefore, you should rely on experienced specialists, conduct a detailed consultation in advance, and leave no questions unanswered.

Who is mesotherapy for dark circles under the eyes not suitable for?

Mesotherapy is generally well tolerated, but there are situations in which it is not recommended:

• Acute skin infections or inflammations
  For example, if there is a herpes simplex outbreak or eczema in the eye area, any needle puncture can spread pathogens and worsen the inflammation.
• Autoimmune diseases under systemic therapy
  In diseases such as lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis treated with immunomodulators, targeted activation of fibroblasts could promote unwanted immune reactions.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  For many novel drug components (e.g., polynucleotides), there are no reliable studies available. Therefore, during these life phases, experts recommend proven, well-studied alternatives.
• Known intolerances
  Allergies or intolerances to components of the cocktail, such as gel carriers or residues from the purification process, exclude treatment.

A detailed preliminary discussion with your doctor is essential to discuss skin condition, comorbidities, and individual risks. This ensures that mesotherapy for dark circles is the right choice for you.

Questions about the results & costs of eye mesotherapy at a glance

How many sessions are necessary?

For a visible result, experts usually recommend 3 to 4 sessions at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the initial situation and treatment goal, the number of treatments can easily shift up or down - your doctor will determine the optimal rhythm in the consultation.

When will changes be visible?

Initial effects such as smoother skin and a finer complexion are often noticeable after the second treatment. Complete results are usually visible after about four to six weeks, as the skin needs time to rebuild collagen and elastin.

How long does the result last?

With careful aftercare, such as moisturizing care and consistent sun protection, the effects can last for several months. A refresh every 6 to 9 months helps to stabilize the result permanently.

What does mesotherapy cost for dark circles under the eyes?

There is no uniform price for mesotherapy for dark circles - it varies depending on the treatment location and the active ingredients used. Generally, it ranges between 200 and 350 euros per session. Often, the equipment (manual injection vs. mesogun) and the quality of the preparations are decisive for the price difference.