The illegal cosmetology industry is thriving as many people opt for procedures performed by non-medically licensed beauticians rather than professional doctors. One of the most popular procedures is the injection of hyaluronic acid using a Hyaluron Pen, a high-pressure device that introduces the substance into the skin without needles. This method is marketed as a cheaper and less painful alternative to medical injections, but experts warn that the side effects can be serious and irreversible.
Dr. Kuroli Enikő, a pathologist and dermatologist, emphasizes that beauticians are not authorized to perform procedures that penetrate the skin, either with needles or with devices like the Hyaluron Pen. Despite this, the high demand leads many illegal specialists to continue offering these services. The problem is that people, attracted by the low prices, do not realize the long-term risks.
A social media user shared her experience after three lip augmentation sessions with the Hyaluron Pen. She expected impressive results, but after spending a significant amount, her lips only slightly swelled, without a noticeable increase in volume. This proves that in the long run, cheap procedures can cost much more.
Dr. Varga Tamás, a plastic surgeon, warns that improperly performed hyaluronic acid injections can lead to serious complications — from infections and skin necrosis to complete loss of vision. He emphasizes that only medically trained specialists can safely perform such procedures. Unfortunately, this trend continues to grow, especially as many beauticians offer unofficial training and certificates that are not recognized by official institutions.
In addition to illegal fillers, injections with fat-dissolving substances, known as «lemon mixture», are becoming increasingly popular. This product is freely sold online, despite the fact that in many countries it does not have official permission for use. Some use it for facial sculpting, without knowing about the side effects. The Swiss regulator Swismedic classifies this substance as a drug, prohibiting its use for cosmetic purposes, but this has not stopped many beauticians from applying it, especially as the demand for quick and cheap facial shaping continues to grow.
Dr. Varga emphasizes that many beauticians overstep their competencies, performing procedures that should only be performed by medically licensed doctors. Although the laws in many countries clearly define who can perform invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures, in practice many violations are still committed. In addition, there are doctors without a specialization in aesthetic medicine who also offer such procedures, which poses an additional risk. As a result, many patients experience complications and are forced to undergo expensive corrective procedures, which cost much more than the «savings» they made by choosing illegal services. Some cases end with fines and legal sanctions.
In 2024, a beautician in Hungary was fined for performing injection procedures without a medical license, including the use of the Hyaluron Pen and micro-needle therapy. Although the laws are becoming stricter, this trend continues to develop because society is not sufficiently informed about the risks. The problem is not only in the application of the laws, but also in educating people about the dangers of illegal aesthetic procedures.
Dr. Lantos Zoltan from Semmelweis University emphasizes that the level of health literacy is still too low and many people are more interested in the low price than in long-term safety. In many cases, people who choose illegal procedures do not realize that the damage that can occur can be irreversible. The combination of weak regulations, lack of awareness, and increasing popularity on social media makes the problem with illegal fillers increasingly difficult to control.
