Luxembourg authorities are urging consumers to exercise caution when considering invasive aesthetic procedures such as Botox, hyaluronic acid injections, or laser treatments. While demand and supply for such beauty procedures have risen in recent years, not all providers possess the required qualifications or authorisations. In response, the public prosecutor’s office and the National Health Directorate have announced plans to step up inspections.
The promise of looking younger and fresher with minimal effort has fuelled the popularity of Botox and similar treatments. However, Dr Joe Hellers, a specialist in plastic surgery, warns that individuals opting for such procedures should thoroughly inform themselves – both about the substances being injected and the practitioner administering them. Dr Hellers notes that social media features numerous advertisements from individuals offering aesthetic treatments who are neither medical professionals nor have a fixed business address in the Grand Duchy.
According to Dr Hellers, he is seeing a growing number of patients seeking help after receiving non-authorised products or undergoing incorrect or excessive treatments. He regrets that this trend is increasing. In such cases, he emphasises that it is crucial for patients to know exactly which product was injected, as some cannot be dissolved. He also stresses that only products authorised for use in the EU should be used.
To help identify potentially dubious offers, Dr Hellers points to pricing as an indicator. A Botox injection for a single zone typically starts at €250, while hyaluronic acid injections are around €350. If treatments are offered at significantly lower prices, consumers should question the origin of the products used.
Beauty salons have also begun offering a range of treatments aimed at achieving a radiant complexion. However, Alexa Ballmann, manager of two beauty salons in the Grand Duchy, explains that these treatments must never be invasive – meaning they must not go under the skin. As a result, Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are not permitted in beauty salons.
On the other hand, minimally invasive procedures such as microneedling – which uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to stimulate collagen production – are allowed. Nevertheless, Ballmann stresses that “minimally invasive” does not mean risk-free. She notes that during such procedures, the skin becomes irritated and is slightly perforated. For this reason, aestheticians at her salons always wear face masks and gloves during these treatments.
Ballmann welcomes the forthcoming stricter checks in the sector, noting that they will help preserve its good reputation. She emphasises the importance of consistent rules for all providers and stresses that professional scope of practice must be respected.
In the event of violations, authorities may seize equipment and, depending on the case, initiate criminal proceedings. More generally, the public is urged to exercise caution when considering invasive beauty treatments, as such procedures can pose serious health risks, including infections.
