Injections of hyaluronic acid, botox, liposuction or facelift: illegal medical and surgical procedures for aesthetic purposes are experiencing a worrying increase in France, warn doctors. In two or three clicks on Instagram or TikTok, accounts appear offering completely illegal surgical procedures. It's terrifying", complains Jean-Baptiste Andreoletti, deputy general secretary of the national union of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (SNCPRE).
These cosmetic operations – which must be carried out by professionals – are promoted mainly by women posing as “ doctors » or « beauticians" . " In the videos, we see them opening, sucking out fat through a cannula and closing it, taking enormous risks.", warns Jean-Baptiste Andreoletti.
Infections due to lack of sterilization of equipment, transmission of viruses, tissue necrosis " and even more serious complications such as hemorrhages and even death", he says. According to him, the self-proclaimed professionals who perform these surgical procedures are the same ones who have been offering clandestine injections of hyaluronic acid or botox for several years. " There is a real modus operandi: they attract their customers on social networks, make appointments via Instagram, require payment in advance and only communicate the location at the last minute." he explains.
Read alsoWhen Doctors Swap Stethoscopes for Botox Syringes
Manipulated videos
There are about ten of them who illegally practice surgery, attracting their customers with low prices and quite impressive before/after videos. Most of the videos are manipulated, come from different patients, or use a product to further differentiate themselves. This totally discredits us.", complains Alexandre Mertens, cosmetic surgeon and founder of the Maison Yoko clinic in Lyon.
According to the Order of Physicians, illegal medical and surgical procedures for aesthetic purposes are experiencing a worrying increase in France. In 2024, the number of reports reached a record of 128, compared to 123 in 2023 and 62 in 2022. The progression is worrying, it now represents one report every three days.", underlines Claire Siret, president of the public health section of the national council of the Order of Physicians.
In an attempt to stem the phenomenon of clandestine injections, the public authorities have regulated the sale by pharmacists of devices based on injectable hyaluronic acid, by requiring the presentation of a medical prescription. This put a bit of a damper on business, but unfortunately it is very easy to get hold of them on the Internet." regrets Jean-Baptiste Andreoletti.
Star product but banned
Above all, another product seems to have taken over: the “Lemon Bottle”. This small lemon yellow bottle is presented as an injectable lipolysis solution, promising to melt fat from the buttocks, stomach or thighs. Problem: this product is banned in France.
“ The most worrying thing is that we don't know at all what's in it.", protests Eric Plot, president of the French Society of Plastic Aesthetic Surgeons (Sofcep). The Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products Swissmedic warned against this product last year, revealing that its composition differed from one sample to another.
“ I am concerned that people are playing with their lives and may have complications that will leave them with aesthetic mutilations.", adds Eric Plot. Indeed, the surgeons interviewed assure that they regularly see patients suffering from complications linked to the illegal practice of medicine. " I see them every week! Edema in the eyelids, completely deformed lips, necrosis in the cheeks... And when we advise patients to file a complaint, they tell us that they are afraid of reprisals.“, relates Alexandre Mertens.
Several cases of illegal injections have nevertheless gone to court in France. In January 2025 alone, the Order of Physicians is preparing eight referrals to the prosecutor for illegal practice of medicine. You have to be aware that you are dealing with professional scammers. They do not think about the victims, their only goal is to make money.“, insists Jean-Baptiste Andreoletti.