The cosmetic medicine sector in Lebanon has gained significant fame locally and regionally, thanks to the reputation of Lebanese doctors and the perception of Lebanese women as highly attentive to their appearance. However, after the crisis that struck Lebanon, which was expected to shift the focus of most Lebanese towards securing basic needs, this sector has prospered even more during this period. Why is this so? And who is the demographic that continues to resort to cosmetic procedures regardless of the cost?
All sectors in Lebanon have been affected by the financial crisis, and many can no longer withstand it. Nevertheless, maintaining an elegant appearance remains a priority for segments of the Lebanese population, particularly among Lebanese women who opt for cosmetic surgeries, facelifts, and interventions to remove signs of aging. Lebanese women are known for their love of beauty, but can they continue at the same pace despite the significant rise in prices affecting all areas, prominently cosmetic procedures and injections of Botox and fillers? How do Lebanese women balance luxuries and necessities amidst rising costs of bread, medicine, electricity, gasoline, and school tuition?
**Cost of Procedures**
According to a survey conducted by "whatclinic", the average prices for cosmetic procedures in Lebanon are as follows:
- Rhinoplasty: between $2,000 and $3,000
- Laser Rhinoplasty: between $2,500 and $4,000
- Dental Implant (per tooth): between $750 and $1,500
- Liposuction: between $2,500 and $4,000
- Tummy Tuck: between $2,000 and $5,000
Additionally, procedures such as cheek and lip fillers with Botox, frequently sought by many young women, cost around $200. This option enhances feelings of positivity, especially amid the challenging circumstances in Lebanon and their impact on the psychological state of Lebanese women, according to one sector worker.
**Botox and Fillers**
Dr. Sandra Kouzak, a cosmetic physician, notes that "this sector is currently experiencing unprecedented growth contrary to all expectations, with increased activity during the summer months and the holiday season in December. Most clients are from Lebanon, but there is a significant percentage from abroad, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, as well as from America and Africa. Among the most demanded services are lip fillers and upper face Botox injections, which range from $180 to $200."
**Cosmetic Surgery**
In a discussion with one of the most renowned clinics in Lebanon, it is clear that the economic crisis has impacted Lebanese lifestyles, reflecting on several areas, particularly luxuries such as cosmetic surgeries, where there has been a decline in interest among residents in Lebanon. Conversely, demand from Lebanese expatriates for cosmetic procedures has risen, coinciding with a global increase in demand. Fifty percent of our clients are from abroad, and the most requested procedures include facelifts, especially as signs of aging and wrinkles become more pronounced, making facelifts an ideal solution for masking signs of aging. There is also increasing demand for a new procedure involving changing eye color.
**Balance of Payments**
Before the crisis, some Lebanese would travel to Syria and Turkey for cosmetic procedures due to lower costs. Today, despite Lebanon facing a severe crisis, demand for cosmetic surgeries has relatively increased, attributed to the favorable exchange for holders of hard currency. Lebanon, which aims to revive its economy, can rely on many sectors, including the beauty sector that attracts clients from the region and the world, bringing with them dollars that help to improve the balance of payments, which has reached a deficit level that precludes any sustainable economic and monetary stability.
