“Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin, as well as remove excess fat,” Healthline reports of the microneedling procedure. “The idea behind mesotherapy is that it corrects underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage.”

The injections often leave tiny bumps, like raised welts, scattered beneath the skin. This can create a honeycomb effect – a lumpy, swollen look that some have compared to the texture of reptile skin. And while the swelling is usually temporary, it’s just the beginning of what can go wrong.

Social media hype

Beauty influencers have flooded social media with videos showing “instant” results, claiming mesotherapy is a safer, more affordable alternative