Experts call for stricter regulation and better awareness of the beauty and aesthetics industry

SHAH ALAM - Following the death of a 29-year-old mother due to breast augmentation surgery, experts have urged authorities to take immediate action in curbing the spread of unlicensed beauticians and aestheticians.

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) released a press statement calling for stricter regulation and enforcement of the beauty and aesthetics industry.

The statement was released after media outlets reported the death of a 29-year-old mother after having a hyaluronic acid breast augmentation surgery in a beautician's home in Skudai, Johor Bahru. Additionally, in 2020, model Coco Siew died after liposuction was illegally performed at a beauty salon in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

MMA stated that it takes a serious view of these incidents caused by unlicensed beauticians and urges the Health Ministry (MOH) to take immediate action to address these concerns.

MMA President, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai explains that the association had on several occasions, even in August last year, called for the authorities to clamp down on unlicensed beauty and aesthetics centres.

"Enforcement includes checking on if practitioners and premises providing aesthetic services have the necessary qualifications and registration with the authorities.

"The public also has an important role in reporting unqualified or unregistered practitioners or premises operating illegally," he said.

Alainn Wellness Medical Director, Dr Nurul Ain Abdullah concurred with him, emphasising that increasing public awareness about aesthetic procedures, namely breast rejuvenation is very important.

"What we would like the public to know is that when it comes to beauty treatments, it is normally divided into these three categories: plastic surgery, medical aesthetics, and beauty centres.

"Currently, the approved treatment for breast rejuvenation can only be carried out by a plastic surgeon," she said.

She explained that plastic surgery is normally carried out in a hospital by medical doctors who are surgeons and have the license to operate on patients.

"At the moment, women seeking a breast rejuvenation procedure can either opt for fat transfer or silicone implant." Dr Ain added that the procedure done by the victim, which involved a hyaluronic acid filler, has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not safe to be injected into the breast tissue.

She said some of the complications that may arise from getting breast fillers include infection or embolism, imploring the public to be more aware of medical aesthetics procedures.

"To women who are seeking breast augmentation treatment, the correct place to seek and consult treatment would be through a registered plastic surgeon," Dr Ain said.

The MMA also mentioned that the names of the medical practitioners would appear on the National Registry of Registered Medical Practitioners Practising Aesthetic Medical Practice on the MOH's official website.

Additionally, it is important to note that doctors with LCP (Letter of Credentialing and Privileging) are not qualified to perform plastic surgeries, and only plastic surgeons are qualified to perform the procedures.

Dr Muruga Raj pointed out that a person can be at risk of serious complications and even death if medical aesthetic procedures are performed incorrectly by unqualified, unregistered practitioners.