With medical skills improving and costs still low, Shanghai has become a destination for people seeking plastic surgery, as beauty seekers from South Korea, and the nation's best-known man-made beauty all choose the city to get a little nip and tuck.

Yesterday afternoon, Hao Lulu, a 25-year-old woman from Beijing, received liposuction surgery at Shanghai East Beauty Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital on her upper arms and back.

Hao became famous after undergoing six months of free plastic surgery beginning in July 2003, including eyelid renovation, liposuction, breast implants, nose restructuring and face-narrowing jawline surgery. Hao's glamorous new look turned her from an unemployed fashion writer to an entertainment star, who has been offered acting roles in several TV series and movies.

"Though I have undergone many operations, there is still space for perfection," said Hao. "I chose a Shanghai facility because of its sophisticated technology and service."

Last Friday, two actresses from South Korea also flew to a local hospital. They received eyelid operations, nose jobs and facial structure rebuilding.

(Shanghai Daily April 27, 2005)