China’s cosmetic surgery market was almost non-existent 20 years ago. According to a report by the Chinese cosmetic surgery app, Gengmei is now valued at over 256 billion yuan (nearly $37 billion). The market has grown at an impressive annual compound growth rate of 30% in the past five years. It outpaced the United States’ rate of 3.9%.
This industry has positioned China as the second-largest plastic surgery market globally, surpassing Brazil in 2017, and is well on its way to becoming the world’s largest by mid-decade.
Social media plays a significant role in altering beauty standards across the country. So it’s no surprise that young people are increasingly opting for these appearance enhancements. China has 15 million licensed procedures performed annually.
The Cosmetic Surgery Industry In China: Trends And Growth
Cosmetic surgery in China is a rapidly growing industry with important implications for businesses. Understanding the latest trends and partnering with reputable clinics and influencers can help companies meet the needs of their target audience and establish a strong brand reputation in this competitive market.
The Expanding $37 Billion Market
This remarkable growth is a testament to the increasing popularity of plastic surgery among Chinese consumers. They are seeking aesthetic enhancements to improve their appearance and boost their self-confidence.
China’s beauty sector is not limited to surgical procedures. Noninvasive treatments like laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation therapies are also gaining popularity due to their significant benefits and minimal downtime.
Record High Numbers Of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
The increase is primarily driven by a heightened demand for minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures like facial rejuvenation, body contouring, antiaging treatments, laser therapy, and skin care treatments. The increase can be attributed to various factors:
Growing Wealth And Disposable Income
As the economy in China continues to grow, so do the wealth and disposable income of its citizens. This increase in spending power has led to a booming cosmetic surgery industry. People have more money to invest in their appearance.
Many Chinese millennials place high importance on personal grooming and self-care. There is a growing demand for plastic surgery procedures such as rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery.
Influence Of Social Media On Beauty Standards
Studies show that social media is one of the primary factors driving this trend. Young people want to look like their favorite celebrities and influencers online. Some of them want to achieve Westernized beauty ideals showcased on these platforms.
The perfectly contoured noses or sharp jawlines create a sense of pressure among young people to meet society’s beauty standards.
It is evident that being beautiful equates with success not only socially but also professionally; hence many seek out surgical intervention as an answer.
Desire For Westernized Beauty Ideals
Many Chinese women and men desire facial features such as high nose bridges, deep-set eyes, and prominent cheekbones commonly associated with Western Caucasians.
In response to this trend, many clinics in China now offer procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose jobs), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and facial contouring to enhance or emulate these desired features.
Medical Tourism In China
The rise of health tourism in China is being driven by factors such as pop culture, globalization, and wealthy individuals seeking out aesthetic procedures.
However, the lack of regulation and oversight in the Chinese market means that there are significant risks associated with undergoing cosmetic surgery in China. As a result, foreign clinics have an opportunity to capitalize on this booming industry. How? By offering safe and high-quality services tailored specifically for the Chinese market.
Understanding And Catering To The Chinese Market
Language And Cultural Sensitivity
If a foreign clinic looking to capitalize on the growth of China’s cosmetic surgery industry, then it is crucial to understand and cater to the Chinese market through language and cultural sensitivity.
This requires proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese. But also an awareness of cultural differences, customs, and values that may affect consumer behavior. Chinese people typically prioritize family relationships over individualism. This can impact their decision-making process when considering plastic surgery.
Localization is vital for catering to the Chinese cosmetic surgery market. Marketing strategies must align with Chinese customers’ preferences and beauty ideals. Adapting to these preferences can build trust and gain loyalty from potential clients.
Tailoring Marketing Strategies To Chinese Customers
To succeed in this market, it is crucial to understand and cater to Chinese consumer behavior and preferences.
Collaborating with local partners and influencers can help boost credibility while understanding what services are popular among locals.
Utilize Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat or Douyin for marketing and engagement. Western social media sites like Facebook or Instagram are not accessible in mainland China due to internet censorship laws.
Collaboration With Local Chinese Partners And Influencers
Local partners can provide valuable insights into Chinese consumer behavior, preferences, and cultural sensitivities.
