China's plastic surgery industry set to become world's 3rd largest

In the past decade, the industry has increased in China by 30 percent each year on average, said the report. The most popular procedures include those on the eyes and nose, such as double eyelid surgery and nasal bridge augmentation, breast enhancements and liposuction.

Worldwide, breast enlargement is the most popular procedure, but not in China.

For instance, the US records 300,000 breast enhancements each year while in China 50,000 to 100,000 are performed, according to Du Xiaoyan, vice-secretary general of the association.

"Chinese women are more reluctant than Westerners to go for breast enhancements," Du said.

Chen pointed out that the China figure could be an underestimate as "some go to unqualified clinics so they are not on our radar".

China now has more than 10,000 plastic surgery clinics and the number is increasing by 30 percent each year, said the report.

However, due to a lack of regulations or strict management controls, unqualified practitioners also operate, leading to medical disputes and dangers to customers' health and safety, Du said.

She cautioned "beauty chasers", people going to South Korea for plastic surgery, since fewer than 3,000 of the more than 10,000 physicians performing plastic surgery in South Korea are authorized.

To help improve safety and quality control, CAPA plans to launch a data platform to collect and assess data from different institutions and track surgeries performed within the country, Du said. (kes)