Top streamer Li Jiaqi is back on the Hot Search list. Unlike other influencers who’ve been caught promoting questionable products, Li Jiaqi has largely built a reputation for honesty. But following the Florasis controversy two years ago, he’s once again under fire—this time for saying that “only do medical aesthetics if you are rich.” The topic quickly racked up 280 million views.
Li Jiaqi framed his argument around the financial burden. “To be honest, if you’ve got the money and time, sure—go for it. If not, skip it,” he said. He emphasized that medical aesthetics require a long-term, high-cost commitment. A single treatment won’t deliver dramatic results—many people can only afford it once—so it’s often not worth it.
“If you think one round of skin boosters will give you flawless skin, it’s just not going to happen. A lot of clinics might hate me for saying this, but it’s the truth. And for more invasive procedures—let’s be real, we’re not celebrities, so don’t take the risk. Nose implants, jaw shaving, facelifts—you’ll just end up regretting it.“
Some netizens weren’t having it. They pointed out that Li Jiaqi himself has had work done, and told him to mind his own business. However, others agreed. “Once you start, you’ll need to spend at least ¥200,000 a year just to keep it up,” one comment read. “And even then, you’re still considered a low-tier client in the medical aesthetics industry.” The controversy reflects deeper tensions around the normalization of medical aesthetics. Maybe it’s not just about Li Jiaqi, but about how Chinese people’s attitudinal shifts around beauty and consumption.
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