People increasingly prioritize their appearance, constantly competing on looks, fueling the growth of the cosmetic industry—especially minimally invasive procedures that offer beauty enhancements without surgery. Yet these treatments carry significant risks. Numerous cases exist of disfigurement from unlicensed clinics. Recently, a minimally invasive aesthetician even disfigured her own face before opening her practice.
Xiao Xiao, a beautician from Hengyang, Hunan, saw the lucrative potential in the minimally invasive cosmetic field and enrolled in a training program. Within a week, she obtained a certificate purportedly issued by the Hong Kong International Professional Qualification Training and Certification Center, stating she had completed a year-and-a-half of training.
After opening her minimally invasive cosmetic studio, Xiao Xiao ordered a batch of hyaluronic acid products via WeChat, claiming they were directly shipped from South Korea. Her first customer was herself.
Facing the mirror, Xiao Xiao tentatively injected herself to plump her forehead. But the injection caused a large lump to form on her forehead. The lump not only persisted but turned red and purple.
Experts indicate that what Xiao Xiao purchased and injected was likely not hyaluronic acid, but Omeding—a substance long banned by the state.
After undergoing surgery at a hospital, the substance in Xiaoxiao's forehead was largely removed, costing her approximately 20,000 yuan. However, the seller who originally sold her the hyaluronic acid had already blocked her, leaving her with no recourse for compensation.
After this ordeal, Xiao Xiao dared not undergo any more cosmetic procedures. Yet countless beauticians like her, trained only minimally, continue performing cosmetic surgeries using unregulated substances, posing significant risks to beauty seekers.
Experts caution beauty seekers that only four hyaluronic acid brands are currently approved by China's National Medical Products Administration: imported Restylane (Switzerland) and Yewon (South Korea), plus domestic brands Runbaiyan and Yimei. Avoid injections of any other products.