A growing trend of illicit cosmetic procedures is causing alarm among medical professionals in Hong Kong. According to industry experts and plastic surgeons, beauticians from mainland China and other overseas locations are entering the city to perform medical-grade treatments, such as botulinum toxin (Botox) and dermal filler injections. These procedures are legally restricted to licensed medical practitioners in Hong Kong, yet they are being carried out in unregulated settings.

Reports indicate that these practitioners are utilizing "secret societies" and private chat groups to bypass public scrutiny and connect with potential clients. These digital networks allow for the sharing of information and the coordination of appointments, making it difficult for local authorities to monitor or regulate the activity. Experts have noted that they have received multiple reports of botched procedures resulting from these clandestine operations. The primary concern raised by medical professionals is the lack of formal training and accountability among these visiting beauticians, which significantly increases the risk of complications for patients. While the report highlights the dangers of these illicit services, it also points to the difficulty of enforcement given the decentralized and secretive nature of the online groups used to facilitate these transactions.