Many consumers are unaware that a practitioner must be certified
Editor: Lex van Vliet
Our mission: To eliminate unqualified practitioners from carrying out Botox and filler treatments.
The journalistic platform Pointer investigated 90 social media accounts advertising filler treatments. Of those reviewed, 19 confirmed that injections were being carried out by individuals who were not medically qualified or regulated to perform the procedure. These practices are therefore operating illegally and outside the scope of UAE medical regulation.
In the Pointer broadcast, investigative journalist Anna Gimbrère exposed these unlawful practices. Dr. Tom Decates and Dr. Catharina Meijer clearly explained the risks and highlighted the dangers this poses for often vulnerable consumers.
So why do some people still choose clinics where injectables are carried out by non-medical practitioners? In many cases, consumers are unaware that administering dermal fillers is a medical procedure that should only be performed by a suitably trained and licensed professional, such as a doctor or nurse registered with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
Every injection carries potential risks. As Dr. Decates put it: “It seems that, with so many different qualifications being advertised, consumers can no longer see the wood for the trees.”
Protected titles
Terms like cosmetic specialist, injectables doctor, cosmetic practitioner, aesthetic nurse, or dermatological specialist are often used in advertising. However, these are not protected or legally recognised titles in the UAE. Most consumers are unaware that such titles differ from regulated and protected medical roles such as plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or licensed physician recognised by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH), or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
To make things even more confusing, the specific responsibilities and scope of practice for different regulated professionals are not always clearly communicated to the public.
Fact: Injectable treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers must only be performed by a suitably trained and licensed healthcare professional. Never undergo treatment from someone who is not registered with a recognised regulatory body such as the DHA, DOH, or MOHAP.
On Injectablesbooking, you’ll only find practitioners who are appropriately qualified and licensed. Patients can also independently verify a practitioner’s registration on the relevant authority’s official website.
(Here, you could also add a graphic showing which professional bodies regulate which types of practitioners in the UAE.)
Beyond simply being legally qualified, you’ll probably also want the best possible cosmetic result. That’s where competence comes in. The chances of achieving a safe, effective, and long-lasting outcome are much greater with a skilled practitioner.
Having the right qualification is the minimum requirement — but genuine competence is what you should really be looking for.
According to UAE health standards, a practitioner is considered competent if they: have thorough knowledge of the procedure, techniques, anatomy, risks, purpose, and both pre- and aftercare; can carry out the treatment and related tasks — such as decision-making and clear communication — to a high standard; and are able to manage any complications that may arise.
Injectablesbooking.ae
Editor’s note: On Injectablesbooking, you’ll only find qualified and licensed specialists. Each practitioner profile includes a direct link to their official registration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), or Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), so clients can easily verify their credentials.