A Complete Guide to Plastic Surgery in China is essential for international patients planning cosmetic surgery or medical tourism to China. This guide covers hospitals, costs, visas, and expert tips to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
For international patients, plastic surgery in China is becoming an increasingly popular choice due to world-class expertise and affordable costs.
1. Advantages of Plastic Surgery in China
Chinese plastic surgery attracts global patients with advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive services:
- Advanced Technology: Experienced expert teams and international-standard techniques. Procedures like facial contouring, ear reconstruction, and breast augmentation are on par with international levels, with minimally invasive techniques ensuring faster recovery.
- Cost Advantage: Medical expenses are typically 1/3 to 1/2 of those in Europe and the US.
- International Services: Top public hospitals (e.g., Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital) offer multilingual support and full-process cross-border medical assistance.
Understanding plastic surgery in China is the first step to making informed decisions about hospital selection, procedure types, and budget planning.
2. Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa Type:
- A tourist visa (L visa) is generally acceptable for cosmetic surgery if the purpose is stated as “medical tourism.”
- For complex procedures, an medical purpose visa (S2/S1) is required. You will need a hospital invitation letter and proof of payment deposit.
- Visa-Free Policies:
- Citizens of certain countries (e.g., France, Singapore) may enjoy visa-free stays up to 30 days.
- Tips:
- Foreigners entering China on an L visa or visa-free policy typically have a maximum stay of 30 days. For minor cosmetic surgeries, this period is usually sufficient for the procedure and recovery. However, if you are undergoing a complex surgery or plan to travel in China during your medical stay (i.e., your total stay will exceed 30 days), it is advisable to apply for an medical purpose visa (S2/S1) directly.
Please check China’s latest visa policies (including visa-free) here.
3. Choosing China’s Plastic Surgery Hospitals
- Top 10 Plastic Surgery Hospitals (Fudan University Ranking):
| Ranking | Hospital Name | City | Specialized Plastic Surgery Subjects | Hospital Profile |
| 1 | Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院 | Shanghai | Facial contouring, eye surgery, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, cosmetic dentistry | A top-tier hospital excelling in comprehensive plastic surgeries with advanced techniques and a renowned expert team. |
| 2 | Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences中国医学科学院整形外科医院 | Beijing | Breast surgery，scar repair, ear reconstruction, facial reconstruction, liposuction | Specializes in complex plastic and reconstructive surgeries, offering professional solutions for various deformities and cosmetic needs. |
| 3 | Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University南方医科大学南方医院 | Guangzhou | Liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, laser skin treatment | Provides a wide range of cosmetic procedures with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and personalized care. |
| 4 | Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences中国医学科学院北京协和医院 | Beijing | Micro-plastic surgery, skin rejuvenation, aesthetics，laser therapy, anti-aging treatments | Renowned for its expertise in non-surgical cosmetic procedures and skin health management. |
| 5 | The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (Xijing Hospital)空军军医大学第一附属医院（西京医院） | Xi’an | Maxillofacial surgery, breast reconstruction, burn repair, facial trauma surgery, cosmetic dentistry | A leading hospital in northwest China, skilled in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries with a strong medical team. |
| 6 | Union Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院 | Wuhan | Ear reconstruction/surgery，scar treatment, eye surgery, rhinoplasty, facial plastic surgery | Focuses on ear malformation correction and scar management, combining medical expertise with aesthetic concepts. |
| 7 | Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University复旦大学附属中山医院 | Shanghai | Breast surgery，facial rejuvenation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, laser cosmetic surgery | Offers high-quality plastic and cosmetic services, emphasizing safety and natural aesthetic results. |
| 8 | The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University陆军军医大学第一附属医院 | Chongqing | Eye cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facial contouring, skin laser treatment | Committed to providing professional and innovative cosmetic solutions with a patient-centered approach. |
| 9 | The First Hospital of China Medical University中国医科大学附属第一医院 | Shenyang | Facial rhytidectomy, fat transplantation, breast surgery, eye surgery, laser skin therapy | Specializes in facial anti-aging and fat grafting techniques, helping patients achieve youthful appearances. |
| 10 | Peking University Third Hospital北京大学第三医院 | Beijing | Double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty repair, facial plastic surgery, breast cosmetic surgery, liposuction | Known for its expertise in surgical revisions and aesthetic enhancements, with a focus on precision and quality. |
Also, you can check other hospitals with plastic surgery on our platform.
- Tips:
- In addition to the top 10 plastic surgery hospitals, you can also search for other plastic surgery hospitals online. However, we recommend prioritizing Class A, Level 3 public hospitals for quality, safety, and transparency. If you have very high requirements for the hospital’s facilities and service quality, you may also consider international or private hospitals as well.
