Complications from unprofessional cosmetic treatments
Cosmetic treatments are popular: people opt for flawless skin and full lips. The 'ideal images' on social media. This includes, for example, filling the lips with a hyaluron pen or a plasma energy treatment to tighten the skin. However, treatments with these and other devices are surgical procedures that should only be performed by authorized and competent cosmetic doctors. After all, this technique can damage the skin, which then needs time to recover.
Our survey, in collaboration with the Dutch Association for Cosmetic Medicine (NVCG), shows that 71 percent of participants (55 out of 77 participating doctors) know a patient who has experienced complications after a cosmetic treatment with medical equipment performed by unauthorized individuals.
It also appears that of the 55 cosmetic doctors who encounter patients with complications, 95 percent indicated that the treatment leading to the complication was performed by a beautician. Among these doctors alone, this concerns more than 400 cases. Additionally, 33 percent of doctors have experience with complications that occurred after someone underwent a cosmetic treatment with a dentist. Furthermore, 13 percent state that treatments were performed by a (BIG-registered) doctor who also has the competence to use these specific devices.
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Easily available online
On websites like AliExpress and Marktplaats, devices for performing cosmetic procedures are widely available. Anyone can easily purchase them. Prices vary greatly from 10 to 200 euros. 'The market for cosmetic procedures is a huge growth market. If you don't have guidelines, some people just do whatever they want. That's dangerous! We should come up with something that prevents this equipment from being sold and purchased by everyone. Just like with medicines. You also need a prescription for those. Based on current legislation, we can't do anything about this,' says Catharina Meijer, cosmetic doctor and chair of the Dutch Association for Cosmetic Medicine.
Hyaluron pen
The hyaluron pen is another way to augment your lips instead of an injection with a filler. The pen injects hyaluronic acid into the skin at a speed of approximately 800 km per hour. For 100 to 150 euros, you get thicker lips. In a clinic, a filler treatment can easily cost 300 to 500 euros. Hyaluronic acid is a soluble, body-produced substance that keeps the skin supple and elastic. As we age, the substance decreases, and the skin slackens, resulting in wrinkles. The effect of a hyaluronic acid filler is said to last between 3 and 15 months. 'You introduce the hyaluronic acid under the skin, and by doing so, you get a slight irritation reaction, which also causes the lips to swell.'
Not knowing what to do when treatment goes wrong
Sietske from the online platform wiemooiwilzijn sees cases where things go wrong. 'Devices like a hyaluron pen can be dangerous. Even if a doctor uses the device, things can still go wrong. But as an authorized and skilled cosmetic doctor, you have the expertise to resolve and identify a complication should one occur. Unauthorized individuals cannot do this. A hyaluron pen is a device that requires accurate work and is actually not suitable for cosmetic facial treatments.'
Major concerns
The Dutch Association for Cosmetic Medicine (NVCG) is gravely concerned about the use of medical techniques and medical equipment by unauthorized individuals. 'Unauthorized persons, including beauticians, are not permitted to perform medical procedures. Introducing a filler with compressed air, as with the hyaluron pen, or doing it with a needle: it remains an injection. Based on the BIG law, only doctors are authorized to perform these types of treatments,' says Meijer.
Authorized and competent?
A doctor is always registered in the BIG-register. 'In this register, you can see if a doctor is authorized. You must be a doctor to perform medical procedures. To determine if a doctor is competent, their education and experience are assessed. The NVCG would ideally like to see a separate register created in the Netherlands where you can see exactly which procedures a doctor is competent in,' says Meijer. As of July 1, 2019, cosmetic doctor KNMG is a protected title. You must be officially competent. On November 12, the Quality Framework for Cosmetic Care was established. This outlines what constitutes good cosmetic care and what competency requirements apply to performing cosmetic procedures, including injecting botox and fillers. Joba van den Berg, Member of Parliament (CDA): 'Doctors may understand what is being said, but consumers know far too little about what they can expect where, and who is or is not authorized and competent. More clarity is essential.'
Reporting point
The NVCG has set up a reporting point for victims of cosmetic treatments. 'It is important to report a complication performed by unauthorized individuals. Has it happened to you or someone in your vicinity? Then report it. Ultimately, this way we can inform the government about the number of reports,' says Meijer.
Joba van den Berg: 'If a patient comes to a cosmetic doctor for "repair" of what went wrong, it is necessary for the doctor who encounters the complication to report it. This can be done to the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate.'
Age limit
Joba van den Berg believes that enforcement is insufficient. 'People need to be much more aware of which treatment they choose and where they want to undergo this treatment; young people don't know if someone is competent. Therefore, the age limit for such treatments should be raised to 21, and a comprehensive information/awareness campaign should be launched by the government.'
Tips
- Check if the practitioner is a cosmetic doctor. On the BIG-register you can see if a doctor is authorized.
- Ask the practitioner: Is the person also competent to perform the treatment? What is the experience and training of the doctor in question?
- Do thorough research and take your time to decide where and by whom you have the treatment performed. If necessary, look for online reviews.
- Do not settle for immediately scheduling a treatment. Take the initiative to attend a preliminary discussion/consultation before the treatment to see who you are dealing with and if you feel comfortable with them.
