Recent statistics released by the China Consumers Association reveal that "cosmetic procedures have disfigured 200,000 faces in China over the past decade." While this shocking figure may seem alarming, it is merely old news within the professional medical aesthetics industry. Experts interviewed recently stated bluntly that the chaos in the cosmetic surgery sector stems from inadequate enforcement by government regulatory bodies.
Experts note that 70%–80% of these 200,000 procedures were performed in beauty salons. These beauty seekers underwent treatments in non-medical settings by non-professional practitioners using illegal products. At Ninth People's Hospital, 30% of daily outpatient visits involve disfigurement victims, the vast majority resulting from illegal medical aesthetics. ""This chaotic situation began as early as 2007, yet no improvement has been seen, which is truly heartbreaking," he said.
Weak Oversight, Public Blind Followership
Previously, The New York Times reported that China has become the world's third-largest market for cosmetic surgery, following the United States and Brazil. In Shanghai alone, 600,000 to 1 million people visit cosmetic surgery clinics annually, with 300,000 to 400,000 undergoing procedures.Illegal practices and exorbitant profits have fueled the rise of private cosmetic clinics, which typically operate with three key violations: non-medical facilities, non-medical practitioners, and non-regulated drug sources.
Online platforms are flooded with state-regulated medical aesthetic injections. A counterfeit whitening injection purchased through illegal channels costs only about 70 yuan, while the state-approved genuine product retails for 3,000 to 4,000 yuan."Regulations didn't exist before, but now that they do, illegal cosmetic practices remain rampant with no sign of abating," experts note. The prevalence of illegal cosmetic procedures warrants reflection and vigilance from relevant law enforcement agencies.
Alongside lax enforcement, exaggerated cosmetic advertising further fuels the trend.
Major Illegal Procedures at Beauty Salons
First, breast augmentation or nose augmentation injections. Though salon aestheticians assure clients of safety, these procedures carry significant risks. Many so-called "breast augmentation" treatments involve injecting synthetic chemicals into the chest, which can cause severe adverse reactions. Failure rates are high, accounting for 75% of annual cosmetic complaints in China.
Second, Botox injections—commonly known as "slimming face shots"—used for wrinkle reduction and facial contouring. According to national regulations, only hospitals possess the legal authority to administer Botox, and beauty salons are strictly prohibited from doing so. Furthermore, the requirements for practitioners are extremely stringent: not only must they hold relevant certifications, but they must also possess extensive professional experience.Many salons exploit information asymmetry by luring women with low prices for slimming injections. During procedures, even minor errors can cause facial muscle spasms resulting in "strange faces"—a minor issue compared to severe cases that threaten life.Photorejuvenation is highly selective and unsuitable for most individuals. It is only appropriate for two groups: those with visible skin issues like pigmentation spots, freckles, telangiectasia, or observable erythema; and those with wrinkles or enlarged pores. Individuals with darker skin tones or prone to pigmentation should absolutely avoid photorejuvenation, as it can easily cause skin burns or trigger renewed pigment production.Moreover, the cooling gel applied before the treatment is expensive. To cut costs, most salons often substitute it with unregulated products, which can cause skin discoloration or even bacterial infections.These procedures may seem simple and quick to complete. However, they carry significant risks. According to regulations, each needle should be used for one person only and performed in a sterile environment. In reality, many salons reuse needles across multiple clients, and the environment is far from sterile. This practice easily leads to infections, resulting in minor scarring at best, or severe complications like granulation tissue growth at worst.
Fifth, liposuction procedures. Many beauty salon practitioners lack medical training, relying solely on "feel" during operations. This approach carries high risks both during and after surgery. Improper technique can damage blood vessels, allowing fat particles to enter the bloodstream and potentially reach the heart. Additionally, excessive fat removal may cause severe blood loss, leading to circulatory failure.