There’s a funny saying in the skincare world: “Melasma is like an ex—you think it’s over, but the moment you let your guard down, it comes back.”
And because melasma is so stubborn, many people—despite hearing about the “miracle-like” effects of mesotherapy injections—still hesitate and aren’t brave enough to try.
The biggest question is: If you spend a significant amount of money on mesotherapy, will melasma come back?
Or will your skin look great for a few months… and then everything returns to square one?
Today, as someone who has studied pigmentation treatments in depth, I’m going to break this down from a scientific perspective.
No sugarcoating—just the truth, so you can find the best long-term solution for your skin. Let’s dive in.

To answer whether melasma can return, we first need to understand why it happens in the first place.
Melasma isn’t just “dirt” on the surface that you can wash away.
In reality, melasma is caused by overproduction of melanin from pigment cells called melanocytes, located deep in the basal layer of the epidermis.
Melanin is created to protect your skin from UV damage—but when it’s produced excessively and concentrates in certain areas, melasma forms.
Many triggers can push the melanin “factory” into overdrive, especially:
Sun exposure (UV rays)
Hormonal imbalance (pregnancy, perimenopause, birth control pills)
Chronic stress
Genetics
Because melasma is closely connected to hormones and the body’s natural defense mechanisms, treating it is often a long-term journey.
There is no method—including mesotherapy—that can guarantee 100% permanent results if you don’t protect and maintain your results properly.
Before talking about recurrence, here’s a quick refresher on mesotherapy (meso).
Melasma mesotherapy is a micro-injection technique that delivers pigment-inhibiting ingredients directly into the dermis.
Common active ingredients include:
Tranexamic Acid
Glutathione
Vitamin C
Kojic Acid
(and other anti-pigment compounds)
Unlike topical creams that sit on the surface, mesotherapy delivers actives closer to the source—helping inhibit tyrosinase, the key enzyme responsible for melanin production.
In short, mesotherapy helps:
Cut off the “fuel” feeding pigmentation
Break down darker pigment clusters
Support skin strength and resilience, so it can better defend itself against environmental triggers
This is the most important part—so read carefully.
The answer to “Can melasma return after mesotherapy?” is:
✅ YES, IT CAN—if you don’t maintain and care for your skin properly.
But don’t feel discouraged.
In reality, mesotherapy is considered one of the most stable and long-lasting options available today, with lower relapse risk compared to harsh peeling or aggressive lasers.
Here’s why.
Many people treat melasma using strong chemical peels or unsafe “miracle creams,” which can thin and weaken the skin.
When skin becomes fragile, it becomes more sun-sensitive, making melasma return even darker than before (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Mesotherapy, on the other hand, works in a way that supports skin recovery from within, helping strengthen the barrier.
Stronger skin = better self-defense = lower recurrence risk.
Many studies and clinical observations show that a major reason melasma returns is simple: people become careless with sun protection.
Even if you inject premium-grade meso solutions, UV exposure will re-stimulate melanocytes to produce new melanin.
Hormonal changes are also a trigger that’s often outside of medication control.
So mesotherapy helps clear existing pigment and suppress new pigment for a long time—
but maintaining the result depends heavily on you.
Where you get treated plays a huge role in how stable your results will be.
In Da Nang, Foxy M.D Cosmetics & Clinic is trusted by many clients because of its science-based, long-term approach.
At Foxy M.D, doctors don’t inject with a one-size-fits-all formula.
They analyze your skin and identify your melasma type (epidermal, dermal, mixed) and likely triggers.
Then they may combine:
Mesotherapy (pigment suppression)
Laser (breaking pigment deeper down)
Skincare + barrier repair (to prevent rebound)
This combination closes off melasma’s “escape routes.”
Product quality matters. Foxy M.D uses high-standard melasma solutions such as Mesoestetic (Spain).
These actives are clinically studied for effective pigment control and strong relapse prevention.
They don’t just brighten—they also help support antioxidant defense and long-term stability.
A big advantage is that Foxy M.D supports you after treatment with homecare instructions and regular monitoring.
Catching early pigment changes quickly helps prevent melasma from returning strongly.
To ensure safety and effectiveness, Foxy M.D follows strict sterile protocol:
1:1 consultation and skin scan
Diagnosis, melasma analysis, realistic expectations, and relapse risk education.
Deep cleansing
Makeup removal + cleansing + gentle exfoliation for better absorption.
Numbing
About 30 minutes for comfort.
Mesotherapy injection
Doctor performs micro-injections at the appropriate dermal level for even distribution and maximum safety.
Cooling infusion + recovery mask
Soothing, redness reduction, hydration, and “locking in” actives.
Pricing varies depending on:
Product quality
Low-cost cocktails may work short-term but relapse is easier.
Premium European brands usually provide longer, more stable suppression.
Doctor expertise
Melasma injections require anatomical and pharmacological understanding.
Doctor-performed procedures are safer and more reliable than spa technician work.
Severity and depth of melasma
Long-standing, deeper melasma requires more sessions and more product.
At Foxy M.D, pricing is usually several million VND per session, and package deals may help reduce total cost.
Doctors can help you 50%. The remaining 50% is your homecare.
To avoid worrying about relapse:
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ daily, even indoors or on cloudy days.
Reapply every 2–3 hours.
Consider oral sun protection supplements for additional support.
Don’t stop all actives after your course ends.
Continue products with:
Arbutin
Niacinamide
Vitamin C
Low-dose retinol
(as advised by your doctor)
This keeps melanocytes in a “sleep mode.”
Sleep early and consistently.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods (Vitamin C, E).
Manage stress—stress can trigger pigment through hormonal pathways.
How soon will I see results?
Usually after 2–3 sessions, skin looks brighter and melasma begins fading.
For noticeable fading (70–80%), many people need around 5–6 sessions.
Does it hurt?
With numbing, pain is minimal—usually mild stinging only.
Can thin or sensitive skin do mesotherapy?
Yes—mesotherapy often suits thin skin better than harsh lasers or peels, and it can help improve barrier health.
So, can melasma return after mesotherapy?
Yes—because melasma is a chronic pigmentation condition, and no treatment can guarantee permanent 100% removal.
However, melasma mesotherapy is one of the most scientific, safe, and long-lasting options available today.
It helps control pigment production and maintain brighter, more even skin for a long time.
To maximize results, choose a reputable clinic like Foxy M.D Cosmetics & Clinic and commit to strong daily maintenance—especially sun protection.