Individuals seeking aesthetic services often do not fully understand the differences between beauty salons and medical clinics when choosing between the two. In 2026, understanding this distinction correctly is of great importance both from a health and legal perspective.

Definition and Scope Differences

Beauty salons are establishments subject to Ministry of Trade oversight that offer non-medical care services. Skin care, makeup, hair removal, brow design, and massage fall within the scope of beauty salon services. Performing medical procedures in these establishments is prohibited by law.

Medical aesthetic clinics, on the other hand, are healthcare facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health. Invasive and non-invasive medical procedures are carried out under physician supervision. Fillers, Botox, laser treatments, mesotherapy, and PRP can only be administered in these facilities.

Legal Scope of Practice

Under applicable regulations, what beauty salons may and may not do is clearly defined:

What Beauty Salons Are Permitted to Do

What Beauty Salons Are Not Permitted to Do

Violation of these boundaries results in severe criminal and administrative sanctions for business owners.

Risks of Receiving Medical Procedures at Beauty Salons

Unfortunately, in 2026 some beauty salons still perform medical procedures in excess of their legal scope. The risks this entails are extremely serious:

Health risks are foremost. Inadequate sterilisation conditions increase the risk of infection. Injections administered by untrained individuals can cause vascular occlusion, tissue necrosis, and permanent damage. The absence of emergency response capacity in the event of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

Product-related risks must not be overlooked either. The likelihood of unapproved, counterfeit, or low-quality products being used is higher in beauty salons. Dermal fillers without Ministry of Health approval can cause long-term problems such as granuloma formation and chronic inflammation.

Legal risks are also significant: when a complication arises from a medical procedure performed at a beauty salon, the patient's process of seeking compensation becomes far more complex. Because there is no professional liability insurance coverage, recovering financial losses is more difficult.

Checklist for Making the Right Choice

Before undergoing any aesthetic procedure, be sure to check the following points:

  1. Verify the facility's licence. Is it a Ministry of Health-licensed healthcare facility, or does it hold only a commercial business licence?
  2. Confirm the physician's qualifications. Make sure the person performing the procedure is a medical doctor and holds the necessary certifications.
  3. Ask about product approvals. Find out whether CE-marked and Ministry of Health-approved products are being used.
  4. Observe emergency response equipment. Ask whether the equipment and medications needed to manage potential complications are on hand.
  5. Review the informed consent form. If no detailed consent form is provided, this is a serious warning sign.
  6. Do not base your decision on price alone. Extremely low prices may indicate substandard materials or an unqualified practitioner.

Inspection and Complaint Mechanisms

Citizens who detect unauthorised medical procedures may file a complaint via the ALO 184 SABIM Helpline or the Provincial Health Directorate. Following inspections, suspension of operations, financial penalties, and even criminal prosecution may be initiated.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between beauty salons and medical clinics is a critical step in protecting your health. Medical aesthetic procedures must always be performed in licensed healthcare facilities by specialist physicians. At Virtuana Clinic, all our procedures are carried out in a sterile environment in accordance with Ministry of Health standards, by our expert team. Please contact us for pricing information.