The illegal cosmetics industry is thriving as many people opt for treatments from unlicensed beauticians 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 the use of needles. This method is advertised 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 have no right to perform skin-penetrating procedures, either with needles or pressure devices such as the Hyaluron Pen. Despite this, the huge demand means that many illegal specialists still offer these services. The problem is that people tempted by the low price are not aware of the long-term risks.
One social media user shared her experience after three lip augmentation sessions using the Hyaluron Pen. She hoped for spectacular effects, but after spending a considerable amount of money, her lips only slightly swelled, without a noticeable increase in volume. This proves that in the long run, cheaper treatments can cost significantly more.
Dr. Varga Tamás, a plastic surgeon, warns that poorly performed hyaluronic acid injections can lead to serious complications — from infections and skin necrosis to total loss of vision. He emphasizes that only medical specialists with appropriate training 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 of a fat-dissolving substance known as «lemon mixture» are also gaining popularity. This product is freely sold online, even though it does not have official sales permission in many countries. Some use it for facial contouring, having no idea about the side effects. The Swiss regulator Swismedic has classified 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 contouring continues to grow.
Dr. Varga points out that many cosmetologists exceed their competencies by performing procedures that should only be performed by doctors with a medical license. Although the law in many countries clearly defines who can perform invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures, in reality, there are still numerous violations. In addition, there are doctors without a specialization in aesthetic medicine who also offer such treatments, which poses another threat.
As a result, many patients experience complications and have to undergo costly corrective procedures, which are much more expensive than the savings resulting from 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. Even though the law is becoming increasingly strict, this trend continues to grow, as society is not sufficiently aware of the risks.
The problem is not only the enforcement of regulations, but also educating the public about the risks of illegal aesthetic procedures. Dr. Lantos Zoltán from Semmelweis University emphasizes that the level of health knowledge is still too low, and many people are more interested in the low price than long-term safety. In many cases, people choosing illegal treatments are not aware that the damage that may result can be irreversible. The combination of weak regulations, lack of awareness, and growing popularity on social media makes the problem of illegal fillers increasingly difficult to control.
