Multifocal Scalp Abscesses with Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis and Scarring Alopecia as a Complication of Scalp Mesotherapy

January 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 1 | Case Reports | 72 | Copyright © January 2008


Razan Kadry MD, Issam Hamadah MD, Abdullah Al-issa MD, Lawrence Field MD

Abstract
Over the past several years, there has been a growing interest in the treatment method termed mesotherapy. Marketed for nonsurgical fat melting, skin rejuvenation, and hair regrowth, this technique has become increasingly popular and, in the public’s view, it is considered to be a relatively benign intervention method. Mesotherapy was introduced over 50 years ago by M. Pistor, a French physician who utilized this technique initially as a novel analgesic therapeutic method for a variety of rheumatologic disorders. Since its introduction, the basic principal of locally injecting subcutaneous doses of varying chemicals has been expanded and is now utilized for the aforementioned cosmetic concerns. With its increased popularity, there has been an increase in the number of reported side effects resulting from mesotherapeutic intervention. We report multifocal scalp abscesses with subcutaneous fat necrosis as a direct result of mesotherapy; therefore, requiring extensive surgical repair.