Needle-free mesotherapy is a calm facial in which serums chosen for your skin are worked in from the surface with the help of a skincare device. With regular sessions, it helps your skin look more hydrated, fresher and more rested. The “needle-free” part of the name matters: no needles are used, the skin is not pierced and nothing is injected.
At our salon, we offer needle-free mesotherapy as part of our skin renewal sessions. Below we explain how it works, what happens in a session from start to finish, how it may feel, and what to keep in mind beforehand and afterwards.
How does needle-free mesotherapy work?
In needle-free mesotherapy, the serum is not simply smoothed on by hand and left to sit; a skincare device helps to work it in. Once the serum is on, the device head glides slowly over your skin. It touches only the surface, and the skin is not pierced.
In a classic facial, the serum is usually applied by hand or massaged in. Here, the device helps with that same step. So you can think of needle-free mesotherapy as a session that focuses on the serum step of a facial.
Choosing the serum is the most important part. Depending on what your skin needs that day, we pick a serum focused on skin tone, hydration or radiance. We choose at the start of the session, after looking at your skin, and tell you why we picked it.
What happens during a session?
A session usually takes about an hour; the time can vary a little depending on the steps involved and what your skin needs. It is calm and unhurried, and we explain what we are doing at each step.
1. A short chat
At your first session, we start by talking. We ask whether anything about your skin is bothering you, which skincare products you use regularly and what you are hoping for from the session. This chat is also the first step in working out whether the facial is right for you.
2. Cleansing and preparation
We remove your make-up, then gently cleanse your skin and prepare it with toner. You are welcome to arrive wearing make-up; we do the cleansing at the start of the session.
3. Gentle renewal
We prepare the surface of your skin with a soft step that suits your skin type. We decide which step is right after looking at your skin.
4. Choosing the serum
We choose a serum to suit the condition of your skin. For skin that feels dry and tight, that may be a serum focused on hydration; for skin that looks tired and dull, one focused on radiance. The choice varies from person to person, and even from one session to the next for the same person.
5. Working the serum in with the device
We apply the serum to your face and neck. The device head then glides over your skin in slow movements to help work the serum in. This is the main step of the session, but it is neither long nor tiring.
6. Finishing
We finish with a soothing mask or other calming care. The last step is sunscreen. You can go straight back to your day afterwards; there is no need to rest.
What does needle-free mesotherapy feel like?
Some people feel a light tingling while the device is working; it is not expected to hurt. The device head moving over your skin feels like a soft touch.
How strongly you feel it can vary from person to person, so we ask how you are feeling throughout the session. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, we pause and adjust the session for you.
Sensitive skin may look slightly pink afterwards. This usually fades quickly. If it does not, or if you notice anything that feels unusual, please message us.
This time can be a quiet break for yourself in the middle of a busy day. Afterwards, your skin may feel fresh and soft.
Who is needle-free mesotherapy for, and who should check with us first?
Needle-free mesotherapy is designed for people whose skin looks dull, tired or dehydrated, who want to add a step to their regular skincare, or who would like to give their skin a rest before a special occasion.
Please message us before your appointment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (during this time we suggest a simpler facial instead of device-assisted care), or if you have a pacemaker or any other electronic device in your body, epilepsy, or open wounds, an active cold sore or irritation on your skin. Where needed, we will suggest that you check with your doctor. For a spot that is new, growing or changing in colour or shape, please see a dermatologist first. Our post on who needle-free mesotherapy is suitable for explains in detail when we need to talk first.
How do you prepare, and what should you do afterwards?
You do not need to do much to prepare. A few small steps help the session go smoothly.
Before your session:
- Take a break from retinol and products with a high acid content for the last few days before your session.
- Let us know before your appointment which skincare products you use regularly.
- Avoid strong sun and sunbeds in the days before your session.
- It is best not to have facial waxing or any other intensive service on your face in the run-up to your session.
After your session:
- On the day, wash your face gently with lukewarm water, and avoid rubbing your skin for the first 24 hours.
- That day, avoid the hammam, saunas, steam rooms, very hot places and intense exercise.
- Avoid facial waxing or other hair removal on the face for a few days.
- Wear sunscreen every day, in winter too; spots can look more visible with sun exposure.
At the end of the session, we also give you some brief advice on caring for your skin at home. Simple steps at home help support the care you have had in the salon; we cover them in more detail in our post on combining salon care and home care.
How many sessions do you need, and when will you notice a difference?
We do not plan needle-free mesotherapy the same way for everyone: each programme follows a personalised protocol, so the number of sessions and how often you come may differ for you. A programme of regular sessions a few weeks apart is usually suggested; once the programme is complete, you can continue at longer intervals.
Straight after a session, your skin may feel fresh and soft. What regular sessions aim for is skin that looks more hydrated, fresher and more rested. When you notice that change depends on your skin type, the season and how regular your sessions are, and we talk through what you can expect at your first consultation. After the first session, we look together at how your skin responded and plan the next steps from there.
Frequently asked questions
Does needle-free mesotherapy hurt?
No, it is not expected to hurt, though you may feel a light tingling. We ask how you are feeling throughout the session and adjust it for you if needed.
Can I wear make-up after a session?
It depends on how your skin looks at the end of the session. In general, it is best to let your skin rest that day; before you leave, we give you some brief advice on make-up and skincare products.
How long does a session take?
Usually about an hour. The time can vary a little depending on the steps involved and what your skin needs. You can go straight back to your day afterwards.
How is needle-free mesotherapy different from a classic facial?
In a classic facial, the serum is applied by hand or massaged in. In needle-free mesotherapy, a device helps with that step. You do not have to choose between the two; the serum session can also be planned as one step of a facial.
In short: a calm facial planned around you
Needle-free mesotherapy is a calm facial in which a serum chosen for your skin is worked in with the help of a device. At our salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, your sessions are carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who get to know your skin, explain each step and look after your comfort throughout.
You can read more about the session on our Skin Renewal page. If you have any questions, or would like to find a time that suits you, message us. You will find the salon’s address on our contact page.
