China Issues Pricing Guidelines for Cosmetic Procedures

The National Healthcare Security Administration introduced a pricing guideline for cosmetic procedures and beauty treatments on Wednesday. This action aims to regulate an industry that has grown significantly, reaching a value of nearly 300 billion yuan, while also addressing deceptive pricing practices.

The guideline provides pricing standards for 101 types of plastic surgery and medical aesthetic treatments. It encompasses common procedures like dermal fillers and Thermage, along with more complex operations such as breast augmentation and nasal reconstruction. The administration highlighted that irregular pricing is a major concern, often involving misleading advertisements and hidden fees.

Officials clarified that the guideline does not alter the market-regulated pricing system. Instead, it focuses on standardizing pricing categories and regulating pricing practices within medical institutions. A key aspect of the guideline is the use of unified, standardized names for widely used aesthetic treatments.

The administration noted that some clinics have used vague marketing terms. The new guideline groups procedures based on their underlying technologies, such as light and laser therapy, ultrasound, or radio frequency. To accommodate the growing demand for customized treatments, the guideline breaks down certain procedures into more specific items.

The guideline also addresses the needs of patients concerned about scarring, including those who have undergone cesarean sections. Treatments for scars often require extended care. The administration stated that the guideline includes pricing items related to techniques that minimize scar formation.

To enhance oversight and transparency, the administration began developing pricing standards with expert input approximately three years ago. It has released around 30 pricing guidelines covering various medical services, including nursing, rehabilitation, traditional Chinese medicine, assisted reproduction, and respiratory and cardiovascular care.