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.