A decades-old cosmetic technique called mesotherapy is making a comeback — and doctors are worried.

Originally developed in France in 1952 to treat vascular and immune disorders, mesotherapy involves injecting a mix of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes prescription drugs under the skin. It’s now marketed for smoothing wrinkles, reducing fat, and removing under-eye bags.

The procedure is quick, cheap, and widely promoted on social media — but comes with visible side effects, including raised bumps that give skin a “honeycomb” or “reptilian” look.

Experts warn the dangers go far beyond appearance. According to dermatologists, untrained providers or DIY attempts can cause long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin death, or even permanent eye damage. The formulas used are unregulated in the U.S., often varying from clinic to clinic and sometimes containing counterfeit ingredients.

“The risks far outweigh the benefits,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, noting that mesotherapy isn’t FDA-approved for facial use and lacks standardized safety checks.

Safer alternatives depend on the cause of under-eye issues — from skincare products for pigmentation, to lasers for wrinkles, to surgery for fat migration.

Doctors agree: before chasing TikTok trends, find the root cause and stick to treatments proven to work.