ABU DHABI // More and more people are turning to cosmetic and invasive surgery in the run-up to public holidays so that they can look refreshed, rejuvenated and younger.
This is the view of cosmetic surgeons who said Botox and dermal fillers were the most asked-for procedures, followed by laser hair removal, tummy tucks, and liposuction.
They said that 70 per cent of patients were female – some of whom are in their 20s – and that the majority were Emirati.
Dr Sameer Al Ali, a dermato-cosmetologist at Dr Ahmed Hassan Fikri’s Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, said many opted for fast fixes before personal milestones and public holidays.
The majority of his patients, he said, were women because “females find beauty part of their personality”.
“The procedure I do is the Botox treatment, and that is what is done all over the world as the number one in cosmetics. It gives good results and it’s a protective measure,” he said.
Dr Allen Rezai, a consultant plastic surgeon at Elite Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Group in Dubai said: “During holidays, people tend to want a quick fix to look refreshed and rejuvenated. Botox and dermal fillers are the most popular as results are immediate with virtually no downtime.”
“A more comprehensive procedure using dermal fillers is called 8 point facelift. This procedure is also known as non-surgical facelift. Some of our patients choose to combine Botox with the 8 Point facelift for a more optimum results,” Dr Rezai said.
Women, especially, choose to have dermal fillers to fill out and smooth deep wrinkles and facial lines.
Many also had the treatment to plump up their lips, or to restore volume on their cheeks and chin resulting in a youthful look.
Dr Rezai said people had recently begun to opt for radio frequency procedures, which used heat to tighten skill and stimulate collagen production achieving a subtle fresh, toned and more youthful look.
He said the side-effects of non-invasive procedures usually lasted a few hours to a few days, and without serious pain.
Prof Wayne Smith, plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon at American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Dubai said many people also tended to take advantage of the long holidays to recover from invasive surgeries such as tummy tucks and breast augmentation.
“Most commonly, the non-invasive procedures are fillers and Botox. These should be done at least two weeks before any planned occasion and the swelling and any possible bruising will need time to settle and disappear,” he said.
“The most common invasive procedures are liposuction with or without fat grafting, tummy tuck after pregnancy, and various breast surgeries including breast augmentation and breast lifting procedures.”
Prof said more males were also looking into corrective surgeries.
“Males usually ask for liposuction and eyelid surgery,” he said.
However, cosmetologists said having such procedures was optional and depended on patient’s needs.
“We as doctors don’t accept to perform any procedure, except for those who really need it. Any doctor who performs the procedures must be well trained and has a good reputation,” said Dr Al Ali.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
