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What Type of Needle Is Used in Mesotherapy?
Most of my clients who book a mesotherapy appointment are curious not about the treatment itself, but about the needle. “How thick is it?”, “How many times will it go in?”, “Will it hurt a lot?” This concern is very common, and it’s understandable; after all, we’re talking about a procedure performed on the face.
A mesotherapy needle is an injection needle—significantly thinner than a blood-drawing needle—designed to deposit a small amount of solution into the middle layer of the skin at a depth of a few millimeters. Its gauge, the depth to which it penetrates, and how many times it is used in a single session directly determine both patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
In this article, I’m describing the needle itself: its thickness, the depth of insertion, the number of points where it’s applied, and just how painful it actually is. What the method is What is mesotherapy? you can find in my article.
Highlights
- A mesotherapy needle is an injection needle that is significantly thinner than a blood-drawing needle and is used to deposit a small amount of solution into the middle layer of the skin.
- ISO 9626 iğne standardına göre 30G iğnenin dış çapı 0,30 mm, kan alma için kullanılan 21G iğnenin dış çapı 0,80 mm’dir; aradaki incelik farkı %60’ın üzerindedir.
- In facial treatments, the needle typically penetrates to a depth of between 1 and 4 millimeters; this range varies depending on the area.
- The procedure does not involve a single injection; the mixture is administered in small amounts at numerous small points spread across the treatment area.
- The sensation described is generally not pain, but rather a stinging or tingling feeling; using a topical anesthetic cream and allowing it to take effect reduces this sensation.
Why Is It Commonly Called a “Facial Vitamin Injection”?
Mesotherapy is often referred to in everyday conversation as “vitamin injections for the face.” This description is actually not incorrect: the cocktail used in the treatment contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid.
However, this is an incomplete definition. The effects of mesotherapy do not stem solely from the substances administered; the controlled micro-stimulation created by the needle on the skin also triggers collagen production. In other words, the needle is not merely a vehicle here—it is an integral part of the treatment.
What Does the Gauge of a Mesotherapy Needle Mean?
The needles used in mesotherapy are significantly thinner than those used for blood draws or vaccinations. The goal is to reach the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin; this depth is measured in millimeters.
İğne kalınlığı “gauge” (G) birimiyle yazılır ve sayı büyüdükçe iğne incelir. Yüz uygulamalarında en sık 30G ve 32G ölçüler tercih edilir. ISO 9626 iğne standardına göre 30G iğnenin dış çapı 0,30 mm, kan alma için kullanılan 21G iğnenin dış çapı ise 0,80 mm’dir; yani aradaki incelik farkı %60’ın üzerinde.
| Needle Size (Gauge) | Outer Diameter (ISO 9626) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 21G | 0.80 mm | Blood draw |
| 25G | 0.50 mm | Intramuscular injection |
| 30G | 0.30 mm | Face and Neck Mesotherapy |
| 32G | 0.23 mm | The eye area, sensitive areas |
This technique offers two benefits: the sensation of penetration is significantly reduced, and tissue trauma is minimized. The small red dots that appear after the procedure are marks left by the entry points and usually disappear within a few hours.
How Deep Does a Mesotherapy Needle Go?
The target is the dermis layer, located just beneath the epidermis. In facial treatments, the needle typically penetrates to a depth of between 1 and 4 millimeters; the thickness of the skin in that area determines this range. Since the skin around the eyes is much thinner, I work much more superficially there.
Depth is a setting that has more to do with results than with comfort. If the solution is injected too close to the surface, the bubble will persist for a long time; if it is injected too deeply, it will miss the target tissue. For this reason, the needle angle and injection depth are adjusted separately for each area.
How many locations is it applied to?
Mesotherapy is not a single injection. The cocktail is administered in small doses at numerous tiny points spread across the treatment area.
The number varies depending on the treatment area and the goal. In facial mesotherapy, the cheeks, forehead, and eye area are treated separately. How the procedure proceeds step by step How Is Mesotherapy Performed? I explained it in my article.
Does Mesotherapy Hurt? How Is the Sensation Described?
Honest answer: It wouldn't be accurate to say it's completely painless, but the sensation described is usually not “pain” but rather “a stinging and tingling sensation.”.
Sensitivity varies by area. Areas with a high concentration of nerve endings, such as the eye and lip areas, are more sensitive; the cheeks and forehead are generally tolerated more easily. A topical anesthetic cream applied before the procedure significantly reduces discomfort when the recommended waiting time is observed.
The most common mistake when using a cream is rushing. The product information for topical anesthetic creams specifies a waiting period of 30 to 60 minutes for effective numbing. If you start the application after waiting only ten minutes, you might think the cream isn’t working; however, it’s not the cream’s fault.
Where Did the Idea for Mesotherapy Needles Come From?
The history of this method is not as recent as one might think. According to Wikipedia’s entry on mesotherapy, the technique was described by French physician Michel Pistor in 1952, and the procedure began to be referred to as ’mesotherapy’ in 1958. For more details on the definition, Mesotherapy You can read it on the page.
Since that day, the thing that has changed the most is the needle itself. The ability to mass-produce thinner steel tubes has made the procedure—which follows the same principle—much less uncomfortable. The concept behind the method is seventy years old, but the needle we use is quite new.
