EXCLUSIVE – World renowned beauty doctor dubbed ‘botox wizard to the rich and famous’ whose jetset lifestyle sees him rub shoulders with reality TV stars and DJs is suspended from practice by UK health watchdog
- Dr Raj Acquilla, 49, was suspended by the GMC for ‘non-compliance’ reasons
A world-renowned beauty doctor dubbed the ‘botox wizard to the rich and famous’ has been suspended from practice by Britain’s health watchdog, MailOnline can reveal today.
Dr Raj Acquilla, 49, who calls himself as a ‘facial aesthetics global leader,’ has clinics in Cheshire, London and Dubai and ‘shares his renowned expertise’ with beauty practitioners in online tutorials.
He documents his jetset lifestyle on Instagram, rubbing shoulders with reality stars and DJs at events around the world.
The suspension of the doctor – described as a ‘magician with gentle hands’ – has stunned the beauty industry.
One patient called him the ‘ultimate gentleman’ adding her ‘self-esteem was fully restored’ by a ‘magician with gentle hands.’
A beauty industry source told MailOnline: ‘Raj Acquilla is at the very top of his game, he’s one of the most renowned facial injection specialists in the world and he’s seen as one of the great talents in his field.
‘It will come as a massive shock that he’s been suspended by the General Medical Council, it’s come out of the blue at a time when his businesses across the world are going from strength to strength.
‘He trades on his reputation as a world leader in his field and travels all over the world to pass on his experience to others.’
The GMC has revealed that Dr Acquilla’s licence to practice was suspended on July 7th this year. The watchdog said it was unable to give details on the reason for his suspension other than it was down to ‘non-compliance.’
A GMC spokesperson said: ‘Dr Rajeev Acquilla was suspended at the beginning of June by a medical tribunal for non-compliance in relation to a GMC investigation.
‘As no appeal of this decision was lodged within the 28-day appeal period, the suspension took effect from Friday 7 July 2023.
‘Dr Acquilla has been suspended from the medical register, and therefore he is prevented from practising as a doctor. Without registration, a doctor cannot legally practise medicine in the UK. There may be some procedures which do not require GMC registration.
‘If a doctor, who is suspended, is found to be continuing to practise, we would expect the GMC to be informed so we can investigate. Without matters being reported to us we are unable to take action to maintain patient safety.
‘In line with our publication and disclosure policy, no further details regarding the non-compliance hearing will be published.’
In 2019, Dr Acquilla was banned from driving after being found to be over the drink limit, though there is no suggestion this has any bearing on his suspension.
Chester magistrates heard that Dr Acquilla was stopped after leaving Chester railway station, following a trip to London, and recorded 50 micro-grammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
He denied the charge but was tried and convicted in his absence when he failed to turn up to court in January 2019.
In a preliminary hearing the court was told Dr Acquilla claimed to have drank one gin and tonic an hour before he was breathalysed at the wheel of his Mercedes.
Dr Acquilla is well known for his party-loving lifestyle and his prowess as a DJ. Party isle Ibiza is a favourite hangout and the former resident at legendary Manchester nightclub The Hacienda still gets behind the decks.
On September 9th the Canadian Aesthetics Expo threw a cocktail party for guests at Toronto’s Noir Inside Rebel club, which was presented by ‘Dj Raj Acquilla.’
The cosmetic guru is also pictured on social media with former TOWIE cast member Yazmin Oukhellou, N-Dubz star Tulisa and DJ David Morales.
Although the suspension of his licence, which he has held since 2009, is dated July 7th, patients have continued to leave glowing reviews of his skills.
His website says he offers services including; dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle treatment, dermalux, microneedling and hydrafacials.
In a post dated August 1st, one writes: ‘I am delighted with the results of my treatment with Dr Raj Acquilla. I was very nervous about having Baby Botox and fillers for the first time but both Dr Raj and his assistant Laura were brilliant at reassuring me before and during the procedure. The treatment was quick, relatively painless and with no bruising afterwards.’
And on the same date, another said: ‘Fabulous experience—wonderful results! On arrival you are met by the lovely Helen who is charming professional and extremely knowledgeable – she immediately puts you at your ease while you wait in sumptuous surroundings. The procedure itself is totally relaxing in the knowledge that Raj knows EXACTLY what needs to be done to maximise results—Brilliant!’
And a third review of his work, also on August 1st, said: ‘I think I used the words fix me, and Raj being the ultimate gentleman he is, made me feel like I was the most beautiful woman in the world and in no way in need of the dramatic overhaul that I had created in my head. He is a magician with the most gentle hands, who, if you are lucky enough to get an appointment, you won’t be disappointed. His work is impressive, and I left my appointment having my self-esteem wholly restored.
MailOnline approached Dr Acquilla for comment on his suspension.
In a mission statement for Summit, his online aesthetic training company, he says he strives for excellence. Dr Acquilla says: ‘My principles are grounded in the promotion of excellence, safety science and education and not just satisfaction but delighting my patients with exceptional results through precise facial mapping and beautification.’
