Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Mesotherapy

Micro-injections of a tailored preparation into the skin, usually given as a course.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Mesotherapy delivers small amounts of a preparation into the superficial layers of the skin through multiple fine injections.

It is used for skin hydration, quality and, in some cases, hair and scalp treatment.

Sessions are short and a course is usual, commonly spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Before your procedure

Attend a consultation first.
Tell the team about all medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
Tell the team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Treatment is not offered.
Tell the team about allergies, including to any component of the preparation.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.
Come without make-up on the treatment area where possible.
For scalp treatment, arrive with clean, dry hair and no styling products.

What happens on the day

The area is assessed and cleaned.
Multiple fine injections are given across the treatment area. Each feels like a small scratch.
Redness and small bumps appear immediately and are expected.
The session is short and you can leave the same day.

Aftercare

Immediate appearance

Redness, small bumps and mild swelling are expected and usually settle within 12 to 24 hours.

Bruising

Pinpoint bruising is common and fades within a week.

Touching the area

Do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours.

Make-up

Avoid make-up for 24 hours.

Hair washing

After scalp treatment, avoid washing your hair for the period you are advised, commonly 12 to 24 hours.

Exercise

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

Heat and sun

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and direct sun for 48 hours.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.

Course

Attend the full course. Effect builds across sessions rather than after one.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
First 24 hours	Redness and bumps settle. Avoid make-up, exercise and alcohol.
Days 2 to 7	Pinpoint bruising fades.
Weeks 2 to 4	Next session in the course.
Weeks 6 to 12	Cumulative effect assessed at review.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Severe or increasing pain out of proportion to what you were told to expect
Rapidly spreading swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

Spreading redness, heat or pus at injection points
Swelling that worsens rather than settles after 48 hours
An itchy widespread rash suggesting an allergic reaction

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions will I need?

A course is usual, commonly 2 to 4 weeks apart. The number is agreed at consultation.

Does it hurt?

Each injection feels like a small scratch. The session is short and generally well tolerated.

When can I wash my hair after scalp treatment?

Usually after 12 to 24 hours. Follow the specific advice you are given.

When will I see results?

Gradually across the course rather than after a single session.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0