The Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología issued a warning regarding the improper use of sedation in tattoo studios and aesthetic centers across Colombia [1, 2].

This alert comes as a response to a growing trend of using sedative drugs in non-medical environments. The practice poses a critical danger to public health because these facilities often lack the necessary equipment and trained personnel to manage medical emergencies or respiratory failure.

On June 2, 2026, the society said that many of these studios operate without the required infrastructure to safely administer sedation [1, 2]. The organization said that the lack of specialized training for those administering the drugs significantly increases the risk of severe complications, some of which can be fatal [1, 2].

Medical professionals said that sedation is a clinical procedure that requires constant monitoring of vital signs. In a standard tattoo studio or beauty center, the absence of crash carts, oxygen supplies, and anesthesia-trained staff means that a patient cannot be revived if a reaction occurs [1, 2].

The society urged citizens to prioritize their safety and avoid procedures involving sedation that are not performed in accredited medical facilities. They said that the desire for a painless experience should not outweigh the risk of death [1, 2].

Authorities are being encouraged to monitor these establishments more closely to prevent the unauthorized practice of medicine. The Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología said the current situation represents a grave risk to the health of the population [1, 2].

“The lack of specialized training for those administering the drugs significantly increases the risk of severe complications.”

The warning highlights a dangerous intersection between the booming aesthetic industry and unregulated medical practices. By utilizing sedation in non-clinical settings, providers are bypassing critical safety protocols designed to prevent anesthesia-related deaths, suggesting a regulatory gap in how Colombia monitors the administration of controlled substances in commercial studios.