People are using the long holiday as an opportunity to get that nip and tuck. (File Photo/CFP)
During the National Day long vacation, other than going out or staying home to play games, one of the most popular activities is to go under the knife for some plastic surgery. Whether China, South Korea where plastic surgery has become mainstream, or in Taiwan where medical tourism is flourishing, bookings at beauty clinics have increased 10 to 20% above the usual rate, especially among people aged 40 to 55. Even a 78-year-old Shanghai resident has booked in for some cosmetic surgery, according to Want Daily, our Chinese-language sister newspaper.
Liberation Daily and Central News Services quoted mainland China's medical circle as saying the number of people using the long vacation to go through a variety of micro-plastic surgeries or other cosmetic procedures has increased sharply. It is likely due to the fact that this vacation is the longest holiday in history — eight days is enough to undergo nearly any kind of cosmetic treatment or micro-plastic surgery with sufficient time for a patient to recover. What's more, the industry and travel agents are providing discounts to would-be patients.
As early as the end of September, bookings surged not only in China's beauty clinics, but Korean beauty clinics have also enjoyed strong demand due to the numerous mainland China tourists who have canceled trips to Japan in protest over Diaoyutai dispute. Many are instead looking to Taiwan for their needs. Among them, many go straight to the hospital or clinic for treatment before using the the time off to take in some local attractions.
According to statistics from Shanghai medical institutions, over the long holiday the number of people booking cosmetic procedures increased in the range of 15 to 20%. Middle-aged and senior citizens have become the main demographic with the number of men opting for a treatment no fewer than women. The share men command of the total demand for beauty services has reached 38%, especially popular among the 40 to 55 age group.
In Chongqing, beauty clinics heavily promote themselves across TV, the internet and billboards. By the end of September, beauty clinics across the city were booked solid with their young people, most under 25, opting for non-invasive procedures. Many believe that investing in their appearance will provide career payoffs in the form of a raise or perhaps even a promotion.