© Freepik
July 9, 2025
Hanja Niederhammer
Mesotherapy can visibly reduce dark circles. Learn all about the procedure, active ingredients, side effects, and costs of the method.
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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.
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").
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mesotherapy against dark circles and fine lines is particularly suitable for gentle yet effective revitalization around the eyes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mesotherapy is generally well tolerated, but there are situations in which it is not recommended:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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