- Verify hospital credentials via official websites and check online reviews from other patients about the hospital/department and similar surgeries.
- Contact the hospital’s international department for English-speaking coordinators.
Note: Always conduct thorough research, prioritize safety over cost, and choose surgeons with verified credentials.
4. Itinerary Planning
- Distance Consultation:
- Schedule a virtual consultation 4–6 weeks in advance to discuss your goals and medical history with a doctor at the chosen Chinese plastic surgery hospital.
- Typical Stay:
- Facelift: 3–4 weeks (7-day hospital stay + 2-week local recovery)
- Liposuction: 2–3 weeks (1–2 days hospitalization)
- Buffer Time: Plan an additional week for unexpected delays.
- Logistics: Book your flight tickets, hotels in China (preferably near the hospital), and arrange other activities you plan to do in China, such as sightseeing.
5. Surgery in China
- Pre-Surgery in China:
- Allocate 2–3 days for pre-op exams (blood tests, imaging) and contract signing.
- Surgery & Recovery:
- Simple procedures (e.g., liposuction) may require a 3–5-day hospital stay; complex surgeries (e.g., facial reconstruction) need 1–2 weeks.
- Post-Surgery:
- Allow 3–6 weeks total for recovery (including swelling reduction and stitch removal).
- For multiple procedures, plan separate trips (each surgery requires a 30-day recovery window).
6. Post-Op Care & Recovery
- Medical Guidance:
- Strictly follow the surgeon’s instructions for wound care, medication, and activity restrictions.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments (usually 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-op).
- Key Tips:
- Avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, sunlight, flights longer than 4 hours for 2 weeks, and smoking for 2–4 weeks.
- Use recommended skincare products and compression garments (if prescribed).
- Emergency Support:
- Save the hospital’s emergency contact and your country’s embassy phone number.
7. Additional Considerations
- Language: Many top-tier hospitals have English-speaking staff, but bringing a translator is recommended for complex discussions.
- Payment: Most hospitals accept international credit cards; cash payments (RMB) may be required for smaller fees.
- Insurance: Cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by health insurance; confirm with your provider.
8. Cost Estimate (for Facelift and Abdominal Liposuction)
- Chinese Hospital’s Cost
| Rank in Plastic Surgery (China) | Hospital Name | City | Facial Rhytidectomy (Face-lift) | Abdominal Liposuction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院 | Shanghai | 80,000 – 150,000 RMB (3 – 4 weeks) | 30,000 – 80,000 RMB (2 – 3 weeks) |
| 2 | Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences中国医学科学院整形外科医院 | Beijing | 60,000 – 120,000 RMB (3 – 4 weeks) | 25,000 – 60,000 RMB (2 – 3 weeks) |
| 3 | Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University南方医科大学南方医院 | Guangzhou | 50,000 – 100,000 RMB (3 – 4 weeks) | 20,000 – 50,000 RMB (2 – 3 weeks) |
| 5 | The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (Xijing Hospital)空军军医大学第一附属医院（西京医院） | Xi’an | 40,000 – 80,000 RMB (3 – 4 weeks) | 15,000 – 40,000 RMB (2 – 3 weeks) |
Note: The above budget estimates may fluctuate depending on factors such as doctor qualifications, materials used, and service levels.
- Cost Comparison with North America and the UK
| Items | North America (U.S. & Canada) | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Facelift | Average Cost: $11,395 (≈ RMB 82,600) Range: Full Facelift: $9,000–$18,000 (≈ RMB 65,250–¥130,500)<br>Mini Facelift: $4,000–$10,000 (≈ RMB 29,000–¥72,500)<br>High-end (e.g., NYC): Up to $80,000 (≈ RMB 580,000) | £7,300–£8,000 (≈ RMB 68,000–¥74,500) |
| Abdominal Liposuction | Average Cost: $3,000–$8,000 per area (≈ RMB 21,750–¥58,000)<br>High-end (e.g., NYC): Up to $10,000 (≈ RMB 72,500) | £3,000–£4,000 (≈ RMB 28,000–37,000) |
With this guide, plastic surgery in China becomes accessible and safe for foreign patients from all over the world.
If you have any questions about taking plastic surgery in China or need customized medical tourism services, please feel free to contact us. Thank you!
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information about medical tourism for hair transplants in China. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional consultation. International patients should conduct independent verification of hospitals, surgeons, and procedures, and consult qualified healthcare providers before making treatment decisions. China Medical Tourism Guide assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
