Stay alert for safe beauty treatments.

Towards the end of the year, the demand for beauty treatments tends to increase for both men and women. Many people want to achieve "instant beauty" and spare no time or money on cosmetic surgery at private clinics. This reality is truly alarming in terms of safety and effectiveness for patients.

The truth and falsehood are mixed together.

In early 2024, Ms. Y, a civil servant working for a government agency, visited K Beauty Clinic, located in Vincom Plaza Tuyen Quang, to use a full-body fat reduction package costing over 20 million VND. She proactively researched the treatment process and received detailed advice from the staff. Ms. Y purchased a one-year package with two sessions per month. Ms. Y shared that after two sessions with simple equipment, a lackluster attitude, and no doctor or expert as advertised, her disappointment became apparent by the third session. At this point, she realized the beauty clinic had used a professional facade to create a sense of discouragement, hoping the patient would give up. After four months of operation (from January to June 2024), the clinic ceased operations. "The name of this beauty salon is particularly misleading because it's the same as a large chain of beauty salons in Hanoi , making it easy for people to confuse the two when searching online," Ms. Y. lamented. She currently has a group of 21 victims of this beauty salon, each having been scammed out of between 20 and 40 million VND.

Beauty consultant doctor at Sao Viet International Beauty Clinic in Tuyen Quang .

The case of Ms. H.'s son in Xuan Van commune is even more ironic. Her son, M., suffered from hair loss, causing him to lose confidence in social interactions and daily life. After researching many reputable places, Ms. H. sought treatment at a dermatology clinic specializing in hair and skin in the former Tuyen Quang city, now Minh Xuan ward. After paying 10 million VND, M. received treatment for two sessions, but the clinic closed after the third session. Attempts to contact the consultant or the owner of the clinic were unsuccessful.

According to Comrade Nguyen Xuan Thuc, Head of the Operations and Synthesis Department of the Tuyen Quang Market Management Bureau, in the first 11 months of 2025, the unit inspected and handled 28 cases of trading goods of unknown origin related to the health sector, collecting 94.5 million VND for the state budget. For example, on November 5th, through monitoring business activities on social media platforms, Market Management Team No. 5 discovered an online business named “AM SHOP” that regularly posted and sold many types of cosmetics without information about origin and with vague labels. Verification revealed that this business belonged to the TVY household business located in Son Duong commune. At the time of inspection, the team found 98 cosmetic products of various types, including lipstick, makeup powder, makeup remover, facial cleanser, etc., being openly sold. The goods lacked labels, tags, and any documentation proving their origin, as well as invoices or other legal proof of their source. Notably, many beauty salon owners had previously imported goods from this source.

According to a report from the Provincial Department of Health, the Department had previously inspected three beauty salons that had registered their operations and were listed on the Department of Health's electronic portal. During the inspection at the 108 Hanoi Beauty Salon - Tuyen Quang branch on Binh Thuan Street, Tan Quang Ward (Tuyen Quang City), now Minh Xuan Ward, Tuyen Quang Province, the inspection team discovered violations regarding the use of radiation, wave, and burning equipment in services such as laser treatment for freckles, age spots, skin tags, odor treatment, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty for customers.

Enough tricks to circumvent the law.

According to Mr. Le Xuan Van, Head of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Practice Department of the Department of Health, after the province's merger, the entire province has 800 medical and pharmaceutical practice establishments. To date, the province does not have any licensed cosmetic clinics or hospitals with cosmetic departments, and only a few establishments have registered their operations and are listed on the Department of Health's electronic portal, thus being under state management.

Sen Viet Dermatology Clinic, located at Phan Thiet 12, Minh Xuan Ward, complies with all legal regulations.

Currently, in Tuyen Quang province, beauty salons are springing up like mushrooms, mainly concentrated in Minh Xuan ward with over 50 establishments, and An Tuong ward, Ha Giang 1 ward, and Ha Giang 2 ward, each with 20-30 establishments. Many establishments operate illegally, "hiding" under the guise of hair salons and barbershops but still encroaching on the beauty industry with services such as eyebrow tattooing, eyelid lifting, and eyelid surgery. Furthermore, taking advantage of customers' preference for cheap services, many beauty salons have launched advertising campaigns offering unbelievably low-priced beauty packages, even though they are not licensed to perform these services.
Only when customers request it, the consultants will show a series of images of "clients" who have undergone previous beauty treatments. Most of these images are edited using specialized software, and the comments are from acquaintances or fake accounts to build trust with customers. Dr. Chau Huy Hoang, a specialist at Sen Viet Dermatology Clinic, Phan Thiet 12, Minh Xuan Ward, said that in reality, invasive methods such as deep peels or improper laser use are a double-edged sword, especially for Vietnamese skin – which is typically skin type 3 or 4, prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Many patients come for examination with peeling skin, infections, and pus formation.

