A new and extremely dangerous trend seems to be the new thing in Cyprus. After various beauty centres, hair salons, and similar venues where "experts" perform injectable aesthetic procedures (botox), so-called botox parties are now reportedly being organised in Cyprus as well. More specifically, these are events or gatherings held in homes or other premises, attended mainly by women, where “doctors” from abroad perform procedures ranging from botox to mesotherapy and hyaluronic acid fillers.
According to information obtained by Politis, these parties are organised in non-licensed premises at regular intervals, with women aged from 18 to over 60 participating. At these gatherings, individuals claiming to be “doctors from abroad” carry out injectable aesthetic procedures such as botox, hyaluronic acid injections, and mesotherapy at prices significantly lower than those charged in private medical clinics.
Serious complications
As a result, women attending such events end up facing serious complications. In the photo obtained by Politis, a young woman after receiving a hyaluronic acid injection, experienced severe swelling, bleeding, and intense bruising on her lips. According to experts, these symptoms indicate poor technique or the use of questionable-quality materials. They may even suggest a vascular injury, a condition that can lead to tissue necrosis if not treated immediately by a specialised doctor.
The most alarming detail, according to information, is that in most cases these “beauty crews” disappear just hours after performing the procedures. This leaves the women with no way to make contact, receive a diagnosis, or seek treatment for potential complications. Some were forced to urgently see private dermatologists and plastic surgeons, while others kept the problems quiet to avoid social embarrassment. Experts are urging victims to report such incidents.
Risk of death
“Botox is a medicine. It must be administered by a doctor in a clinic equipped to handle any potential side effects,” dermatologist and medical school lecturer at the University of Nicosia, Dr. Nicole Sakka, told Politis. She added that a dosing error, even with botox that has passed all necessary safety checks required for legal sale in Cyprus, can cause complications up to and including death.
Responding to the question of why someone would choose to undergo an aesthetic procedure outside a medical clinic by people who may not even be doctors, she explained that the main factor is cost. “There is usually a price difference that makes these ‘services’ more appealing. However, cost should never be the only criterion when choosing where to go,” she said. She added, “What needs to be considered is the individual’s safety and protection. If we look at it purely from a financial perspective, the cost of fixing any complications will be far greater than what someone would pay if they had gone to a licensed clinic or organized medical practice with a trained doctor from the start.”
She emphasised that outside regulated medical premises, no one can know, first, what the injectable product actually contains and, second, whether the person administering it is truly a doctor.
Doctors from abroad
Asked specifically about the alleged doctors who reportedly come from abroad to perform these procedures, Dr. Sakka explained that two problems arise. First, there is the possibility that the person is not a doctor at all. Second, even if they are, they may come to Cyprus one weekend a month, perform the procedures, and then when a complication appears, the patient has nowhere to turn. Unfortunately, we see this quite often, with patients ending up in our offices, she noted.
She added that completing medical school does not automatically qualify someone to perform aesthetic procedures. This is something citizens need to be aware of. She also stressed that the specialty of cosmetology does not exist and is not recognized in any country in the world. She concluded by urging victims of such procedures to report them to the authorities, including the Police.
Appeal to victims
Complaints can be submitted to the Police and to the Pharmaceutical Services. The director of the Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Elena Panayiotopoulou, also issued an appeal to victims, through Politis, encouraging them not to be afraid to speak out. “No one is judged for choosing to undergo an aesthetic intervention. However, because this is a matter of safety, victims must speak up so they can help us do our job properly. The message that must be conveyed is that as long as victims remain silent, these incidents will continue to happen,” Dr. Panayiotopoulou said.
Referring to inspections carried out by the Pharmaceutical Services, she reminded that a few months ago, after receiving relevant complaints, officials identified illegal products in clinics and other premises such as hair salons, beauty institutes, and gyms. A report was then filed with the Police, and the matter is now proceeding through the Justice system.