HPAZ Targets Illegal Brazilian Butt Lift, Breast Enhancement, And Tummy Tuck Salons

The Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ) has warned about the rise of cosmetic and beauty procedures being offered outside regulated health facilities.

HPAZ says some of these treatments are invasive and should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals.

In a statement, HPAZ Secretary General Clotilda Chimbwanda said the law will take strong action against anyone flouting the rules. She said:

“It has come to our attention that several beauty salons, wellness spas, and unregistered boutiques are offering services such as teeth whitening, intravenous vitamin infusions, chemical skin peels, and other invasive cosmetic treatments without the mandatory medical licenses or qualified personnel.”

Invasive cosmetic procedures include Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, reduction and lifts, rhinoplasty, facelifts, chin and cheek implants, Botox, dermal fillers, deep chemical peels, microneedling with PRP, IV vitamin infusions, and injection-based fat reduction (lipolysis).

Chimbwanda pointed out that Section 121 of the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) makes it clear that no one is allowed to practise as a health professional or carry out any related procedures unless they are properly registered under the Act. She said:

“Performing medical acts like injections or chemical treatments in an environment other than a health facility is a direct violation of this law.

“Furthermore, Section 99 mandates that no person shall operate or carry on a health institution unless it is registered with the HPA.

“Any unregistered facility offering medical-grade cosmetic procedures is therefore illegal.”

Chimbwanda added that even the clinics themselves must follow the law, warning that some operators are misrepresenting their qualifications to unsuspecting clients.

She said Section 126 makes it a criminal offence for anyone to claim they are a registered practitioner or to carry out duties reserved for licensed professionals if they aren’t qualified.

Chimbwanda urged the public to check the credentials of any clinic or practitioner before going ahead with any procedures. She said:

“Before undergoing any procedure, you must check for the HPA registration certificate, which must be prominently displayed in the reception area.

“You should also verify the practitioner’s license by asking to see a current practising certificate from the relevant council.

“If you encounter any suspicious activity or a facility that refuses to show its credentials, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the authority.”