Chinese youths go under knife eyeing better jobs

BEIJING - Breast enlargement, double eyelids and other cosmetic surgeries are gaining popularity among Chinese youth as they think such treatments can help them get better jobs, say experts.

“Upto 80 percent of Beijing’s plastic surgery market this summer consists of senior high school and college students hoping to improve their appearance and land better jobs,” China Daily reported citing a study by China Medical Treatment Orthopedics and Beauty Association.

That proportion is expected to hit 90 percent in the coming years, the association said.

Excessive employment pressures and higher beauty standards are the main reasons for the popularity of the surgery, said researcher Xu who worked on the study.

“Students believe having a better appearance increases their employment chances amid the bleak job market,” he said. “Better looks will boost their self-confidence, they think.”

A doctor surnamed Zhong at a cosmetic surgery hospital said student clients have been growing markedly since the start of the summer vacation.

The number of students visiting cosmetic surgery clinics during summer and winter vacations has been 10 times more than in school time in the last two years, a report said.

“Once the operation is done I will be more confident, which is key for a successful job interview,” said a Shenyang Normal University student who came to Beijing for breast implant surgery.

“I always want to wear bikini at the beach. I’m so happy.” she added.

Many parents also believe such surgery can increase their children’s confidence in a competitive job market, said a psychologist surnamed Weng.

China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing has seen more than 10 students a day at its orthopedics department this summer, while during normal days there were hardly any clients, said Ma Haihuan, director of the department.

He said the most common operations are for double eyelids and nose jobs, but breast implants and laser treatments are also gaining popularity.

“Five years ago, groups of students from top fine arts colleges came to me for plastic surgery, while nowadays my office is still packed but with high school children looking to enrol in top fine arts colleges,” he said.