The illegal cosmetics industry is booming as more and more people opt for procedures by unlicensed aestheticians instead of 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 promoted as a cheaper and less painful alternative to medical injections, but experts warn that the side effects can be severe and irreversible.
Dr. Kuroli Enikő, a pathologist and dermatologist, emphasizes that aestheticians do not have the right to perform procedures that penetrate the skin, neither with needles nor with devices like the Hyaluron Pen. However, the huge 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 considerable amount, her lips barely swelled, without a visible increase in volume. This demonstrates that, in the long run, cheap procedures can cost much more.
Dr. Varga Tamás, a plastic surgeon, warns that incorrectly performed hyaluronic acid injections can cause serious complications — from infections and skin necrosis to total loss of vision. He emphasizes that only medical specialists with adequate training can safely perform such procedures. Unfortunately, this trend continues to grow, especially as many aestheticians offer unofficial courses and certificates that are not recognized by official institutions.
In addition to illegal fillers, injections with substances for dissolving fats, known as «lemon solution», are becoming increasingly popular. This product is freely sold online, although in many countries it does not have official approval for use. Some use it for facial reshaping, without having any idea about the side effects.
The Swiss regulatory agency Swismedic has classified this substance as a drug, banning its use for cosmetic purposes, but this has not stopped many aestheticians from applying it, especially as the demand for quick and cheap facial reshaping continues to grow. Dr. Varga emphasizes that many aestheticians exceed their competencies, performing procedures that should only be performed by doctors with a medical license.
Although the laws in many countries clearly establish who can perform invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures, in practice, numerous violations still occur. In addition, there are doctors without specialization in aesthetic medicine who offer such procedures, which represents an additional risk. As a result, many patients suffer complications and are forced to bear high costs for corrective treatments, which end up being much more expensive than the «savings» made by choosing illegal services.
Some cases end with fines and legal sanctions. In the summer of 2024, a beautician from Hungary was fined for performing injectable 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 spread, as the public is not sufficiently informed about the risks. The problem is not just the application of the law, but also educating people about the dangers of illegal aesthetic procedures.
Dr. Lantos Zoltán, a professor at Semelweis University, emphasizes that the level of health literacy is still too low and that many people are more concerned about the low price than long-term safety. In many cases, people who choose illegal procedures do not realize that the damage suffered can be irreversible. The combination of weak regulations, lack of awareness, and the increasing popularity of these practices on social networks makes the problem of illegal fillers increasingly difficult to control.
