Response to: The Chaos in China’s Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Industry Urgently Needs to be Addressed

Abstract

The proliferation of unlicensed aesthetic medical (UAE) practices in China's plastic surgery industry highlights a pressing global concern, amplified by the growing "beauty economy." Social media platforms perpetuate unattainable beauty standards through edited images and curated pre- and post-operative photos, fueling demand for aesthetic treatments and exacerbating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Vulnerable individuals targeted by manipulative advertising often fall victim to unsafe UAE services. Generational differences further complicate this landscape: younger generations prioritize minimally invasive procedures for quick enhancements, while older individuals seek transformative surgeries, enabling UAE practitioners to exploit diverse preferences. The economic appeal of UAE services, particularly for middle- and lower-income consumers, underscores the need for democratized access to safe, reliable aesthetic treatments. Addressing these issues requires stricter regulation of digital advertising, public education on the psychological impacts of unrealistic beauty ideals, and subsidies or tiered pricing in licensed clinics. Broader multidisciplinary strategies, including collaborations with social media influencers and educators, are vital to promoting inclusive beauty standards and reducing demand for illicit procedures. By tackling the social, economic, and cultural drivers of UAE practices, policymakers can ensure a safer and more ethical aesthetic medicine industry, benefitting consumers and the broader market.

Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://www.springer.com/00266.