Else Beekman
An influencer with thousands of followers has been arrested at Málaga Airport on suspicion of performing illegal lip fillers. The woman, who ran an aesthetic clinic in Madrid, used a needle-free method to inject hyaluronic acid into the lips.
This technique is not recognised by Spanish health authorities. She also lacked any medical qualifications, which are legally required for such procedures.
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‘Painless, just perfect lips’
On her Instagram profile, the woman promoted treatments using the so-called Hyaluron Pen, which she claimed provided “full, hydrated lips” “without needles and without pain”. She promised a natural look “with that glow that lights up your face”. It was clear her followers did not know that this method is not approved for use in Spain.
The case came to light after officers from the Guardia Civil in Navarra launched an investigation. They contacted the Spanish society of esthetic medical treatments (SEME). A spokesperson confirmed that the use of the Hyaluron Pen in medical settings is illegal and can pose health risks.
Influencer offered online courses
The influencer didn’t stop at offering treatments herself. She also gave courses to train others in the technique. In one of her posts, she wrote that she had “learned the method online a few years ago” and encouraged followers to do the same via her digital training sessions. According to police, this points not only to illegal medical practice, but also to the spread of potentially dangerous techniques with no professional oversight.
Clinic in Marbella also under investigation
The case is not limited to Madrid. The owners of similar clinics in Marbella, Pamplona and again in Madrid are also under investigation. The Marbella centre is reported to have offered Hyaluron Pen treatments as well. The women involved are suspected of professional medical malpractice and endangering public health.
Complaints from clients
Several clients who spoke to the media reported negative experiences. Some suffered painful swelling and had to have the hyaluronic acid dissolved. The Guardia Civil is currently working to identify how many people may have been affected.
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