For example, partnering with a beauty influencer on Douyin can promote specialized cosmetic treatments. Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok. These treatments cater to local preferences, such as “V-shaped” face surgeries or double eyelid procedures.
Also collaborating with local hospitals or medical tourism agencies may provide access to a broader customer base in China.
Offering Specialized Services And Treatments Popular In China
It is important for clinics and practitioners to offer specialized services that cater specifically to the Chinese market.
This means understanding not only beauty standards and cultural preferences but also the unique factors driving the booming industry in China. This includes job competition and economic development.
Another trend gaining popularity is “face-slapping,”. A technique said to improve blood circulation and skin elasticity through gentle slaps on the face. By offering these specialized services, clinics can appeal to a wider range of customer preferences and needs.
Risks And Dangers Of Cosmetic Surgery In China: An Opportunity For Foreign Clinics
Lack Of Regulation And Oversight
With lower safety standards, patients are at higher risk for complications or even fatal outcomes from botched procedures. This has led to a rise in plastic surgery tourism where Chinese citizens seek safer options abroad.
High Rates Of Botched Procedures And Complications
Despite the exponential growth of botched procedures and complications, China’s cosmetic surgery industry lacks proper regulation and oversight. This is leading to an unsafe environment for patients seeking aesthetic improvement through surgical means.
This alarming trend presents a significant opportunity for foreign clinics to enter the Chinese market and offer safer and more reliable services.
Cultural stigmas persist in some Chinese communities regarding plastic surgery. However, economic benefits are attracting more people to undergo these risky procedures.
Navigating Cultural Stigmas Associated With Plastic Surgery
As we said, many Chinese people still associate plastic surgery with negative perceptions like vanity and shallowness.
One way of navigating this is by collaborating with local Chinese partners or influencers who can help educate prospective clients about the benefits of cosmetic surgeries.
Additionally, it may be essential to tailor marketing strategies to fit the needs of Chinese customers better.
Building Trust And Reputation In The Chinese Market
Emphasizing Safety And Quality Standards
Success in the Chinese cosmetic surgery market depends on consumer trust and reputation management. Showcase your commitment to patient safety to alleviate concerns over inadequate market compliance.
Emphasize adherence to safety regulations and quality assurance to establish trust with Chinese consumers. Highlight these factors in marketing efforts to differentiate from competitors who don’t prioritize patient safety.
Showcasing Successful Case Studies And Testimonials
Showcasing successful case studies and testimonials is crucial for establishing trust and reputation in the Chinese cosmetic surgery market. Tailor these to the cultural sensitivities of the market.
Give special attention to natural-looking results rather than drastic changes to resonate with Chinese customers. Use social media platforms like WeChat or Weibo to showcase success stories and engage with potential clients.
Utilizing Chinese Social Media Platforms For Marketing And Engagement
Here are some ways that businesses in the cosmetic surgery industry can leverage Chinese social media for effective marketing and engagement:
1. Identify popular platforms: Chinese social media is dominated by a few key players, including WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin. Understanding how each platform operates and which demographics use them will help businesses target their efforts effectively.
2. Create valuable content: Providing value to potential customers through blog posts, educational videos or infographics can help establish a brand as an authority in the industry.
3. Engage with customers: Engaging with customers on social media can help establish trust and build relationships. This involves responding to comments and addressing customer concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
4. Utilize influencers: Influencer marketing has become a popular strategy for reaching Chinese audiences on social media platforms. Partnering with influencers who align with the brand’s values can help reach a wider audience.
5. Take advantage of paid advertising: Paid advertising on social media platforms like WeChat can supplement organic efforts and target specific demographics more effectively.
Final Words on the Cosmetic Surgery In China
The cosmetic surgery industry in China is experiencing unprecedented growth, and this trend is set to continue in the foreseeable future. As a business looking to tap into this market, it’s crucial to understand Chinese beauty standards and tailor your marketing strategies accordingly.
Collaborating with local influencers and partners, offering specialized treatments popular in China, and showcasing successful case studies on social media platforms like WeChat or Weibo can help you build trust and reputation in the market.
Additionally, emphasizing safety and quality standards can be an effective way of standing out from competitors.
We are a professional agency that can help you achieve your goals. Your dream of entering to this blooming market of China can come true if you choose us. Don’t hesitate to contact us now!