Hidden in the quiet corners of Harare’s affluent suburbs, a growing trend is emerging — one that experts warn could pose serious risks to public health.
They call it aesthetic cosmetology.
By definition, aesthetic cosmetology encompasses non-surgical, often medical-grade procedures designed to enhance appearance, improve skin health, and slow aging without invasive surgery.
These treatments include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, micro needling, and laser therapies, usually performed by trained professionals.
However, an investigation by Truth Diggers has shown that most of these procedures are being done by untrained and unregistered personnel.
A visit to Zarrow Aesthetics proved that the practice is somehow shady.
The place is tucked further into the confines of a close and looks quiet and deserted, a direct contrast to many practices in the health sector that are located along busy streets close to the people.
A lady, who intercepted this reporter at the reception, said there was an aesthetician and a doctor, but the first port of call would be to the former who would decide if the challenge would need a doctor.
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She gave assurance that there was rarely a need to see the doctor.
The consultation with the aesthetician, named Farai, didn't last more than two minutes before she gave a plan of action, prescribing a procedure which she said would be done immediately.
There was no examination, which led to the reporter’s constant queries until they were taken to the doctor's room for further analysis.
After a lot of probing with the doctor a prescription for some drugs was made and several tests requested.
Both the tests and the prescribed procedures totalled over US$100.
Though no further activity was carried out.
Investigations into the nature of practices at the centre which operates under the name Lumina Medical Centre have shown that a partnership with a local medical practitioner was withdrawn.
A letter to Farai Munemo, operating at the centre as an aesthetician said the partnership was withdrawn owing to "irreconcilable differences which arise from several issues
They included covert treatment procedures which can jeopardize my standing in the medical field.
There were also issues of non-transparency on financial transactions with doctors not receiving any rewards or dividends since the surgery was registered seven months ago.
Only one partner decides everything for everyone, a development that should never be condoned for virtuous workmanship.”
“As a qualified and experienced doctor, I feel used like toilet paper,” read the letter served to Munemo.
“I have notified the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, the HPA of this development. By copy of this letter, you can seek assistance from any medical practitioner who is willing to partner.
“The license fees are however paid up but the receipts await the new practitioner to upload them. Attached are copies of letters to both the Medical Council and HPA.”
The centre offers services such as the now popular Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) which is pegged at US$1200, liposuction, several skin procedures and infusions among other aligned services.
Recently, the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ) warned about the rise of cosmetic and beauty procedures being offered outside HPAZ, saying some of these treatments are invasive and should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals.
In a statement, HPAZ secretary general Clotilda Chimbwanda warned that the law will take strong action against anyone flouting the rules.
"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,” Chimbwanda said.
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 "performing medical acts like injections or chemical treatments in an environment other than a health facility 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,” she said.
Another institution, Aurum Aesthetic and Cosmetic surgery operating in the confines of the leafy suburb of Chisipite, with no visible signage of their business proved they offer most of the services which the HPA stresses need to be conducted by trained and registered medical personnel.
Typical of other such centres, the place is in a quiet area, looks deserted and unless one knows about it, it's difficult to locate.
Services offered at Aurum Cosmetics include injectables like Botox, Lip Filler, Butt Filler, Cheek Filler, Jawline Contour, Chin Projection, Full Facial Balancing, Exosomes, Stem Cell Therapy and Salmon DNA.
The IV therapy and wellness bar includes services such as Vitamin C Drip, Vitamin Infusion, Myers Cocktail, Hydration Drip, Red Carpet Drip, Glow Drip, Brightening Drip, Triple Lightening Drip, Detox Drip, Acne Drip, Luxe Heat Detox Session and Auto Lymphatic Drainage.
* Truth Diggers is the investigative unit of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), publishers of NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent, The Standard and Southern Eye. AMH also operates an online broadcasting channel HStv
