Warnings issued regarding the medical use of plasmapheresis

On September 10, 2026, hematologist Sotiris Koumas issued a public warning regarding the use of plasmapheresis outside of established clinical indications. The medical procedure, which involves filtering blood to remove toxic substances or autoantibodies, has recently come under intense public scrutiny following discussions surrounding the health of artist Giorgos Mazonakis and its promotion as an anti-aging trend on social media.

Dr. Koumas clarified that while plasmapheresis is a life-saving, hospital-based procedure used in hematology, neurology, and rheumatology for critical conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, it carries risks of complications ranging from mild to severe. He emphasized that the primary medical directive is to avoid harm, noting that the procedure must strictly be performed in specialized centers.

This debate highlights broader concerns regarding the unregulated promotion of complex medical therapies on digital platforms. While the medical community continues to discuss the boundaries of standard clinical practice versus aesthetic trends, experts maintain that the procedure is not a wellness treatment but a rigorous medical intervention reserved for specific, life-threatening pathologies.