Hyaluronic acid injections have become one of the most requested treatments in aesthetic-oriented medicine.
Injections must be performed by a doctor ; no other profession is authorized to carry out this procedure. Doctors who are licensed to practice are registered in the medical professions registry, called MedReg.
Praised for their effectiveness, their natural and reversible results, hyaluronic acid injections appeal to a wide range of patients wishing to correct wrinkles, restore volume, or improve the quality of the skin. But their growing popularity raises an essential question : who can legally be entrusted with this type of injection in Switzerland ?
The answer, clear yet often poorly known by the general public, is based on a strict legal framework designed to guarantee patient safety. Because although this procedure may seem harmless due to its speed, it nonetheless remains a full medical act, involving both rigorous technique and a detailed knowledge of facial anatomy.
In Switzerland, hyaluronic acid injections are governed by the Federal Act on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (Therapeutic Products Act, TPA) and by the Ordinance on Medical Devices (MedDO). These texts consider that any subcutaneous administration of substances, including hyaluronic acid, falls under the responsibility of physicians.
This means that, in order to legally inject hyaluronic acid, the practitioner must imperatively be a qualified doctor, or a specialized nurse acting under the direct supervision of a doctor present on site.
Outside this framework, the procedure is illegal, and its performance exposes both the patient to health risks and the unauthorized practitioner to legal proceedings.
According to the Swiss authorities (cantons, Swissmedic), any intradermal or subcutaneous injection of products such as hyaluronic acid is classified as a medical procedure, because it penetrates the skin barrier ; modifies the appearance and structure of the face or body ; and involves risks of complications (hematoma, improper injection, infection, necrosis).
In Switzerland, aesthetic procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections are experiencing rapid growth. However, they remain full medical procedures and must therefore be governed by strict regulations. It is therefore important to know which professionals can be trusted.
Doctors are the only practitioners fully authorized to perform injections independently. Doctors trained in these techniques possess in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, the ability to assess indications and contraindications, as well as technical expertise ensuring a harmonious and safe result.
Trained nurses may, in certain cases, participate in these treatments, but only under the direct supervision of a doctor and within an approved medical practice or medical center. They must undergo specific additional training. Under no circumstances may a nurse inject alone or practice in a beauty salon or institute without medical supervision.
Some untrained or unauthorized individuals now offer injections at home, in beauty institutes, following advertising on social media. These practices, often appealing because of their accessibility or attractive prices, are nevertheless strictly prohibited in Switzerland.
Beauticians, hairdressers, influencers, or any other non-physician are under no circumstances authorized to inject hyaluronic acid. Even if they have cosmetic training, beauticians are not allowed to perform this type of procedure. No private training or training obtained abroad allows authorization to inject in Switzerland. The use of needle-free devices, such as the Hyaluron Pen, is also considered an injection and remains a medical procedure.
These restrictions exist for safety reasons. A poorly performed injection can lead to serious complications : skin necrosis (destruction of tissues), blindness, vascular occlusion if the product is injected into a vessel, the Tyndall effect (bluish reflection under the skin), or even sometimes severe local infections.
Aesthetic-oriented medical procedures are never harmless. They require solid medical training and a perfect knowledge of anatomy.
When a doctor performs hyaluronic acid injections, they fully engage their medical responsibility, both on a technical, ethical, and human level. Every procedure must be justified by an appropriate indication, carried out using CE-certified products specifically designed for injectable use. The doctor also has the duty to inform the patient about the expected benefits, the possible risks, the precautions to follow, and the post-treatment follow-up process.
This responsibility is not limited to the precision of the procedure : it also includes the quality of listening and support provided. A trustworthy doctor takes the time to understand the patient’s expectations, assess the feasibility of the treatment, and propose the safest and most natural solution. The injection then becomes a true medical treatment, performed within a rigorous medical framework and based on trust.
To entrust one’s face to an experienced doctor, certain criteria are essential. It is important to consult a real doctor practicing within an authorized medical setting, holding a recognized diploma and registered with the FMH (Swiss Medical Federation). An initial consultation should always be offered in order to establish a precise diagnosis and explain the treatment in a personalized manner. Transparency is also a guarantee of professionalism : a clear quotation, information about the products used, and availability for follow-up are all part of high-quality care.
Conversely, caution should be exercised regarding injections performed at home or in beauty salons, without prior medical consultation. Abnormally low prices, the absence of product certification, or social media accounts without verifiable references should all raise concerns.
In Switzerland, only doctors are authorized to freely perform hyaluronic acid injections. Nurses may perform them, but only under direct medical supervision.
Any procedure carried out outside this framework is illegal, dangerous, and offers no recourse in the event of complications.
Choosing a qualified doctor means choosing medical safety, precision of the procedure, respect for natural results, and comprehensive, personalized, and monitored care.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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