Sex change rules mended

• Source: Global Times
• [01:32 November 23 2009]
• Comments

"It would be too late when the patients are regretful after the surgery," he said.

He said some institutions might not follow the rules.

A staff of Plastic Surgery Hospital told the Global Times reporter inquiring as a patient that they accept clients who are 18 and above. Chongqing Evening News quoted many private plastic surgery hospitals as saying that clients would be accepted as long as they have money.

"Medical institutions like to perform the operations because it is profitable and will bring the hospital more exposure to the public," he said.

Han Bingbing, the country's transsexual showbiz celebrity, also said the regulations were inadequate.

"There are no specifics on the pre and post operation practices," Han said. "China aims to measure up with Western countries in this aspect but still has a lot to learn."

In 2001, male singer Li Ying sued a Plastic Surgery Hospital in Hangzhou over a failed sex change operation that he got done nine years ago.

Li claimed that the medical staff there failed to do their job and he suffered a recession in his private area. But the court ruled against Li in 2002 since no expert could conclude that the operation was a failure.

However, there are some cases with happy endings.

An 18-year-old tomboy, Chenchen had a 200,000-yuan ($29,288) transsexual operation in Dongfang Cosmetic and Reconstructive Hospital in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Li Qingfang, a doctor at the hospital, said the surgery in 2008 was a success.

"The last time I saw Chenchen, (he) was happy and manly-looking after six months' recovery and adjustment," Li told the Global Times yesterday.

Plastic surgeon Chen said self-monitoring within the industry is also important.