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With a needle or without a needle?
If the idea of using a needle makes you uncomfortable, there are also methods that don’t require needles. In techniques such as electroporation, active ingredients are delivered by increasing the skin’s permeability.
When making a comparison, it’s important to set the right expectations: needle-free mesotherapy offers advantages in terms of comfort, but it does not provide the mechanical collagen stimulation that needles do. During your consultation, we’ll work together to determine which of the two methods best suits your goals.
What happens after the procedure?
Immediately after the procedure, slight redness and small blisters may appear on the skin. These blisters are caused by the injected fluid that has not yet been absorbed and usually subside within a few hours.
Some people may experience minor bruising; this is more common around the eyes due to the concentration of blood vessels in that area. These bruises will fade within a few days. For information on the scope of the facial treatment and the expected results, Facial Mesotherapy you can read my article.
Are the needles disposable?
Yes, and this is not a matter for debate. The needles used in mesotherapy are sterile, single-use, and specific to each patient. The World Health Organization’s guidelines on injection safety also require that single-use injection supplies be used on a single patient and for a single procedure.
It is your right to see the packaging opened in front of you before the procedure. The same applies to the ampoule or vial containing the solution used: mixtures that have been prepared in advance and left to stand are not recommended in terms of both sterility and efficacy.
What Can Be Done for People Who Are Afraid of Needles?
A fear of needles is common and nothing to be ashamed of. At my clinic, we structure the process a little differently for clients who share this concern.
Extending the waiting time for the anesthetic cream, breaking the application into shorter sessions, and starting with a smaller area during the first session can be helpful. For some clients, simply not seeing the procedure is enough; for others, having the steps explained one by one is reassuring. Letting me know which approach works best for you will make the procedure easier for both of us.
The Difference Between Mesotherapy Needles and Dermapen
Both create microchannels in the skin, but their purposes and mechanisms are different.
In mesotherapy, the needle acts as a carrier: it delivers the prepared cocktail to a specific depth. In micro-needling devices such as the Dermapen, however, the primary goal is mechanical stimulation; numerous fine needles rapidly penetrate and retract, triggering a collagen response, and the product is typically applied to the surface.
In practice, the two are not alternatives to one another; rather, they address different needs. Which one is appropriate depends on the specific skin issue.
When Can You Apply Makeup After the Procedure?
It is generally recommended to wait the first 12 hours for the entry points to close; most doctors recommend waiting until the next day.
Applying makeup too soon can cause the product to seep into micro-channels that haven’t yet closed, potentially leading to irritation. By the same token, you should avoid pools, the ocean, and saunas on the first day. These restrictions are short-term, and you can usually return to your normal routine the next day.
To Have a Relaxing Trading Day
I recommend scheduling your appointment for a day when it won’t be a problem if your face remains red for a few hours. If you have an event in the evening, it would be more comfortable to reschedule for another day rather than moving the appointment up.
Avoiding pain relievers with blood-thinning effects and alcohol before the procedure reduces the likelihood of bruising. Since it takes time for the anesthetic cream to take effect, it’s also helpful to arrive a little early for your appointment; a rushed procedure directly reduces comfort.
If you’re not comfortable with needles, be sure to mention this right away during your appointment; I’ll adjust the plan accordingly. I’ll determine exactly how many spots to treat, the intensity, and the depth after I examine your skin. At my office in Caddebostan Communication You can access it from the page; the scope of the app mesotherapy You can check it out on my services page.
Dr. Melis Ülger, Medical Aesthetics Specialist: At his practice in Caddebostan, he tailors mesotherapy treatments to each patient based on needle size, depth, and patient comfort.
This content has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Melis Ülger (Medical Aesthetics Specialist), who performs mesotherapy injections at her practice in Caddebostan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thin is a mesotherapy needle?
In facial treatments, 30G and 32G gauges are most commonly used; the outer diameter of a 30G needle is approximately 0.30 mm. Since a blood-drawing needle of the same gauge is 0.80 mm, the sensation upon insertion is much milder.
Can it be applied without anesthetic cream?
Application without cream is possible on more tolerant areas, such as the cheeks and forehead. However, I prefer to use cream around the eyes and lips, because the high concentration of nerves in those areas significantly heightens the sensation.
Which areas are more sensitive?
Areas with a high concentration of nerve endings, such as the area around the eyes and lips, are more sensitive. The cheeks and forehead are generally better tolerated.
What will happen to my face after the procedure?
Mild redness and small blisters may appear; the blisters are caused by the fluid that has not yet been absorbed and will subside within a few hours. Small bruises may appear, especially around the eyes; these will fade within a few days.
Is the same needle used for dermal fillers?
Although the techniques are similar, the purpose is different. In dermal fillers, the product is injected deeper and in a larger volume at a single point; in mesotherapy, however, very small amounts are administered at multiple points.
Does needle-free mesotherapy produce the same results?
It offers advantages in terms of comfort, but it does not provide the mechanical collagen stimulation that the needle does. It is important to set expectations with this difference in mind.
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Mesotherapy Treatment
You can have this procedure done at Dr. Melis Ülger’s office in Kadıköy Caddebostan.
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