In a move that has stirred public conversation around beauty procedures and medical oversight, the Liberian Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has suspended all suction-based vacuum therapy operations at Fortune Skincare pending further review.
The decision comes amid growing concerns about the regulation and safety of non-surgical cosmetic treatments being offered across the country. Though vacuum therapy is widely promoted as a harmless, non-invasive body contouring procedure, the LMDC has stressed that such practices are not without risk, especially when performed without proper clinical training and regulatory compliance.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Council pointed out that international standards require practitioners of vacuum therapy to be proficient not only in aesthetics, but also in life-saving skills like CPR and first aid. Operators are also expected to understand the anatomy of skin, fat, and muscle, and to apply strict infection control protocols. Perhaps most importantly, the equipment used must be certified by the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), and all procedures must be overseen by a qualified medical doctor.
Fortune Skincare, a popular beauty and wellness establishment in Monrovia, is now under scrutiny for allegedly falling short of these standards. While no injuries or specific incidents have been made public, the LMDC has taken a preventive approach, emphasizing its role in protecting consumers from potential medical complications that could arise from unregulated procedures.
In a swift response, Fortune Skincare has submitted documents to the LMDC in an effort to validate its operator’s qualifications and demonstrate compliance. The establishment is said to be cooperating fully with both the LMDC and LMHRA as they carry out inspections and reviews.
“Public safety remains our utmost priority,” the LMDC said in its release. “We will continue to enforce clinical and ethical standards in all cosmetic and therapeutic procedures offered within the Republic.”
The situation has brought attention to the broader landscape of cosmetic services in Liberia, where beauty trends are rising, but regulatory frameworks are still catching up. Health officials are calling on all wellness centers and spas offering advanced procedures to adhere strictly to medical guidelines, or risk similar suspensions.
The LMDC’s action is supported by key institutions including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the Liberian Board of Nursing and Midwifery, and the West African College of Surgeons.
As the review process continues, the fate of vacuum therapy services at Fortune Skincare remains uncertain, but the message from Liberia’s medical authorities is clear: beauty must never come at the cost of safety.
