The New York Times has reported that China lags only behind the United States and Cuba in the number of people having cosmetic surgery. But in the decade since the cosmetic surgery industry first emerged in China, there have been more than 200,000 faces ruined. Although there is nothing wrong in wearing makeup in the pursuit of beauty, it is sad and risky to count on facial surgery, says an article on voc.com.cn. Excerpts:

As techniques for cosmetic surgery have progressed, having one's face sculpted has undoubtedly become the quickest means to attain a closer resemblance to one's ideal of beauty. Though they will no doubt deny it in public, some showbiz stars have resorted to plastic surgery to appear more beautiful, setting an example that others are willing to follow.

Yet, according to experts, whatever the operation is, there is always a risk involved. Compared to some surgical operations, many cosmetic surgery procedures carry less risk. But facial reconstruction surgery has a rather high risk. It is indisputable that everyone wants to be beautiful, but the pursuit of beauty should not be at cost of health or even one's life.

Wang Bei, a Super Girls singer, died during facial bone-grinding surgery, in a bid to add gloss to her talent. However, as a singer, what she needed to do was to concentrate on her singing rather than trying to alter her appearance. There are many singers with ordinary looks who enjoy huge popularity among fans.

In fact, the public prefers beauties with character rather than artificial ones. After all beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Natural beauty, simplicity and sincerity is what society should promote.

(China Daily 03/01/2012 page9)