High demand for cosmetic surgery in China London – Naeem Arzu Cosmetic surgery has seen a growing demand among mature professionals, in China, who struggle to compete with younger colleagues in the workplace. According to sources, employers are putting undue emphasis on youth, instead of recruiting on the basis of talent and experience. A recent study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, an increasing number of women are going under the knife, not out of vanity –but out of fear of losing their job to a younger colleague.  It found women paying high prices; up to 2900 US  dollars for a nose-job.  With the average salary of citizens at 7000 dollars, many people consider it an investment in their career. The practice is also common in youths, who are taking the time during summer holidays to have procedures, in the hope of gaining an edge in education. Beijing graduate, Chen Rong, underwent a facelift operation at a cost of 2000 yuan (213 British pounds).  She said, “I have sensed that appearance is an entry requirement for some jobs”, who attended more than 10 interviews before securing a job at a bank. She added, “The rhinoplasty (nose-job) procedure makes me look more European. It will make my future work and life in Europe easier.” Zhongda Hospital in Southeast University, SEU, China, has received 200 facial surgery applications, in August -70 percent of these were students. Head of the clinic, Xiong Meng, said “Nose jobs, eyelid surgery, liposuction and micro-plastic surgery are most popular with students.”