Shanghai Doctor On-Site Report

    On July 29, 2025, the Shanghai Health Promotion Integrated Media Center hosted the highly anticipated seventh edition of the “Shanghai Health Broadcast” press conference. This event focused on addressing trending topics in medical aesthetics, offering citizens scientifically grounded and rational insights into the field. The conference was led by Ding Yuan, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Health Promotion Center, and featured three distinguished experts: Yang Jun, President of the Plastic Surgery Division of the Shanghai Medical Association; Liu Yuehua, President of the Oral Care Division of the Shanghai Medical Association; and Li Xin, Director of the Skin Health Committee of the Shanghai Pharmaceutical Industry Association. Together, they addressed the public’s pressing questions about medical aesthetics.  

    At the start of the conference, Deputy Director Ding Yuan shared essential disease prevention tips, highlighting key measures to combat the recent chikungunya fever outbreak in Guangdong. She stressed the importance of mosquito control, advising citizens to wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and pants when outdoors, use insect repellents with effective ingredients, and install window and door screens at home. Additionally, she emphasized the need to eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. If symptoms related to the disease arise, she urged individuals to seek immediate medical attention at a reputable healthcare facility.  

    Following this, Deputy Director Ding Yuan delved into the standards of medical aesthetics, clarifying the distinction between medical procedures and everyday beauty practices. She explained that medical aesthetics often involves invasive techniques and must be performed by licensed professionals in accredited medical institutions. She outlined six critical factors to consider when selecting a medical aesthetics provider, including verifying the institution’s “Medical Institution Practice License,” the qualifications of the diagnosing physician, and the approval status of the procedures. She also cautioned against seeking services from unlicensed providers, warning that opting for cheap deals could lead to significant quality and safety risks.  

   This event provided valuable guidance for the public, ensuring informed decisions in the growing field of medical aesthetics.

Expert Q&A

Yang Jun 

A Rational Perspective on the "Post-Exam" Plastic Surgery Trend 

    In response to the growing trend of the “University Enrollment Transformation Plan” among young people, President Yang Jun offered three key recommendations. First, he stressed the importance of grounding aesthetic decisions in realistic expectations. Young individuals should engage in thorough consultations with qualified doctors to develop personalized plans tailored to their unique needs.  

    Second, President Yang highlighted the need for effective management of psychological expectations. He cautioned against blindly following trends or succumbing to societal pressures, emphasizing that plastic surgery should not be seen as a quick fix for deeper insecurities. 

    Lastly, he urged students to make informed and rational decisions. This includes verifying the credentials of hospitals and doctors through authoritative channels, understanding the limitations of surgical procedures, and being fully aware of the associated risks. President Yang reminded students that while improving one’s appearance can be a positive step, it should never be viewed as a high-stakes gamble or a defining factor in one’s life. 

    His advice serves as a thoughtful guide for young people navigating the complexities of plastic surgery, encouraging them to approach it with caution, clarity, and a focus on overall well-being.

Liu Yuehua

Addressing Misconceptions and Age Considerations in Oral Aesthetics

    President Liu Yuehua highlighted that orthodontics is the most sought-after oral aesthetic procedure during the summer. She emphasized the importance of avoiding excessive anxiety about the duration and outcomes of orthodontic treatment, as well as misconceptions surrounding the choice of orthodontic appliances.

    She stressed that decisions about whether to pursue orthodontics during the tooth replacement phase and which type of appliance to use should be tailored to each individual’s unique needs and characteristics. Addressing the common belief that “braces should be done while young,” President Liu explained that while tooth movement tends to be smoother in younger patients, adults can still benefit significantly from orthodontic treatment. For adults dealing with issues such as missing teeth, temporomandibular joint disorders, or periodontitis, orthodontics can offer meaningful improvements.

    However, she noted that adult orthodontics often requires a multidisciplinary approach and personalized treatment plans to address more complex dental and oral health challenges. President Liu’s insights serve as a reminder that orthodontic treatment is not limited by age and can be a viable option for improving oral health and aesthetics at any stage of life.