According to the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Decree 96/2023/ND-CP, cosmetic surgeons are a professional title requiring a license to practice for a period of 5 years. Doctors are only permitted to practice within the scope of their registered specialization as stated in their practice license, based on their diplomas, certificates, and practical experience, ensuring they are capable of addressing issues in the field of cosmetic surgery... Clause 12, Article 40 of Decree 96 clearly stipulates that establishments providing cosmetic services using drugs, substances, and equipment to intervene in the human body (surgery, procedures, interventions involving injections, injections, radiation, waves, burning, or other invasive interventions) to change skin color, shape, increase or decrease weight, correct defects, or create desired shapes for body parts such as the skin, nose, eyes, lips, face, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and other parts of the human body... must be established in one of the following organizational forms: a hospital, a multi-specialty clinic, or a specialized clinic.

Substandard cosmetic products were seized on November 5th in Son Duong commune.

Clearly, advertisements promising "beautiful results after just one treatment," "instant effectiveness," or beautifully edited photos all target customers' desire for quick changes. However, behind that glamorous facade lies a lurking safety risk. When invasive procedures are performed at unqualified facilities by unqualified individuals, the price paid is not only money but also health, and even life.

While beauty enhancement is a legitimate need, it's only truly fulfilling when based on understanding, choosing the right place and the right people, and adhering to medical regulations. This is also how individuals can protect themselves from the "maze" of cosmetic services that are currently flourishing.

Comrade Le Xuan Manh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ha Giang 1 Ward

Tighten service management.

Currently, there are 8 businesses providing beauty-related services in Ha Giang 1 ward. Recognizing the unique nature of this sector, the ward's People's Committee has proactively coordinated a comprehensive review of regulations on business licensing; strictly inspecting the operations of beauty salons, spas, etc., to ensure compliance with the law. The Ha Giang Regional Health Center, in coordination with the ward's Health Station, regularly conducts inspections and strictly handles cases of unlicensed or disguised operations, resolutely rectifying and resolving violations. Alongside inspections, the ward is promoting awareness and guidance on risk prevention and customer health protection, contributing to the creation of a professional and safe healthcare service environment that meets the needs of the people and maintains social order.

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Ha, Head of the Surgery Department
Maxillofacial Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetics, Viet Duc Hospital

Absolutely do not get filler injections.

Injecting fillers, also known as dermal fillers, is an illegal procedure according to the Ministry of Health regulations. Currently, some smuggled and unlicensed products, such as artificial fat, are being used for injections. These substances are of unknown origin and unsafe, especially when injected into the mammary glands, a tissue responsible for milk production and with a high risk of cancer. Injecting substances of unknown origin into the breasts can cause many dangerous complications. Immediately, blood clots can occur; the injected substance can travel to the brain or lungs and cause blockages in these organs. While rare, this is very dangerous and can threaten the patient's life.

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Dr. Tran Hoai Quang, Deputy Director
Duc Minh General Hospital, Ha Giang 1 Ward

Be smart to stay safe.

In medicine, there is no method that is both cheap, fast, and risk-free. Such advertisements are unreliable. People who want cosmetic procedures must choose licensed medical facilities with qualified dermatologists who directly examine and perform the procedures. Absolutely do not have these procedures done at spas, hair salons, or nail salons. Medications and Botox must have a clear origin and be dispensed by a doctor in front of the client. Before any cosmetic procedure, a health check-up is necessary, along with full consultation on indications, contraindications, and complications, signing of a consent form, and follow-up examinations after the procedure. If a place only provides consultation via livestream and avoids questions about risks, it's best to stay away. Make a smart choice for safe beauty treatments.

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Ms. Nguyen Thi Luyen,
An Tuong Ward (TikToker Anna Luyen)

Responsible promotion

As a TikToker who frequently introduces new products, and also the admin of the Review Tuyen Quang Fanpage, I believe that before choosing any beauty service, you should look for establishments that are licensed to operate within the scope of services they advertise. This information is usually publicly available at the bottom of the beauty salon's website.

Furthermore, prioritize places with reliable infrastructure, high-tech equipment; a team of professional and dedicated doctors; and especially a transparent and responsible consultation and care process, along with a clear warranty policy. We should also refer to feedback from previous customers to get an objective view and choose a reputable establishment.

Personally, before collaborating on any brand or product promotion, I always take the time to thoroughly research, verify information, and experience the product to ensure that all content shared with consumers is authentic, responsible, and contributes to creating a safer and more transparent beauty environment.

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Ms. Vu Thi Lan, Tam Son 3 Hamlet, Quan Ba ​​Commune

It's difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake.

Currently, beauty advertisements are rampant on social media, mostly promising immediate results, low prices, no complications, and no pain – very appealing. However, in reality, many people who follow these promises have suffered adverse effects, allergies, and even necrosis. People rarely have the opportunity to visit beauty establishments in person to verify the information, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake information on social media, and to identify reputable and unsafe establishments that require quality services. I myself am always wary of misleading advertising, but it is crucial that authorities strengthen management, inspection, and enforcement. Any establishment found engaging in false advertising should be severely punished to prevent people from falling into these traps.

Text and photos: Le Duy

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202511/tinh-tao-de-lam-dep-an-toan-fd21727/