When a Beauty Salon Turns Into an Underground Clinic: Beware of False Promises
Recently, in an eyebrow grooming salon, I overheard a man ask a question that highlights the confusion surrounding aesthetic medicine: “Do you offer Botox and hyaluronic acid injections here?” The beautician, without appearing surprised, simply replied that it was not a service they provided.
The Influence of Social Media
Social media plays a crucial role in the rise of unregulated injections. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are flooded with videos promoting cheap and quick aesthetic treatments, often performed by unqualified individuals in non-medical settings. The promise of instant beauty enhancements at a low cost attracts many young adults who may not be fully aware of the potential dangers. The lack of proper information and misleading before-and-after pictures contribute to the normalization of these unsafe practices.
The Risks of Unregulated Injections
Unregulated injections come with severe risks, including:
- Bacterial infections, potentially leading to abscesses requiring surgical treatment.
- Skin necrosis, where tissue dies due to improper injection into a blood vessel, causing scarring.
- Temporary or permanent paralysis, if the product affects essential nerves.
- Severe allergic reactions, potentially resulting in life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
- Facial asymmetry, due to improper injection placement or untrained hands.
These risks apply to both Botox and hyaluronic acid, which is commonly used for wrinkle filling, lip augmentation, and skin hydration.
Who is Authorized to Inject Botox and Hyaluronic Acid in France?
Only certain medical specialists are permitted to administer these injections:
- Plastic surgeons
- Dermatologists
- Maxillofacial surgeons
- ENT surgeons
- Ophthalmologists
- Aesthetic doctors trained in these procedures
- Dental surgeons, only for therapeutic purposes.
How to Ensure Your Doctor is Qualified
Make sure the practitioner is registered with the French Medical Council. You can verify their credentials through this official directory. You can also book an appointment with Dr Adriana Guzman on Doctolib.
What the Law Says
These procedures are regulated by several laws:
- Article L4161-1 of the Public Health Code: Prohibits the illegal practice of medicine.
- Article L6322-1 of the Public Health Code: Regulates aesthetic medical procedures.
The press is talking about it: Les chirurgiens esthétiques alertent sur les usurpateurs.
HEALTHCIE | Le Créateur Digital des Professions Médicales