CCTV Exposes Alarming Misuse of Medical Devices in China's Cosmetic Injection Industry
A recent exposé by China Central Television (CCTV) has sent shockwaves through the medical aesthetics industry, revealing alarming practices involving water-light injections, also known as hyaluronic acid injections or skin boosters. The investigation uncovered that some licensed medical aesthetic institutions, including the Guangdong Hanfei Plastic Surgery Hospital in Guangzhou, have been illegally using Class II medical devices for injections, instead of the required Class III devices.
3 August 2025
According to the report, hospital staff, including the director and consultants, misled consumers by claiming that any "medical device registration number" was safe for injection, blurring the distinction between Class II and Class III devices. This deception has raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of water-light injections, which have been a popular cosmetic treatment in China.
The reaction on social media platforms like Weibo has been overwhelming, with many consumers expressing shock, caution, and reinforcement of existing concerns about the medical aesthetic industry. Some users shared their own experiences or voiced skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of water-light injections, questioning whether they are a "scam" or "IQ tax" given their temporary effects and potential complications if not administered correctly with appropriate products.
One user brought up Lady Gaga's past health issues, linking them to water-light injections, which further amplified concerns about potential severe side effects. The incident has sparked conversations about the broader chaos and lack of proper training in the medical aesthetics industry, urging for more stringent oversight.
The CCTV exposé highlights significant broader implications for the medical aesthetics industry, society, and potentially politics in China. The central issue is the deceptive practice of some medical aesthetic institutions using Class II medical devices for injections that require Class III approval, revealing a systemic problem of regulatory loopholes and a lack of stringent enforcement.
The exposure is likely to lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, potentially resulting in stricter licensing, oversight, and penalties for non-compliant clinics. Consumers' trust in the industry is likely to be eroded, leading to a decline in demand for unverified treatments and a greater emphasis on transparency regarding product sourcing and qualifications of practitioners.
The incident also underscores the prevalence of "grey areas" in the industry, such as the use of unapproved or misclassified products, and the need for clearer guidelines and definitions for medical aesthetic procedures. The fact that practitioners are "deliberately confusing Class II and Class III concepts" also points to a lack of ethical conduct and proper training within some institutions.
The exposure highlights a significant public health concern, as the use of unapproved or inappropriate products for injections can lead to serious adverse reactions, such as allergic reactions, infections, and even permanent disfigurement. This raises questions about consumer protection and the vulnerability of individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements.
The prevalence of such practices, even in supposedly "regular" institutions, suggests a widespread issue of misinformation and a lack of consumer awareness regarding the risks associated with these procedures. The exposure serves as a stark warning to the public about the hidden dangers within the beauty industry and emphasizes the importance of verifying product qualifications and practitioner credentials before undergoing any medical aesthetic treatment.
While not directly political, the CCTV exposure could prompt government action and policy changes. The fact that a national broadcaster like CCTV is dedicating investigative reports to this issue suggests that the problem is significant enough to warrant public attention and potentially government intervention. This could lead to a tightening of regulations, increased market surveillance, and more robust consumer protection laws related to medical aesthetics.
Ultimately, the CCTV exposé on water-light injections has sparked a national conversation about the safety and legitimacy of certain beauty procedures and the broader medical aesthetic industry. As the Chinese government continues to crack down on illegal and unethical business practices, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape the future of the industry and consumer protection in China.
