A Canadian medical company has signed an agreement with Shanghai's Ren'ai Hospital opening the door for North Americans and Europeans to visit the city for plastic surgery and dental treatment.

The biggest attraction for the overseas visitors is the price, says Garry Jodoin, the executive director of Nip and Tuck Tours, which plans to have its first clients in the city in January.

"The cost for facelift surgery in Shanghai is about 20 to 25 percent of the cost in the West," Mr Jodoin said. "The major reason for these trips will be to provide cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture."

"We also can provide massage therapists, personal trainers and dietitians to advise our clients how to feel and look better," he said. "Chinese fashion consultants, make-up experts and hair stylists will also be on hand to help clients create a totally new image for themselves before they return."

But local plastic surgery hospitals are not as optimistic about the service, saying Western people who need medical treatment will not be attracted just because there are lower prices.

(Shanghai Daily October 11, 2007)