Draft to ban child plastic surgery without approval

Medical facilities in Guangzhou will be banned from performing plastic surgery on minors without the approval of a parent or guardian, under a draft published by the city government, Guangzhou Daily reported on Monday.

However, surgery for medical purposes, like orthodontics or scar treatment, will still be permitted.

The southern city has published the draft, which come into effect as early as next June, to solicit public opinion.

The draft also requires at least one social worker be deployed to every middle or primary school.

The move comes amid reports of a rise in youngsters getting plastic surgery in China. One report suggested that 10 to 20 percent of plastic surgery recipients in Shanghai are minors, a growth of 10 to 15 percent annually due to dreams of fame among youngsters and a more open attitude by parents.

There are currently no laws covering plastic surgery on minors, or under 18s, in China.