Smiles for life as children get free surgery

Children with cleft lips and palates from poor areas of China received free surgery in a charitable event held earlier this month, as part of an effort to help them improve health and regain self-confidence.

One of the organizers, French cosmetic retailer Sephora China, said it invited volunteers and doctors from home and abroad to conduct operations for 75 young patients during five days in Garze county of southwestern Sichuan province.

Statistics show about one in every 600 new babies is born with cleft lift and palate in China.