Introduction: Why International Patients Are Choosing Damei Aesthetics
Shanghai has long been a destination for medical tourism, and within the city's thriving private aesthetics sector, Damei Aesthetics (大美医疗美容) has emerged as one of the most talked-about clinics among international patients. Located in the heart of Shanghai, Damei positions itself as a premium, boutique-style medical aesthetics centre catering to patients who want personalised care, English-speaking staff, and internationally trained surgeons.
This guide is written for foreigners considering Damei Aesthetics for cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures. We cover the clinic's background, available treatments, pricing, patient experience, and practical tips for booking as an overseas visitor.
About Damei Aesthetics Shanghai
Damei Aesthetics is a privately operated medical aesthetics clinic licensed by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission. Unlike large public hospitals such as Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Damei operates as a boutique facility — smaller patient volumes, more attentive service, and a strong focus on aesthetic outcomes rather than high-throughput surgical volume.
The clinic's name, 大美 (Dà Měi), translates roughly as "great beauty" — a fitting description of its brand philosophy. Damei markets itself to both domestic Chinese patients and international visitors, with multilingual consultation services available in English, Korean, and Japanese.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Type: Private medical aesthetics clinic
- Location: Shanghai (multiple branches)
- Languages: Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese
- Licensing: Shanghai Municipal Health Commission approved
- Specialties: Facial surgery, body contouring, non-surgical aesthetics, skin treatments
- Target patients: Domestic and international, including medical tourists
Treatments and Procedures Offered
Damei Aesthetics offers a broad menu of both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Below is an overview of the main categories.
Surgical Procedures
- Double eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): One of the most popular procedures in China, available in both incision and non-incision techniques.
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping): Including augmentation with silicone or rib cartilage, tip refinement, and revision rhinoplasty.
- Facelift and facial rejuvenation: SMAS facelift, mini-lift, and thread lift options.
- Breast augmentation: Using implants (round or teardrop) or fat transfer techniques.
- Liposuction and body contouring: VASER liposuction, abdominal sculpting, and thigh contouring.
- Jaw contouring: Masseter reduction (Botox or surgical), V-line jaw surgery.
- Fat grafting: Facial fat transfer for volume restoration and rejuvenation.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Botulinum toxin (Botox/Dysport) injections
- Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers
- Thermage and Ultherapy skin tightening
- Picosecond laser for pigmentation and skin tone
- Hydrafacial and medical-grade facials
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy
- Thread lifting (PDO and PLLA threads)
Pricing: What to Expect at Damei Aesthetics
Pricing at private clinics like Damei is generally higher than public hospitals but often lower than equivalent procedures in Western countries. Below is a general cost comparison to help you budget.
| Procedure | Damei Aesthetics (Est.) | Shanghai Public Hospital | UK / Australia Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double eyelid surgery | ¥8,000 – ¥25,000 | ¥5,000 – ¥15,000 | £2,500 – £4,500 |
| Rhinoplasty | ¥20,000 – ¥60,000 | ¥15,000 – ¥40,000 | £5,000 – £10,000 |
| Breast augmentation | ¥30,000 – ¥70,000 | ¥25,000 – ¥55,000 | £5,500 – £9,000 |
| Liposuction (one area) | ¥15,000 – ¥40,000 | ¥10,000 – ¥30,000 | £3,000 – £6,000 |
| Botox (per area) | ¥1,500 – ¥4,000 | ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 | £200 – £400 |
| Hyaluronic filler (1ml) | ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 | ¥1,500 – ¥4,000 | £300 – £600 |
Note: Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may vary. Always request a formal written quote during consultation.
The Patient Experience: What International Visitors Say
International patients who have visited Damei Aesthetics frequently highlight several positive aspects of the experience:
Communication and Language Support
One of the most common concerns for foreigners seeking treatment in China is the language barrier. Damei addresses this with dedicated English-speaking coordinators who assist from the initial inquiry through to post-operative follow-up. Many patients report that consultations felt thorough and unhurried, with time taken to explain options clearly.
Facility Standards
The clinic maintains modern, clean facilities with private consultation rooms and recovery suites. International patients accustomed to Western private clinic standards generally find the environment comparable. The clinic uses internationally recognised product brands for injectables and implants.
