A growing number of young Chinese are undergoing plastic surgery during their summer vacations as they believe improving their looks can give them an edge in applying for education and jobs.

Young Chinese seek plastic surgery edge.[File photo]

Beijing postgrad Chen Rong received a face-lift at a cost of 2,000 yuan (US$326) after graduating in early July.

"I have sensed that appearance is an entry requirement for some jobs," said Chen, who went to more than 10 interviews before securing a job at a bank.

"I just want to make a good impression," Chen said.

Chen is one of many young people nationwide who have sought out eyelid surgery, nose jobs and liposuction.

At Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, the number of people visiting plastic surgery clinics has increased dramatically in recent weeks.

The hospital's plastic surgery clinic received about 200 facial surgery applicants in the week ending last Wednesday, of which about 70 percent were students, hospital statistics showed.

"Nose jobs, eyelid surgery, liposuction and micro-plastic surgery are most popular with students," said Xiong Meng, head of the clinic.

Ting Ting, a 20-year-old who started studying in Europe after finishing high school, had a nose job last week.

"The rhinoplasty makes me look more European. It will make my future work and life in Europe easier," she said.

Chinese beauty standards have become increasingly influenced by Western standards. Big eyes, white skin and high nose bridges are seen as ideal.

Gao Xue, a consultant at Qizhi Plastic Surgery Hospital in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, said more students are seeking out plastic surgery, as they believe changing their looks can boost their self-confidence and bring them better opportunities in life.

Li Guimei, head of the plastic surgery clinic at Qinghai Red Cross Hospital in Qinghai Province, said students have accounted for 50 percent of her clinic's visitors so far this summer, adding that more young men have been visiting than in previous years.

"A graduate visited my clinic for a nose job, as he is about to start a job in south China, where people believe one's nose shape correlates with one's ability to gain wealth," Li said.

Li said students should be prudent when deciding on plastic surgery and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

"Cosmetic surgery isn't the only way to attain beauty. Young people shouldn't pin all their hopes on cosmetic surgery," she said.

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