Core Insights - The medical beauty market in China experienced a surge in consumption during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, with a notable increase in male consumers seeking treatments such as hair transplants and botulinum toxin injections [1][3][4] Market Trends - The demand for medical beauty services has been driven by younger consumers, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, who are increasingly incorporating beauty treatments into their self-care routines [3][4] - The rise in male consumers is significant, with many seeking specific solutions for issues like hair loss and wrinkles, indicating a shift in attitudes towards medical beauty among men [4] Promotional Activities - Prior to the holidays, many medical beauty institutions launched new low-priced products and promotional activities, with discounts of 20% to 30% compared to regular prices [5] - The introduction of competitively priced treatments, such as the "童颜针" (youthful needle) priced at 2999 yuan, reflects a strategy to attract consumers during the holiday season [5] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are becoming more discerning, often conducting thorough research on institutions and practitioners before making decisions, indicating a shift towards more informed and rational consumption [6][7] - There is a growing awareness of the risks associated with low-priced treatments, with consumers sharing experiences of adverse effects from cheaper options [5][7] Regulatory Environment - The regulatory landscape is tightening, with government agencies conducting crackdowns on illegal medical beauty practices, focusing on issues like unlicensed operations and false advertising [7]

Group 1 - The UK beauty industry is experiencing significant growth, with a market size of £30.4 billion, growing at a rate four times faster than the overall economy [1] - Non-surgical treatments and beauty services are the fastest-growing segments, with a projected growth rate of 15% in 2024 [1] - The beauty industry's direct contribution to the UK GDP exceeds that of the sports and entertainment sectors, accounting for 1.1% of the total economy [1] Group 2 - The industry is expected to create 48,000 new jobs in 2024, primarily in salons and clinics, bringing total direct employment to 496,000, surpassing the public utilities and telecommunications sectors [1] - Social media and celebrity influence are driving trends, with 23% of men aged 18-34 having tried cosmetic procedures, slightly higher than women in the same age group [1] - The number of men receiving facial injections has increased by 70% over the past two years [1] Group 3 - However, the UK beauty products export value is projected to decline to £4.3 billion in 2024, significantly lower than the peak around 2010 [2] - The decline in exports is attributed to Brexit and increased global trade barriers, prompting calls for policymakers to alleviate export pressures [2] - Despite strong fundamentals, the growth rate of the UK medical aesthetics industry is expected to slow to around 3% in 2025 due to cautious consumer spending on beauty [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the risks and consumer pitfalls associated with cross-border medical beauty services, particularly in South Korea, highlighting the need for consumers to exercise caution and make informed decisions [2][3][9]. Group 1: Consumer Warnings - Influencer Li Jiaqi advises against ordinary women pursuing medical beauty due to high costs and potential risks, emphasizing that significant procedures should be avoided unless one is wealthy and has time [3][6]. - The Chinese Association of Plastic Surgery has issued warnings to consumers to be cautious of low prices and to prioritize safety and reliability in medical beauty services [9]. - Many cross-border medical beauty institutions lure consumers with enticing marketing tactics such as "super low prices" and "limited-time discounts," which can lead to consumer rights violations and disrupt industry order [11][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The South Korean medical beauty market is projected to grow from $5.7214 billion in 2023 to $11.4 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.29% [11]. - The influx of foreign consumers has significantly contributed to the growth of South Korea's medical beauty sector, with foreign medical spending reaching 250 billion KRW in the first half of 2023, primarily in plastic surgery [11]. - The Chinese market is becoming a key target for South Korean medical beauty institutions, with China being the third-largest medical beauty market globally, valued at 142.7 billion CNY in 2019 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.7% over the next five years [20]. Group 3: Consumer Experiences - Many consumers report negative experiences with South Korean medical beauty institutions, including unexpected upselling of services and significant price discrepancies between advertised and actual costs [12][13][14]. - Language barriers and lack of information often leave Chinese consumers vulnerable to exploitation, with reports of institutions charging different prices for locals and foreigners [14]. - The prevalence of illegal substances and unregulated practices in the industry poses serious health risks, leading to complications such as infections and tissue necrosis [17]. Group 4: Industry Competition - Despite the challenges, South Korean medical beauty institutions maintain a competitive edge due to their cost-effectiveness and the rapid approval process for medical devices and drugs [21]. - The domestic medical beauty market in China is also expanding, with advancements in technology and decreasing costs for materials like hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin, allowing for higher quality services [21][22]. - The market for botulinum toxin is expected to reach 18 billion CNY by 2025, driven by increasing competition and regulatory improvements [22].