JAMES : For more information on plastic surgery in China, our reporter Guan Xin joins us in the studio.

Good evening Guan Xin. As we've heard in the earlier report, despite knowing the risks, many still choose to go under the knife, in the hope of becoming more attractive. Can you tell us the ongoing trends in the market?

Guan Xin: Nowadays, more and more people turn to plastic surgery in the hope of becoming more beautiful. Young people are the main consumers in the plastic surgery market, especially graduate students preparing for job searching and high school students wishing to apply for art college. They think a good look will help them win in the fierce competition.

Most parents agree with their children's decision and even sponsor them. Up to now, females take up 96 percent of consumption, and males 4 percent. One thing to mention is that the number of male consumers is also growing, especially those in middle age, who think plastic surgery will help them make a success of their careers. James.

James: China indeed has a large market for plastic surgery. Can you tell us how big the market is?

Guan Xin: The plastic surgery market has become the fourth consumption market after housing, vehicles and tourism. The number of people choosing such operations in China has seen a dramatic increase over the past few years. About 4 million plastic surgeries are estimated to be performed this year. However, the figure was only one million in 2004.

According to statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, China has become the third largest plastic surgery market in the world and the largest market in Asia, taking up 13 percent of the total operations. The US is at the top of the list, with the operation number reaching nearly 18 percent, while Brazil comes second, making up 14 percent of the total operations.

James: What are the prospects for the Chinese plastic surgery market?

Guan Xin: The future for Chinese plastic surgery market is bright. Over one million people are employed, bringing incomes of up to 15 billion yuan, and the income is growing at a speed of 20 percent. However, problems do exist. For example, more than sixty percent of plastic surgeries is undergone at unlicensed hospitals and the advertisements they post often exaggerate the effects. Here is a look at the plastic surgery market and its hidden risks.

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