Li Xin

The Unique Features of Traditional Chinese Medicine Aesthetics and the Concept of “Internal and External Nourishment”

    Director Li Xin introduced the six core aspects and five distinctive characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aesthetics, which include herbal beauty treatments, acupuncture, cupping and scraping, massage, dietary therapy, and specialized TCM techniques. TCM aesthetics focuses on personalized diagnosis and treatment, natural healing methods, holistic body conditioning, a combination of preventive care and anti-aging, and the innovative integration of TCM and Western medicine. 

    From the perspective of TCM’s philosophy of “internal and external nourishment,” Director Li shared his insights on medical aesthetics. He explained that skin issues are often external manifestations of internal imbalances in qi (energy), blood, and organ functions. He emphasized the importance of first addressing underlying constitutional issues before undergoing aesthetic procedures. Recurring appearance problems, he noted, should be seen as health warnings that require attention. 

    Director Li advocated for an integrated approach that combines TCM and Western medicine to achieve long-term health and beauty. By addressing both internal and external factors, this approach aims to create sustainable results, promoting overall well-being alongside aesthetic enhancement. His perspective highlights the holistic nature of TCM aesthetics, offering a unique and balanced path to beauty and health.

Focus on Different Age Groups on Medical Aesthetics Needs

Addressing Medical Aesthetics Needs Across Different Age Groups

At the recent press conference, experts delved into the unique medical aesthetics needs of various age groups, offering tailored advice to ensure healthy and informed decisions. 

**Teenagers and Young Adults** 

President Yang Jun highlighted that 16- to 18-year-olds, particularly prospective college students, are the fastest-growing demographic seeking medical aesthetics. However, he emphasized the importance of evaluating physical, psychological, and social factors before proceeding. For minors, informed consent from guardians is mandatory. President Yang cautioned against premature or excessive interventions, urging young people to pursue beauty in a healthy and balanced way. 

He also addressed the psychological aspects of repeated plastic surgery, noting that individuals who frequently undergo procedures and remain dissatisfied may be dealing with body dysmorphic disorder or perfectionism. He recommended self-assessment and, if necessary, seeking psychological counseling. Hospitals and aesthetic institutions should implement psychological evaluation mechanisms, and individuals should consider a “cooling-off period” to avoid impulsive decisions and potential repair cycles. 

Adults

For adults, President Liu Yuehua explained that oral aesthetics needs expand beyond orthodontics to include teeth whitening and restoration. Teeth whitening addresses discoloration caused by coffee, tea, or red wine, while procedures like porcelain veneers and dental implants restore both aesthetics and functionality. Adults often prioritize comfort and discretion, making transparent orthodontic appliances a popular choice among professionals.  

Elderly Individuals

President Liu emphasized that oral health remains crucial for the elderly, who often face issues like missing or loose teeth. Contrary to the misconception that missing teeth are insignificant, she explained that they can lead to difficulty eating, facial collapse, and malnutrition. Timely interventions such as removable dentures or dental implants can restore chewing function and improve quality of life. Additionally, oral care is vital for overall health, as conditions like periodontitis can exacerbate diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

Dr. Li Xin shared insights on how TCM aesthetics can address the needs of different age groups. For teenagers, TCM focuses on preventing issues like acne and dull skin through natural, non-invasive methods, discouraging early use of invasive procedures. In adulthood, TCM’s personalized approach helps individuals achieve both external beauty and internal health. For the elderly, TCM advocates gentle, natural methods to improve skin and body function, promoting graceful aging and mature beauty. 

ShanghaiDoctor Comments:

This health broadcast is like a “funny mirror” for the medical aesthetics industry, reflecting all kinds of hot issues clearly. It presents medical aesthetics in a light and humorous way, making it clear and understandable, so that people can learn while having fun. In the report, the host and experts take turns to perform, as if they are fighting a “medical aesthetics knowledge battle,” and all the misconceptions and risks are beaten down. From the “appearance anxiety” of teenagers to the “border crisis” of the elderly, the needs of each age group are taken care of, which is really very thorough! This report is like reminding everyone: medical aesthetics is good, but don’t mess around! Listen to the experts and pursue beauty rationally, otherwise you may fall into the “beauty trap,” and you will cry if you do! In short, this report is a “talk show” of medical aesthetics knowledge, allowing people to gain knowledge in laughter and understand that they cannot “rush through the levels in a daze” on the road to beauty, but must “cross the bridge steadily”!