Greek aesthetic and medical practice regulation dispute

In Greece, professional associations are addressing the regulatory boundaries between cosmetology and medical practice. Four major regional associations of aesthetic professionals issued a joint statement supporting public health inspections while opposing the “indiscriminate targeting of legitimate professionals.” They called for a clear distinction between licensed aestheticians, who hold university degrees, and the illegal performance of medical procedures by unlicensed individuals.

Following this debate, medical associations have launched specific investigations into allegations of unauthorized medical acts. In Volos, the Medical Association of Magnesia referred a complaint regarding injectable therapies at an aesthetic center to the Prosecutor. In Ioannina, authorities are conducting a preliminary examination after social media footage appeared to show medical acts being performed at an aesthetic laboratory. This case involves a doctor reportedly traveling from Athens to perform procedures without local association membership or proper notification to authorities. The matter has been reported to several bodies, including the Panhellenic Medical Association and the Transparency Authority.

Recent investigations have expanded to address broader concerns regarding non-medical personnel performing invasive treatments, such as Botox and hyaluronic acid injections, in settings like salons or physiotherapy clinics. The Medical Association of Athens has issued guidance to citizens on how to report malpractice to state authorities, including the Hellenic Police and the National Transparency Authority. Medical associations noted they face jurisdictional challenges when unauthorized individuals perform medical acts in non-medical spaces, which poses significant public health risks.