Lorraine Williamson
In a significant operation, the National Police have dismantled an illegal cosmetic surgery clinic operating in Madrid’s Carabanchel district.
The clandestine facility, concealed behind a legitimate aesthetic clinic, was uncovered following an investigation prompted by reports of unauthorised surgical procedures being performed under substandard hygienic conditions.
Investigation unveils illicit operations
The investigation commenced after authorities received information about a clinic in Carabanchel allegedly conducting unauthorised cosmetic surgeries. Collaborating with the Directorate General of Inspection and Sanitary Regulation of the Community of Madrid’s Health Department, law enforcement officers discovered that four women were offering medical services without the necessary qualifications and in environments lacking the required sanitary conditions. The clandestine surgeries were accessed through a backroom of a legitimate clinic adjoining the residence of one of the suspects. Moreover, inside, officials found a substantial quantity of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, many of which were expired.
Patients hospitalised due to complications
The illicit operations led to severe health repercussions for some clients. Two women required urgent hospitalisation following liposuction procedures performed at the unauthorised clinic. One patient necessitated several days of inpatient care. Investigations revealed that the operators attempted to mitigate potential legal actions by offering refunds to dissatisfied clients in exchange for agreements not to report the incidents.
Unsanitary Conditions and Unqualified Personnel
During the raid, authorities uncovered numerous documents related to various cosmetic surgeries. These include liposuctions, breast augmentations, and even a tubal ligation. Invoices for surgical materials, pre- and post-operative care instructions, patient preoperative reports, and anesthesia consent forms were also seized. Alarmingly, the facility housed a sterilisation machine and reused gauzes, indicating gross violations of medical hygiene standards. Medications were improperly stored alongside common food items in freezers, and medical supplies were scattered throughout living areas, including the living room, bedrooms, and an attic filled with pharmaceuticals.
Arrests and ongoing investigations
Four women have been arrested on charges including professional misconduct, fraud, public health violations, and consumer rights offenses. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to analyse confiscated documents to identify additional victims. This case underscores the critical importance of verifying the credentials of medical practitioners and ensuring that cosmetic procedures are conducted in certified, sanitary environments to safeguard public health.
Also read: Woman arrested for unauthorised aesthetic treatments from home