The Carabinieri’s Health Protection Command (NAS) has seized 14 aesthetic medicine centers across Italy following a nationwide investigation into illegal cosmetic practices. The operation targeted clinics operating without proper medical qualifications, authorizations, and hygiene standards, amid rising concerns about unqualified personnel performing potentially dangerous procedures.
The campaign, conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, began earlier this year and intensified in May. It aimed to verify compliance with regulations governing aesthetic medicine services, including the use of appropriate equipment, structural and organizational standards, and the professional credentials of staff. Particular focus was placed on procedures involving fillers, skin implants, and treatments using platelet-rich plasma, which are often illegally performed.
During more than 1,100 inspections of beauty centers and aesthetic clinics, authorities identified 132 cases of non-compliance. As a result, 104 owners and operators were referred to judicial authorities. In Milan, a multispecialty clinic and beauty salon were found operating without the required licenses, leading to the suspension of activities and legal action against the facility’s representative. In Rome, a person was reported for performing aesthetic procedures without authorization, despite presenting a foreign certificate claiming qualifications to administer hyaluronic acid injections. Authorities seized medical supplies, including syringes and fillers, along with falsified documentation. In Naples, a beauty center operating illegally inside a pharmacy was shut down, with all related equipment confiscated.
Overall, the NAS seized medical devices and drugs valued at around 3.5 million euros. The investigation uncovered 32 criminal offenses, including unauthorized practice of healthcare professions, illegal establishment of aesthetic clinics, mishandling of expired drugs, improper prescriptions, and forgery of professional certificates. Additionally, 156 administrative violations were recorded, resulting in fines totaling 130,000 euros.
The operation also extended online, where authorities identified websites illegally advertising and selling prescription medications, injectable fillers, and cosmetic products with irregular labeling. Some of these sites, often hosted abroad and anonymously managed, were shut down to prevent further illegal sales.
This nationwide crackdown underscores growing concerns about unregulated aesthetic medicine practices in Italy and highlights the ongoing efforts of health authorities to protect public safety by enforcing strict regulatory standards.
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