Warning Issued by Tunisian Medical Aesthetics Syndicate Against Unlicensed Practices
On Monday, May 11, 2026, Dr. Wahiba Chabboub, Vice-President of the Tunisian Medical Aesthetics Syndicate, sounded the alarm on the proliferation of unlicensed practices in the field. Speaking on the radio, she denounced the unchecked expansion of unauthorized centers and the proliferation of misleading advertisements on social media, which she considers a real threat to citizens' safety.
A Precise Medical Act Hijacked by Impostors
Dr. Chabboub emphasized that medical aesthetics is a highly precise specialty that can only be practiced by licensed medical doctors who have completed a rigorous course in human anatomy and injection techniques. Tunisian legislation is clear on this point: any intervention that penetrates the skin barrier performed by an unqualified individual is considered an illegal practice of medicine. This offense, combined with title usurpation, exposes perpetrators to severe prison sentences and substantial fines.
Social Media as a Vector for Uncontrolled Products
According to the syndical leader, the digital space has become a lawless zone where unverified substances are exchanged. Sensitive products like Botox, normally subject to strict authorization from the Ministry of Health and only available on prescription, are sold freely online. This situation is described as a genuine public health disaster, especially since the storage conditions and product tracing are completely ignored in these informal circuits.
Irreversible Consequences and Risk of Death
The impact of these deviations on patients' health is devastating. Dr. Chabboub listed recent severe complications: disfigurement, burns, permanent scars, and violent allergic reactions. She particularly emphasized the risk of anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening emergency that can lead to death without immediate medical intervention. Tragic precedents recorded abroad due to wild injections remind us that the stakes go far beyond aesthetics and become a matter of survival.
Urgent Call for Regulatory Reform
In the face of these dangers, the syndicate is calling for an urgent update of the regulatory framework. The current laws, dating back to 1991, are deemed outdated in the face of the digital era and the power of social media. Dr. Chabboub recommends strengthening cyber-surveillance and implementing rigorous tracking mechanisms to dismantle clandestine centers. She strongly advises patients to systematically verify their practitioner's identity through official lists from the Order of Physicians.
Conclusion
In conclusion, she reminded us that while medical aesthetics plays a crucial social role in repairing scars and rebuilding self-esteem, it must remain in the hands of experts to preserve the reputation of excellence of Tunisian medicine.
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