German Court Bans Before-and-After Photos for Hyaluronic Acid Treatments

The ruling by the Oberlandesgericht Hamm aims to prevent medically unnecessary procedures with potential health risks from being promoted.

The Oberlandesgericht Hamm ruled that advertising with before-and-after images for hyaluronic acid treatments is prohibited under the Heilmittelwerbegesetz.
The decision came after the Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen sued a company in Recklinghausen for using these images to market facial procedures online.
The court classified the use of hyaluronic acid fillers as an 'operative plastic-surgical procedure,' which is not medically necessary.
Concerns were raised about the influence of media and social networks in promoting unrealistic beauty standards, especially among young people.
The ruling is not yet legally binding, as the court has allowed for an appeal, acknowledging that the issue has not been addressed by a higher court.