A 60-year-old man from Thessaloniki is alleging he paid €10,900 for facial treatments after two men who presented themselves as a plastic surgeon and dermatologist reportedly convinced him he needed treatment for cysts — warning him that without intervention he could even develop skin cancer. Speaking to ERTnews, the man claimed that following the procedures he suffered burns on his face, and when he sought treatment at a public hospital, doctors confirmed he had no acneic cysts at all. According to his complaint, neither of the two individuals appears to be registered as a member of the Thessaloniki Medical Association.
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Fake doctors scam: The injections and the cancer warning
According to the 60-year-old’s account, the two men proposed a series of injectable treatments at multiple points on his face and neck. “They told me I needed treatments with injectable compounds on my face — that they would inject my forehead, the area under my eyes, and even my neck,” he said. He claims the clinic staff presented the treatment as essential and repeatedly warned him of serious consequences if he did not proceed. “If it wasn’t treated properly and quickly, I could even develop skin cancer,” he stated. He then sought examination at a public hospital, where doctors found no evidence of acneic cysts — while he also alleges the procedures left him with burns on his face. The total amount he says he paid for the treatments reached €10,900.
Neither man appears on the Thessaloniki Medical Association registry
The two men had presented themselves to the 60-year-old as a plastic surgeon and a dermatologist. Subsequent investigation reportedly revealed that neither appears as a registered member of the Thessaloniki Medical Association. Meanwhile, similar complaints regarding illegal or irregular medical procedures carried out at beauty institutes and aesthetic clinics are being examined in other parts of the country as well. In Crete, the Chania Medical Association has already filed criminal complaints, and according to its president, Voula Orfanoudaki, speaking to the ERTnews Newsroom, three criminal referrals have been submitted, with a further complaint to the Aestheticians’ Association also under consideration. The cases involve procedures that, according to the complaints, exceed the scope of standard aesthetic services and encroach on medical practice — particularly with regard to injectable treatments.
Athens Medical Association clarifies its role in the Mazonakis case
In a related development, the Athens Medical Association (ISA) has issued new clarifications regarding reports made in previous years against the doctor at the center of the Giorgos Mazonakis death case. The ISA reiterates that no formal written complaint had been filed concerning the operation of her private practice. It does confirm, however, that in 2014 a written report was submitted regarding a separate incident by the parent of a minor patient, relating to the issuance of a medical certificate concerning the minor’s mental health. According to the ISA, following review of the complaint, the Board of Directors decided to refer the doctor to the Disciplinary Council and ordered an immediate, unannounced inspection. The case concerned allegations that the doctor had examined the minor and issued a psychiatric assessment without holding the relevant medical specialization.
