The World of Aesthetic Medicine in Israel: Navigating Beauty Safely

In Israel, as across the globe, the practice of administering hyaluronic acid injections by unauthorized individuals—beauticians, hairdressers, nail technicians—is alarmingly on the rise. But who’s to blame? The answer lies in online marketplaces offering dubious products and social media platforms that allow "fake injectors" to promote their services, promising enticing results at irresistibly low prices.

The outcome? Frequent complications, some severe, arise from these unauthorized procedures. Issues range from local infections that can escalate without prompt treatment, viral or bacterial contamination from non-sterile equipment, to tissue necrosis if the injection hits a blood vessel, lumps under the skin, and even blindness.

These unlicensed practitioners, often operating out of apartments or backroom salons, are attracting a significant number of young clients. Alarmingly, many older men and women are also entrusting their faces to these impostors.

Desiring smooth, firm skin, a radiant complexion, subtly contoured cheeks, and delicately shaped lips is entirely understandable. Taking care of one's appearance and preventing the early signs of skin laxity can even be seen as a form of self-respect. But there's a crucial caveat: not at the expense of your health!

The medical community and Israel's Ministry of Health are taking action against this growing menace. As of July 1, 2024, the sale of hyaluronic acid-based injectable products in pharmacies has been banned in France—a move mirrored by stringent online regulations. Officially licensed laboratories have ceased selling these products to individuals.

Israel, too, is cracking down on charlatans. A decade ago, a fake doctor was arrested at a prestigious Tel Aviv clinic for performing Botox injections without a medical license.

To assess the situation firsthand, I visited pharmacies in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Netanya, attempting to purchase hyaluronic acid injections. Each time, I was met with a firm, sometimes indignant, refusal: "We don't have that." Even when I suggested using a doctor's prescription, the answer was a resounding "No!" Their unwavering stance was, in fact, reassuring.

However, a well-known Asian website offers ready-to-use hyaluronic acid at bargain prices, complete with cannulas, injector pens, and rollers. It’s a virtual marketplace where a syringe containing 1ml of hyaluronic acid (enough for a lip or cheek treatment) sells for just 71.60 shekels—about six times cheaper than an equivalent vial from a European or American laboratory that adheres to rigorous safety standards.

This seemingly cheap option can turn out to be incredibly costly when you consider the serious consequences of using counterfeit products.

But don’t worry! To help you enjoy effective, non-invasive, safe aesthetic treatments that fit into your active lifestyle, we’ve put together a tried-and-true guide. Follow these steps:

- Check the Israeli Ministry of Health’s website to ensure that the person you’re considering is a certified medical doctor. Their extensive training and deep understanding of facial and body anatomy make them the only ones qualified to ensure safe injections. Every patient gets a new syringe, and the clinics maintain strict hygiene standards to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases like HIV or hepatitis C.

- Before your first appointment, ask if you can speak with previous patients treated by the doctor you’ve chosen. Their feedback and the appearance of their skin can help you determine if the practitioner’s expertise aligns with your expectations.

- On the day of your treatment, the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical interview to learn about your medical history, including allergies and autoimmune diseases. This is also your chance to ask any pressing questions: costs and estimates, treatment areas, session count, product names, manufacturing laboratories, and the durability of results. Getting answers to these legitimate questions will help you approach your treatment with confidence.

-  Don’t demand a celebrity-endorsed treatment. Your face is unique, and after analyzing your features, profile, and skin, the doctor will recommend a personalized treatment plan.

- Don’t fear the pain! Today’s medical protocols are almost painless and comfortable. Depending on the area being treated, the doctor will choose a more or less fluid hyaluronic acid, but always of the highest quality. Certified by the Israeli Ministry of Health, these products blend seamlessly with skin tissues, giving your face a youthful, natural look. The best part? The formula often includes an anesthetic, eliminating the need for numbing creams before the injection!

To further guide you, we’re launching a new feature in Alliance magazine—a series introducing aesthetic doctors (often French-speaking) practicing in Israel. They’ll discuss their protocols, whether traditional or cutting-edge, and share their philosophies. You’ll also read testimonials from patients whose experiences, doubts, and satisfaction will enrich your understanding. Whether to take the plunge or not—that’s up to you!

Our mission is clear: to sift through the noise, debunk illegal and dangerous practices, and help you embrace beauty safely!