In a statement, the ERS stated that in 2024, it received over 200 reports, in which 111 establishments were reported, the same number as in 2023. In the first half of 2025, 33 were reported.

Between April 2022 and the end of June of this year, the ERS received 377 requests for information and clarification regarding the practice of these health treatments, such as the application of botulinum toxin (botox) and the administration of injectables such as hyaluronic acid and biostimulants.

It should be noted that, with the increase in complaints in recent years, a specific Action Plan was approved on April 1, 2022, for the intervention and regulation of establishments providing aesthetic healthcare, and a monitoring process was established in this area.

Of the total complaints received throughout this monitoring process, the ERS concluded that 290 establishments warranted inspections to ensure the safety and health of their users, the majority in the Lisbon region.

Based on the various complaints and reports received, between 2023 and the end of the first half of 2025, the ERS conducted 165 inspections (67 in 2023, 55 in 2024, and 43 by June 30, 2025) of establishments providing aesthetic healthcare.

In the first half of 2025, inspections were carried out in the districts of Faro, Setúbal, Porto, Guarda, Viseu, and Leiria.

In the note, the ERS further explains that the identification and prioritization of establishments to be inspected takes into account, among other criteria, "the potential severity of the reported situations" regarding the risk to user health and safety, and/or the "receipt of requests for collaboration from other inspection agencies," such as ASAE and Infarmed.

The results of the inspections carried out by the ERS resulted in precautionary measures suspending activities in 16 healthcare establishments between 2023 and the first half of 2025. The main reason was the identification of professionals unqualified to provide this type of healthcare.

Regarding the most common procedures performed in aesthetic healthcare establishments, namely the application of botulinum toxin (Botox) and facial fillers with hyaluronic acid, the ERS (National Health System) informs that only doctors and dentists registered with their respective professional associations are authorized and qualified to perform these procedures.

Therefore, the ERS advises anyone visiting any of these establishments to confirm that the establishment has a registration certificate issued by the regulator (which must be displayed in a visible location), an operating license for the type(s) of activity performed, identifying the clinical director, and a complaints book and informational sign.

Patrons should also verify that they are being treated by a qualified professional, that is, that the professional holds the appropriate professional license. The license can be requested from the professional organization or by visiting the website of the respective professional association.

Read more...