Rio de Janeiro leads Brazil in illegal medical practice cases

The state of Rio de Janeiro accounts for nearly one-third of all reported cases of illegal medical practice in Brazil. According to data from the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), the state recorded 937 police occurrences related to these activities between 2012 and 2023.

The Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP-RJ) highlighted the alarming trend during a recent professional conference, noting that the actual number of victims is likely much higher due to underreporting caused by embarrassment or lack of awareness. The organization warned that invasive aesthetic procedures performed by unqualified individuals significantly increase the risks of infection, permanent deformity, loss of function, and death.

Medical experts emphasized that invasive procedures require clinical evaluation, anesthetic planning, and the ability to manage severe complications—capabilities often lacking in non-hospital clinics and standard aesthetic offices. Authorities urge the public to verify professional credentials through the CFM or CREMERJ websites before undergoing any procedure.