The tragic death of Giorgos Mazonakis has sparked a broader conversation about the misuse of the medical profession, as well as the advertising and performance of supposed medical procedures lacking scientific backing. At the same time, scrutiny is growing around scientific-sounding terms like “detox,” “blood cleansing,” and “longevity,” which, as evidence increasingly suggests, function primarily as marketing tools.
But what’s actually true, and how can patients protect themselves? Drawing on data from official bodies, we’ve compiled answers to 15 essential questions everyone should ask and research before consulting a doctor or health professional and undergoing a medical procedure.
How do we know a private doctor’s office is operating legally?
Look for the official “Licensed Medical Practice” sign issued by the relevant Medical Association, which should be prominently displayed. This is the only official certification confirming that the practice holds legal operating status. The Athens Medical Association (ISA) also advises: check the doctor’s credentials, and don’t be swayed by flashy advertising, questionable titles, or unsubstantiated promises made on social media.
Can any private medical practice perform any medical procedure?
No. Not every medical procedure can be performed by every medical specialty, and certainly not without the appropriate specialized training. Simply holding the title of doctor cannot substitute for the training and experience required to safely perform a specific procedure, according to the Confederation of Private Doctors of Greece (SIDIE).
When should we question whether a procedure is better performed in a hospital?
Whenever there’s a possibility of a serious or sudden complication, and immediate access to organized hospital support may be needed.
Should we know exactly who will be performing the procedure?
Patients have the right to know the full name and specialty of the doctor performing the procedure, as well as, depending on the process, which other healthcare professionals will be involved.
What is the doctor required to explain?
Greece’s institutional framework for patient rights includes, among other things, the right to be informed about receiving appropriate and evidence-based healthcare services. This means doctors must address four key areas: why the specific procedure is necessary, what benefit is expected, the risks involved, and the available alternatives.
Is there a plan in place in case of complications?
This may be the single most useful question a patient can ask. How likely is a complication? Is there a plan for handling it and transferring the patient if needed? How quickly could the patient be moved to a hospital?
Is seeking a second opinion excessive?
No. This is especially important for non-urgent, invasive, or costly procedures, when treatment is recommended to a patient without clear symptoms, or when a doctor promises dramatic results.
What does “detox” actually mean?
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), states in its informational report “Detoxes and Cleanses: What You Need To Know” that there is limited human data on various detox programs, ranging from special diets to colon hydrotherapy, and that existing studies have significant limitations, including small sample sizes and design flaws.
What is “blood cleansing”?
Therapeutic plasmapheresis is a scientifically established medical procedure with specific indications, such as certain blood disorders (e.g., thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Goodpasture syndrome, sickle cell disease during acute crises), neurological conditions (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome), as well as specific kidney and transplant-related conditions. This does not, under any circumstances, mean that plasmapheresis serves as a general bodily “cleanse” or a detox method for healthy individuals.
Can plasmapheresis “renew” the body?
There is no evidence that it functions as a detoxification method or an anti-aging treatment. A randomized study published last year in Scientific Reports examined healthy adults who underwent repeated plasmapheresis sessions. The study found no evidence of “epigenetic rejuvenation,” with researchers concluding that no benefits were identified. However, a separate small randomized study from 2025, involving just 42 adults over the age of 50, did find improvement in certain biological age markers. While this is an interesting finding, it does not constitute proof, and researchers emphasized that this particular intervention has not received approval from relevant regulatory bodies, domestically or internationally.
What does “anti-aging” mean?
The science of aging studies real biological mechanisms, such as cellular senescence, epigenetic changes, and inflammation. However, this doesn’t mean every intervention labeled “anti-aging” is scientifically validated. A notable example is an article published this past August in the respected scientific journal Nature Medicine, in which the authors emphasized that despite research progress, evidence supporting real clinical benefits of anti-aging interventions in humans remains limited.
And what exactly is “longevity”?
Longevity, research into extending years of healthy life, is a legitimate scientific field. Still, the recent Nature Medicine article highlights a gap between promising mechanisms targeting the aging process and actual proof of clinical benefit. It’s no coincidence that following the tragic death of the beloved artist, which exposed serious gaps in oversight, health ministry leadership announced plans for a new regulatory framework governing longevity services, along with a new app that would allow citizens to verify a clinic’s license and which medical procedures it’s authorized to perform.
Can we actually calculate “biological age”?
Various biomarkers have been identified as indicators of biological age, such as “epigenetic clocks,” which measure a person’s biological age, a figure that can differ from their chronological age. However, this remains an active area of ongoing research.
What does “cellular renewal” mean?
It’s not a specific, established treatment. The term can refer to a range of different research approaches aimed at influencing mechanisms related to cellular aging. Scientists stress that the distinction between research and commercial application is critical. A method being in clinical trials means it’s being evaluated, not that it has already been proven effective or that it can be offered to the general public as an anti-aging treatment.
What about stem cells?
Stem cells and regenerative medicine represent a genuine and promising area of research. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about unapproved cell and tissue products, along with claims covering an extremely wide range of conditions. The key question, ultimately, is whether the specific application being proposed has actual scientific and regulatory approval.
Source: tanea
