Dr Natalia Bratu, founder of Dublin's Refine Clinic, is warning that cosmetic procedures undertaken at home can cause lasting damage. As online tutorials and imported devices make DIY treatments easier to access, Ireland's Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has increased enforcement activity by more than 400% in recent years. The regulator has also been seizing unauthorised products and removing unlawful promotions aimed at Irish consumers. Dr Bratu says it's no longer just unregulated clinics putting people at risk; increasingly, it's happening in people's own homes.
People are turning to online tutorials and imported devices to treat themselves," says Dr Bratu. "What looks simple in a video can go wrong within minutes, and the damage can prove permanent."
The Five Treatments to Avoid Undertaking at Home
1. DIY Microneedling
Microneedling is the most familiar example, and the risk starts as soon as people move beyond basic cosmetic rollers. Deeper needles or professional-style devices bought online raise the risk of infection, scarring and pigmentation changes when used without proper hygiene or training.
2. DIY Chemical Peels
Problems escalate when consumers buy high-strength acids meant for professional use. The wrong concentration, leaving a peel on too long, or using it on unsuitable skin can cause chemical burns, inflammation and permanent scarring.
3. DIY Mole Removal
This is where the risk becomes serious. Products sold online claim to burn or freeze away moles at home, but a mole should always be properly assessed first. For instance, removing a suspicious lesion without a diagnosis can delay the detection of skin cancer.
4. Self-Injecting Dermal Filler Bought Online
Self-injecting introduces risks many consumers don't expect from an aesthetic treatment. Beyond infection and poor results, filler injected into a blood vessel can cause vascular occlusion and tissue damage, particularly in certain facial areas.
5. DIY Plasma Pens
Plasma or fibroblast pens are sold online for tightening skin and softening wrinkles. Because they work by creating a controlled burn, incorrect use can cause deeper burns, scarring, infection and long-term pigmentation changes.
The Expert’s Opinion
Dr Bratu says the common thread across all five is a mismatch between the confidence of online marketing and the medical judgement required to use these tools safely. Devices and products once reserved for clinics are now sold directly to consumers, often with little guidance on suitability or aftercare. Mild complications are likely under-reported, since many people manage them privately rather than seeking a formal diagnosis.
None of this is about scaring people away from wanting to look and feel their best," says Dr Bratu. "It's about understanding where genuine medical judgement is required, and where a video simply can't replace it. A consultation isn't a sales step, it's a safety check."
Dr Bratu recommends treating any at-home cosmetic product with the same caution as a prescription treatment. She advises checking a seller's credentials, avoiding devices with no clear safety certification and seeking a professional opinion on any changing mole before attempting removal of any kind. If a reaction does occur, early medical attention gives the best chance of a full recovery.
How the Information Was Gathered
Information for this press release was gathered from freely available sources. This includes the HPRA enforcement activity figure as reported by DWF Group in March 2026, citing Health Products Regulatory Authority data.
Notes to Editors
About Dr Natalia Bratu: Dr Natalia Bratu (IMC 335160) is an expert general medical practitioner with more than two decades of clinical experience. She graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1998, subsequently earning a postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology from University College Dublin (UCD) in 2009. She also holds a Master's Degree in Sports Science and Exercise from University College Cork (UCC). Dr Bratu served as an official FAI Medical Staff Doctor for the Republic of Ireland Women's International Football Team until recently. She is a fully registered member of the Irish Medical Council and a leading voice for ethical, doctor-led aesthetic medicine in Ireland.
About Refine Clinic
Dr Natalia Bratu is the founder and owner of one of Ireland's leading premium clinics. She focuses on doctor-led medical aesthetics, dermatology, hair loss, sexual health and intimate wellness, and weight loss and wellness practice, based at 24 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2. Guided by a patient-centred philosophy, the clinic specialises in advanced device technologies and tailored treatment pathways designed to support long-term skin health.