Illegal Practices in Aesthetic Medicine: 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For
Recent news events have brought attention to the growing phenomenon of illegal practices in aesthetic medicine. Private homes being transformed into clinics, operators without qualifications, and drugs of unknown origin are just a few examples of the dangers that patients may face. The Italian Federation of Aesthetic Doctors (FIME) is sounding the alarm, urging patients to be vigilant and aware of the risks. According to Nicola Zerbinati, president of FIME, “These episodes do not represent isolated exceptions, but the symptom of a growth in supply not always accompanied by adequate safety standards.”
Signal 1: The Venue
The first red flag to watch out for is the venue where the treatments are carried out. Aesthetic medicine practices must be clearly identifiable as healthcare facilities, with proper authorization and licenses. Receiving services in a private home, promiscuous environments, or without a professional license plate is often indicative of an irregular situation. As Mauro Rana, FIME councilor, explains, “Healthcare facilities must be authorized or reported according to regional regulations and guarantee minimum hygiene, privacy, and safety requirements.” Improvised or domestic environments cannot offer such guarantees, putting patients at risk.
Signal 2: Informed Consent
Informed consent is a crucial aspect of aesthetic medicine. Every treatment is a medical act that requires informed consent, which is not just a simple signature on a piece of paper. It is a medical and legal act that presupposes an accurate explanation of benefits, limits, risks, possible complications, and therapeutic alternatives. Patrizia Sacchi, FIME treasurer, emphasizes, “It is not a simple sheet of paper to be signed, but a medical and legal act which presupposes an accurate explanation of benefits, limits, risks, possible complications and therapeutic alternatives.” A hasty or completely absent consent deprives the patient of the possibility of making an informed choice and is a sign of lack of professionalism.
Signal 3: Medicines and Devices
The third signal concerns the traceability of drugs and injectable medical devices. The lack of an adhesive coupon, which should be given to the patient and also kept by the doctor in the medical record, makes any verification in case of adverse effects impossible and hinders the continuity of care. Fillers must also be opened under the patient’s eyes, and it is not allowed to use already opened vials. As Sacchi explains, “The lack of the so-called adhesive coupon… makes any verification in case of adverse effects impossible and hinders the continuity of care.”
Signal 4: Qualification of the Professional
A fourth aspect to consider is the qualification of the professional. The aesthetic doctor must be a doctor registered with the Order, which can be verified on the FNOMCeO website. Belonging to a recognized scientific society is not mandatory by law, but it represents an important indicator of continuous updating and adherence to shared guidelines. Sacchi recalls, “The aesthetic doctor must be a doctor registered with the Order, which can be verified on the FNOMCeO website.”
Signal 5: Prices That Are Too Low
Finally, prices that are too low can be a warning bell. Aesthetic medicine has costs linked to the quality of products, the time dedicated to the visit, and safety. Aggressive offers, timed discounts, and promotional packages often hide a reduction in quality, clinical attention, or patient safety. As Sacchi concludes, “Aesthetic medicine has costs linked to the quality of the products, the time dedicated to the visit and safety. Aggressive offers, timed discounts and promotional packages often hide a reduction in quality, clinical attention or patient safety.” For more information, visit Here