Aesthetic medicine: the dangers of unauthorized products and how to protect yourself

In 2025, the demand for aesthetic medicine treatments in Italy continues to grow at a steady pace. Alongside this rising demand, Italian authorities are stepping up inspections to combat the spread of non-compliant drugs, products, and medical devices sourced from the black market.

In the first few months of 2025 alone, the Guardia di Finanza and the NAS Carabinieri conducted over 1,160 inspections of beauty centers and aesthetic medical clinics, seizing products and devices with a total value of more than 3.5 million euros. 14 illegal facilities were shut down and 156 administrative violations were reported, with 104 charges filed for the unauthorized practice of medicine and the use of expired or counterfeit products.

ThePatients increasingly need to protect themselves—sometimes even from the improper use of social media—by fostering a culture of awareness and strict adherence to regulations, in order to safeguard the effectiveness of treatments. And, most importantly, to prioritize their own health.

We discussed these issues with the Dr. Camilla Di PasqualiMedical Director of BTX Bar Italia, who helped us understand how to navigate the landscape, what the most concrete dangers are, and how to protect yourself.

“There are many uncontrolled sales channels for aesthetic medicine products,” explains Camilla Di Pasquali, “often originating from the Chinese or Asian black market. These products lack the CE mark, and often, even at a first glance, you can spot small differences compared to original European products, such as errors on the label or graphics—very similar to counterfeit goods, just like with designer handbags.”

Unsafe sales channels and counterfeit products: a hidden risk

There is also no shortage of Instagram accounts that sell these products fraudulently, using the names and references of official clinics or brands. “At the beginning, we were also victims of a similar scam: someone had set their location as BTX Bar at Via Sicilia 54 (our Rome office), selling fake aesthetic medicine products and using our name as a guarantee. It is a very dangerous fraudulent practice that scams patients.”

Health risks: from bacterial contamination to toxicity

One of the main problems resulting from the use of non-certified products is the lack of health and quality controls: “The risks include bacterial contamination or other toxic substances that can cause severe reactions in the body.” 

The guarantee of origin for every aesthetic medicine treatment performed at a BTX Bar clinic is provided by our “Beauty card”: a true identity card for the products used, which proves the originality, origin, and safety of the medication.

Safe products come only from authorized companies or from certified pharmacies, and are chosen based on proven quality supported by solid scientific studies. “Studies must be read critically to verify the validity and robustness of the scientific evidence,” emphasizes Di Pasquali.

The specific risks of fillers and undeclared materials

Dr. Di Pasquali clarifies the risks arising from the use of illegitimate products: “It can happen that instead of a hyaluronic acid-based filler, there is silicone, which is cheaper but much more dangerous. An illegal practice that can cause severe embolisms, chronic infections, migration of the material into the tissue, and even long-term damage to the lymphatic vessels.” Even if the product is based on hyaluronic acid, without checks and guarantees regarding sterility, there can be serious infectious risks, as hyaluronic acid provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria if contaminated. Furthermore, the presence of contaminants or manufacturing residues can trigger allergic reactions or toxicity issues toxicity.

How to verify product authenticity and the professionalism of an aesthetic clinic

“Unfortunately, patients have few tools to protect themselves and to recognize whether the product they are receiving complies with Italian and European regulations. The only safe path is to turn to certified facilities that source directly from manufacturers or Italian pharmacies, as this ensures quality and safety.” Another aspect relates to the professionalism of the practitioners: those who are not doctors rarely have access to official supply channels, making it more likely that they will source unauthorized or counterfeit products.

What a patient can do to protect themselves

BTX Bar Italia continues to work toward accurate information and high-quality, ethical, and transparent aesthetic medicine.

For this reason, we invite all patients to inform themselves thoroughly and rely only on certified and authorized medical centers, which use original, traceable, and monitored products at every stage, following rigorous safety protocols. 

We remind patients of the importance of:

• Relying on qualified medical professionals. When searching online, only check a doctor's credentials through the portal of the National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists, and do not purchase the drugs to be injected yourself.
• Avoid purchasing outside of legal channels, such as websites, e-commerce platforms, gyms, and/or beauty salons.
• Request documentation and certificates of compliance for every treatment.
• Always verify that the product used is duly authorized on the AIFA websiteorEMA.
• Follow your doctor's instructions scrupulously and report any adverse reactions promptly.
• In the event of serious complications, timing is critical. Do not hesitate to go to the emergency room, if the care provided by the doctor (or self-proclaimed doctor) is inadequate.

Theconfidencein aesthetic medicine is not an option, but an essential right and an indispensable condition for long-lasting, risk-free results.