Evidence based recommendations on mesotherapy: an update from the Italian society of Mesotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Mesotherapy, also known as local intradermal therapy, widely used all over the world, is a technique used to inject substances into the surface layer of the skin. There are no international guidelines for the correct use of this technique and in many countries, it is still applied empirically without valid patient consent. The Italian society of mesotherapy has planned a study to assess the rationale and clinical applications based on current evidence. METHODS: An independent steering committee, based on the available scientific literature, has formulated a series of clinical questions. 21 experts responded by writing an evidence-based document. From this document 30 statements were obtained which were presented to 114 experts using the Delphi method. RESULTS: 28 statements reached a broad agreement on definition, technique, pharmacological rationale, indications and some crucial ethical aspect. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are needed to establish the clinical role of this technique in each field of application, our statements recommend the correct application according to the needs of the individual patient in full respect of ethics.