Authorities investigate illegal aesthetic injections and 'botox parties

Cypriot authorities are currently investigating a surge in illegal "botox parties" and private social gatherings where unregulated aesthetic and health-enhancing procedures are performed. These events often take place in private homes, involving injections of Botox, hyaluronic acid for women, and performance-enhancing vitamin cocktails for men. Pharmaceutical Services Director Elena Panagiotopoulou confirmed that the agency has received numerous complaints over the past six months, noting that the substances used are often unregistered and obtained through uncontrolled online channels.

The situation escalated recently when a young woman required hospitalization following a severe allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid lip injections administered during one such session. While law enforcement agencies have initiated raids and seizures of illegal products, investigators face significant hurdles, including legal restrictions on accessing private properties and the reluctance of witnesses to provide testimony.

Officials stress that these procedures pose severe risks to public health as they occur in non-clinical environments without oversight. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with one case currently pending before the courts, while urging citizens to avoid such unregulated services.