The term "micro-cosmetic procedures" is now widely familiar. Botox, hyaluronic acid, and collagen are popular micro-cosmetic materials. With just one injection, they can achieve facial slimming, wrinkle reduction, and contouring—all with minimal invasiveness, no visible scars, and quick recovery, making them highly sought after. Consequently, beauty institutions in Shenzhen are competing to offer "micro-cosmetic procedures." However, such procedures must be performed at licensed medical aesthetic facilities. Otherwise, you may face the same ordeal as Ms. Yan.
Miss Yan's nasal profile
Miss Yan's nasal condition
Miss Yan undergoing surgery to remove counterfeit hyaluronic acid
Nose resembles modeling clay, forming indentations upon pressure
On May 12, 2014, 29-year-old Miss Yan rushed to the hospital because something was wrong with her nose.Her nose looked distinctly unnatural, particularly the bridge, which jutted out like a stick between her eyebrows, appearing extremely jarring. Pressing her skin created indentations like squeezing clay, taking a long time to recover.
It turned out that in March 2021, following a friend's recommendation, she had spent 1,000 yuan at a small beauty salon near Dongmen to get hyaluronic acid injections for a nose job. A year later, in March of this year, Ms. Yan noticed her nose had become hard and showed no signs of softening. She began worrying she might have received counterfeit hyaluronic acid, as the products currently available on the market are short-acting and typically metabolize completely within 6 to 12 months.By May, Ms. Yan's nose remained unchanged from the initial injection, still feeling hard to the touch. At this point, she became genuinely alarmed and attempted to contact a staff member from the small beauty salon. The staff member claimed the call was misdirected and denied working there. Ms. Yan then contacted a friend who had undergone the procedure with her and learned that her friend had already had the "hyaluronic acid" removed.
Plastic Surgery Expert: Prioritize the "Three Legitimate Factors" Before Minimally Invasive Procedures
Senior plastic surgery expert Professor Cao Mengjun advises that, given the mixed quality of cosmetic institutions in the current market, consumers must verify the qualifications of the facility. Before undergoing minimally invasive procedures, prioritize the "Three Legitimate Factors": legitimate hospitals, legitimate doctors, and legitimate products. These three elements ensure the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive treatments.
First, verify whether the clinic holds valid licenses for medical aesthetic procedures. Check for the Medical Institution Practice License, Physician Practice Certificate, and Medical Aesthetic Specialist Certificate.
Second, practitioners at medical aesthetic clinics must possess licensed physician qualifications, be registered with the relevant authorities, and hold specialized plastic surgery credentials.The skill level of the injecting physician directly determines the outcome of minimally invasive procedures. Even with legitimate products, injections performed by non-professional practitioners will yield unsatisfactory results. Finally, the procurement and use of minimally invasive materials are strictly regulated. Only licensed medical aesthetic institutions are authorized to purchase these products; other beauty establishments are prohibited from doing so. A standard vial of hyaluronic acid typically costs no less than 6,000 yuan. If the price is lower than this, question whether the product is legitimate.