In today's appearance-obsessed society, it's no longer unusual for beauty enthusiasts to get hyaluronic acid injections to improve skin condition and facial contours. However, getting these injections at random street-side beauty shops may lead not to beauty but to various strange side effects. Ms. Zhou from Nanjing had hyaluronic acid injections at a beauty shop, but not only did they fail to produce results, her lips became peeling and swollen, turning into a "sausage mouth."
Recently, Ms. Zhou reported to the police station that after receiving hyaluronic acid injections at a beauty salon half a month prior, she experienced swelling and peeling around her mouth instead of the desired results. She demanded a partial refund, but the salon refused, citing "individual differences in reactions."
Police investigations revealed the salon possessed over 70 types of unapproved pharmaceuticals—including hyaluronic acid and facial slimming injections—worth approximately 100,000 yuan.
Owner Wang admitted she was drawn by the lucrative profits of micro-cosmetic procedures. After experimenting on herself several times, she began treating acquaintances. Later, she purchased a short instructional video online and shared it in her social media circle. Business soon boomed.
Wang had no medical training whatsoever. She had only attended a three-day beauty training course before "taking up the job," and the so-called hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin were also purchased during that training course.
Medical diagnosis revealed that Ms. Zhou's sausage-like lips resulted from non-standard hyaluronic acid injections. This substance migrates within the body post-injection. While she has recovered without major complications, restoring her lips to their original state remains challenging.
While cosmetic procedures offer convenient beauty enhancements, seeking treatments at licensed, reputable institutions is essential to avoid unintended consequences.