"Started at 14, Over 100 Surgeries Yet Still Not Satisfied"... Foreign Media Shocked by China's Plastic Surgery Craze

"Plastic Surgery Craze" in China Under the Spotlight by BBC
"20 Million Chinese Undergo Plastic Surgery Every Year"
"Concerns Over Side Effects... Proliferation of Unlicensed Clinics"

"I've had so many surgeries that doctors say there's nowhere left to operate. Still, I will never stop trying to become more beautiful."

Chinese influencer Abby Wu who has undergone over 100 plastic surgeries. BBC

As it has been reported that 20 million people undergo plastic surgery in China every year, international media outlets are also paying attention to China's "plastic surgery craze." These reports focus on the social side effects caused by appearance-oriented values, ranging from the case of an influencer who has had more than 100 surgeries to complications suffered by victims of unlicensed clinics.

On April 23 (local time), the BBC reported, "Every year, 20 million people undergo plastic surgery in China, and 80% of them are women around the age of 25." The outlet analyzed, "In China, the perception that appearance is directly linked to social success is spreading," and "Plastic surgery is now considered not a taboo, but a part of self-improvement."

An advertisement scene for SoYoung, a Chinese plastic surgery-related app. BBC

The BBC introduced the case of Chinese influencer Abby Wu (35), who has had more than 100 surgeries since undergoing liposuction at age 14. Abby revealed, "So far, I have invested about $500,000 (approximately 670 million won) in various surgeries and procedures." She said, "I have had my jawbone reduced three times, so I need monthly procedures to prevent sagging, and I use concealer to cover bruises from surgeries." Nevertheless, she stated, "The surgeries were successful. My confidence and happiness have grown day by day," adding that she has no regrets about her surgeries.

Even after more than 100 surgeries, Abby is reportedly considering another nose job. She emphasized, "I've had so many surgeries that my skin doesn't stretch as well as it used to, and doctors say there's nowhere left to operate. However, my journey to become more beautiful will never stop."

The BBC pointed out that unlicensed plastic surgery procedures are widespread in China, resulting in frequent medical accidents. As of 2019, there were about 80,000 unlicensed businesses in China, and more than 100,000 practitioners without proper qualifications, according to the outlet.

It is estimated that several hundred plastic surgery accidents occur every day as a result. Dr. Yang Lu, a plastic surgeon in Shanghai, said, "Recently, the number of patients seeking corrective surgery for botched procedures has increased significantly," and added, "Some patients have even received procedures in their friend's living room."

Yueyue (28) suffered a side effect where her skin hardened like cement after receiving collagen injections for facial volume at an illegal clinic run by a friend. She underwent several corrective surgeries at various renowned hospitals, but her face has not been restored due to skin tissue damage. She confessed, "If I could return to my previous face, I would wish for nothing more."

The BBC pointed out that the driving forces behind China's plastic surgery craze are 'social networking services (SNS)' and 'beauty algorithms.' Popular Chinese plastic surgery apps such as SoYoung and GengMei scan users' faces, analyze "flaws," and recommend procedures at nearby clinics. Abby also said with a laugh that when she scanned her face with the app, it suggested numerous procedures such as "under-eye fat removal," "jaw augmentation," and "nose revision," commenting, "I've already done all of these, but the recommendations never stop."

The BBC stated, "China's plastic surgery craze goes beyond simple appearance issues and is closely connected to structural problems in society." The outlet noted, "Although government-level regulations are being attempted, unqualified practitioners and illicit operations still dominate the market." The BBC also pointed out, "The National Health Commission of China has announced it is strengthening crackdowns on unqualified medical personnel, but some clinics simply re-register at the same address after closing, and sanctioned doctors openly return to the field."