Plastic surgery is booming in China, but not without risk

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By Brittyn Clennett and Fan Lu

For people in China today, especially the burgeoning middle class, rising income levels are opening doors to a greater range of choices.

Among them is the option of changing their appearance.

Plastic surgery is on the rise. The China Association of Plastics and Aesthetics expects the country to become the third largest market in the world within the next few years, after South Korea and Brazil.

Checkup prior to a double eyelid operation. /CGTN Photo

Most of those who opt for cosmetic enhancement are younger than 35 of age, and the vast majority of them are women. But men seeking cosmetic procedures are rising sharply. Last year the number of men undergoing surgery was double that of the year before.

Discrimination based on looks is common and real. That leads to some young people thinking that having cosmetic procedures is the gateway to a better career.

This young lady believes plastic surgery will give her the perfect look. /CGTN Photo

But those young people who aspire to achieve the perfect appearance by going under the knife, should remember that some operations are difficult, and therefore dangerous. Things can go horribly wrong. Sometimes, there’s a heavy price to pay for the pursuit of beauty.