Surgeon Credentials
Damei's surgical team includes doctors with training from leading Chinese medical universities and, in some cases, international fellowship experience. As with any clinic, patients are encouraged to verify individual surgeon credentials and ask specifically about their experience with the procedure being considered.
How to Book as an International Patient
Booking at Damei Aesthetics as a foreigner is relatively straightforward compared to navigating China's public hospital system. Here is a typical process:
- Initial inquiry: Contact the clinic via their official website, WeChat, or email. English-language inquiries are accepted.
- Online consultation: Many patients have a video consultation before travelling to Shanghai, allowing them to discuss goals and receive a preliminary quote.
- In-person consultation: Upon arrival in Shanghai, an in-person assessment is conducted. This is when the surgeon evaluates your anatomy and confirms the treatment plan.
- Procedure scheduling: Surgical procedures are typically scheduled within a few days of the in-person consultation, subject to pre-operative health checks.
- Recovery and follow-up: The clinic provides post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments. Remote follow-up via video call is available for patients who return home.
Practical Tips for Foreign Patients
- Visa: Most cosmetic procedures do not require a medical visa; a standard tourist or business visa is sufficient for short stays. For longer recovery periods, check visa requirements in advance.
- Payment: Private clinics in China typically accept cash (RMB), WeChat Pay, Alipay, and some accept international credit cards. Confirm payment methods before your visit.
- Travel timing: Plan to stay in Shanghai for at least 7–14 days post-surgery for initial recovery and follow-up checks before flying home.
- Insurance: Most international health insurance policies do not cover elective cosmetic surgery. Check your policy and consider travel insurance that covers medical complications.
- Translation: Bring a translated copy of any relevant medical history. The clinic's coordinators can assist, but having documents ready speeds up the process.
Damei vs. Other Shanghai Private Clinics
Shanghai's private aesthetics market is competitive. Damei sits in the mid-to-premium tier, competing with clinics such as Yestar (艺星), Mylike (美莱), and Hanfei (韩妃). Compared to these larger chain clinics, Damei tends to offer a more personalised, boutique experience with smaller patient volumes per surgeon.
"The consultation at Damei felt very different from the larger chain clinics I visited. The surgeon spent nearly an hour with me, which I really appreciated." — International patient review (paraphrased)
Safety Considerations
As with any elective surgery, safety should be the primary consideration. When evaluating Damei or any private clinic in Shanghai, consider the following:
- Verify the clinic holds a valid 医疗机构执业许可证 (Medical Institution Practice Licence) issued by the Shanghai Health Commission.
- Confirm your surgeon holds a valid 医师执业证书 (Physician Practice Certificate) and is registered for the relevant specialty.
- Ask about the clinic's emergency protocols and whether a licensed anaesthesiologist will be present for surgical procedures.
- Request before-and-after photos of previous patients who have had the same procedure.
- Be cautious of unusually low prices — in aesthetics, pricing often reflects material quality and surgeon experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Damei Aesthetics a licensed medical facility?
Yes, Damei Aesthetics operates under a licence issued by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission. As with all medical facilities in China, you can request to see their licence documentation during your visit.
Do they have English-speaking staff?
Yes. Damei has English-speaking patient coordinators who can assist with consultations, procedure explanations, and administrative matters. For complex medical discussions, a bilingual coordinator will typically be present alongside the surgeon.
How far in advance should I book?
For non-surgical treatments, same-week appointments are often available. For surgical procedures, it is advisable to book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, particularly if you are travelling from overseas and need to coordinate flights and accommodation.
Can I combine multiple procedures in one visit?
Yes, combination procedures are common and can be cost-effective. However, the surgeon will assess whether combining procedures is safe based on your health status and the complexity of each procedure. Not all combinations are advisable.
What happens if I have a complication after returning home?
Damei offers remote follow-up consultations via video call. For serious complications, you would need to seek care locally. It is important to have a local doctor or clinic identified before travelling for surgery abroad.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing, services, and clinic details may change. Always conduct your own due diligence, verify credentials, and consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any procedure. SeeDocInChina does not endorse any specific clinic or provider.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about seeking treatment at Damei Aesthetics or other Shanghai clinics, or if you need help navigating the booking process as an international patient, feel free to reach out to our team at wuguopeng1989@gmail.com. We are happy to help point you in the right direction.