Overview

• The Bundesgerichtshof confirmed that needle-based facial treatments qualify as operative plastic-surgical interventions under the Heilmittelwerbegesetz, banning public use of comparative before-after images.
• Providers must remove such visuals from websites and social media, with comparative photos permitted only in private medical consultations.
• The decision upholds last year’s Oberlandesgericht Hamm verdict and follows a 2023 injunction against misleading professional titles in the beauty sector.
• Consumer advocates applauded the expanded ban as a measure to prevent suggestive advertising from downplaying complications or fostering unrealistic expectations.
• Aesthetify and similar influencer-led practices had already ceased public before-after marketing, but now face a nationwide, legally binding standard.