The UAE saw a remarkable surge in medical tourism in 2022, according to a report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It went on to say that cosmetic surgery was a contender among the medical specialities that drove this trend.
This was especially true for the plastic surgery field in Dubai, which welcomed medical tourists from Arab and GCC countries (37%), Europe (28%) and Asia (19%).
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This comes as no surprise since Dubai has some of the best plastic surgeons in the world. Additionally, the hospitals and clinics in the UAE are equipped with facilities and services that rival the most advanced healthcare systems globally.
So, with this in mind, let’s look at six of the most common cosmetic surgeries in 2023.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is the enlargement of a woman’s breast through surgery. Women choose to have this procedure for a few reasons, including:
- Enlarging the breasts
- Correcting asymmetry in the shape and size of the breasts
- Reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries worldwide. It offers a high degree of customisability, as patients get to decide the size and placement of their implants. They can also choose between silicone or saline (sterile salt water) for implant fillings.
It is usually performed as an outpatient surgery but may occasionally require a hospital stay. Most women bounce back to normal within a couple of weeks after the procedure.
2. Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that involves suctioning stubborn fat deposits from certain body areas with a thin tube called a cannula. It’s often performed on the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs or arms.
Liposuction aims to shape specific body parts that aren’t changing with diet and exercise and create a more slender silhouette.
While patients might lose a few kilos with this surgery, it’s important to note that it’s not a weight-loss solution. They’ll still have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet if their goal is to lose weight.
Additionally, not everyone is a good fit for liposuction. Ideal candidates need to be close to their goal weight and have firm, elastic skin and muscle tone to experience the best results.
3. Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is a cosmetic surgery that entails altering the shape and size of the nose. This can involve reducing its overall size to be in line with the rest of the face or refining certain angles or bumps.
Aesthetics is a big part of why patients opt for rhinoplasty, but that’s not all there is to it. For instance, it can help improve a patient’s breathing if their nose is too narrow or if they have a deviated septum. It could also be done to correct birth defects and repair traumatic injuries.
4. Rhytidectomy
Rhytidectomy is the clinical term for a facelift. As the name suggests, it’s a procedure where plastic surgeons tighten and lift the skin of the face to reduce the wrinkles and sagging that comes with ageing. It can also combat loose skin in the neck, growing jowls and deep creases around the nose and mouth.
Recently, more men have been gravitating towards rhytidectomies for an overall youthful look. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, male facelift procedures increased by 20% over the last decades.
5. Gynecomastia Correction
Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have enlarged or overdeveloped breasts. It’s usually caused by an imbalance of estrogen (the female hormone) and testosterone (the male hormone).
Gynecomastia corrective treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. A plastic surgeon would typically start with liposuction which, in many cases, can be enough to remove the excess fat and tissue.
But in more severe cases, where there’s limited visibility and stubborn glandular tissue, the doctor might opt for a combination of liposuction and surgical incisions to reach the desired result. This procedure helps contour the pectoral muscles so patients can have a firmer, well-defined chest.
6. Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is known as eyelid-reshaping surgery. There are two types of this procedure:
- Lower blepharoplasty: This involves removing fat pads that can cause “bags” under the eyes as well as deep wrinkles.
- Upper blepharoplasty: This is also known as an eyelid rejuvenation or eyelid lift. It can be done to improve the vision of people with heavy eyelids or correct sagging or drooping skin.
Both those procedures can be performed together or individually according to the patient’s needs or preferences.
Finding the Right Doctor
Cosmetic services in Dubai are constantly expanding and incorporating the latest medical technology to ensure the best outcome for patients. However, just as important as deciding on the surgery you want is finding a reliable, experienced surgeon to perform it.
Look for a certified doctor with years of experience in the field, read reviews from previous patients to find out what results they got, and ask questions and voice any concerns you may have in the consultation session.
This is the first step to having a safe, successful surgery and getting the results you’ve always wanted.