About medical advertising guidelines
In response to the medical advertising guidelines that came into effect on June 1, 2018, the HELENE Group has removed testimonials from its website. Furthermore, we have completely revised our website to include explanations of the procedure, its risks, and its price whenever case photos are displayed. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our patients and customers, and we appreciate your understanding.
Partial excerpt from the original medical advertising guidelines
Part 1 Purpose of Advertising Regulations
- Partial revision of the Medical Care Act
As with other advertising media, limiting the items that can be advertised on the websites of medical institutions, etc. may hinder the smooth provision of information requested by patients, such as detailed medical treatment content. Under certain conditions, restrictions on items that can be advertised will be lifted.
Section 3 Prohibited Advertisements
(5) Testimonials regarding the contents or effects of treatments, etc., based on subjective opinions of patients, etc.
Article 1-9, Item 1 of the Ministerial Ordinance stipulates that "not to advertise patient's or other person's subjective experiences or testimonials based on hearsay." Refers to subjective testimonials based on one's own experiences or hearsay from family members, etc., for the purpose of attracting patients to the medical institution concerned. The impression will naturally differ depending on the person, and it is not acceptable as an advertisement related to medical care, given that there is a risk of misleading.
(6) Photographs, etc. before or after treatment, etc. that may mislead the patient, etc. as to the content or effect of the treatment, etc.
Article 1-9, Item 2 of the Ministerial Ordinance stipulates that “not to advertise before or after treatment, etc. that may mislead patients, etc. about the content or effect of treatment, etc.” This refers to so-called before-after photographs, etc. However, given that the results of treatment, etc., naturally differ depending on the conditions of individual patients, photographs, etc. that may mislead patients are not permitted as medical advertisements. be something that cannot be
Furthermore, this does not apply if the pre- or post-operative photographs are accompanied by detailed explanations of the treatment content, costs, and other matters that are normally required, as well as the main risks and side effects of the treatment. In addition,
sufficient consideration should be given to the placement of such information so that it is easy for patients to understand, and formats such as placing it on a linked page or using extremely small font compared to information about benefits and advantages should not be adopted.
