Annual Cost of Plastic Surgeries in Gulf Nearing 4 Billion Dirhams

In this 2011 file photo, a woman undergoes a double eyelid surgery. REUTERS
In this 2011 file photo, a woman undergoes a double eyelid surgery. REUTERS
TT

Annual Cost of Plastic Surgeries in Gulf Nearing 4 Billion Dirhams

In this 2011 file photo, a woman undergoes a double eyelid surgery. REUTERS
In this 2011 file photo, a woman undergoes a double eyelid surgery. REUTERS

Demands for plastic surgeries have been on the rise in the Gulf region as men and women starting from the age of 18 are seeking physical perfection.

A recent study has shown that the cost of plastic surgeries in the Gulf has neared 4 billion dirhams (more than 1 billion dollars) annually, 1 billion dirhams alone in the UAE.

The study, which will be discussed at the upcoming Dubai International Symposium for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (DISPRS 2018) at the end of this month, says that mainly young men and women are undergoing plastic surgeries.

The two-day event, to be held at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City on Feb 28, will feature prominent regional and international plastic surgeons who will address and discuss the latest procedures, developments and breakthroughs in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Qassim Ahli, a plastic surgery adviser at the Dubai Health Authority and a keynote speaker at the symposium, said that 60 percent of procedures focus on liposuction, tummy tucks and arm lifts that are done mainly after weight loss.

Ahli said in a statement that Botox, fillers and laser form 30 percent of procedures, 75 percent of which are carried out by women.

US Plastic Surgeon Dr. George Bitar also said that the symposium will include important keynote speeches by doctors from Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iraq, in addition to the United States, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, India, Italy and France.

The symposium is organized by Segma and held under the patronage of The Dubai Health Authority, and supported by the Emirates Plastic Surgeons Society, Bitar, who is also a keynote speaker, said.

DISPRS 2018 also features a groundbreaking new public exhibition featuring major clinics and hospitals in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, specialist cosmetics manufacturers and distributors, and for specialist medical supplies.



Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Spewing Columns of Lava

 In this photo provided by the US Geological Survey, an eruption takes place on the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (N. Deligne/US Geological Survey via AP)
In this photo provided by the US Geological Survey, an eruption takes place on the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (N. Deligne/US Geological Survey via AP)
TT

Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Spewing Columns of Lava

 In this photo provided by the US Geological Survey, an eruption takes place on the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (N. Deligne/US Geological Survey via AP)
In this photo provided by the US Geological Survey, an eruption takes place on the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (N. Deligne/US Geological Survey via AP)

One of the world's most active volcanoes sprang into life again Monday, spewing columns of lava 80 meters (260 feet) above Hawaii, US vulcanologists said.

Images showed enormous fissures in the caldera of Kilauea, on Hawaii's Big Island, spraying jets of molten rock into the air.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the eruption began just after 2:00 am local time (1200 GMT) in the southwestern section of the caldera.

"At 4:30 am, lava fountains were observed with heights up to 80 meters (262 feet)," the agency said.

"Molten material, including lava bombs, is being ejected from the vents on the caldera floor up onto the west caldera rim."

The eruption was also sending matter much higher into the atmosphere.

"The plume of volcanic gas and fine volcanic particles is reaching elevations of 6,000-8,000 feet above sea level... and winds are transporting it to the southwest."

"The eruption is occurring within a closed area" of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the observatory said, adding that lava flows "are currently confined to Halema'uma'u and the eastern part of Kilauea caldera."

However, it warned that sulphur dioxide emanating from the fissure would react with other gases in the atmosphere.

So-called vog -- volcanic smog -- can affect people and animals, as well as crops.

Kilauea has been very active since 1983 and erupts relatively regularly, including most recently in September.

It is one of six active volcanoes located in the Hawaiian Islands, which also include Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world.

Kilauea is much smaller than neighboring Mauna Loa, but is far more active and regularly wows helicopter-riding tourists who come to see its red-hot shows.