Damascus - Damascus has become an important destination for Syrians and Arabs seeking new and different looks as plastic surgery clinics and beauty parlors increase, providing a wealth of procedures to celebrities.
Damascus and other Syrian cities have become a popular destination for people who want to undergo plastic surgery and dental work due to their low costs compared to other countries and the presence of skilled doctors, with clients from Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Arab Gulf countries.
Official estimates show that there are around 80 registered Syrian plastic surgeons working in well-known and busy clinics, in addition to hundreds of beauty parlors.
Statistics show that Syrian doctors performed hundreds of nose surgeries during recent years on Syrian and Arab women. Such procedures cost around USD 200-1,000 in Syria, while they cost around USD 1,500-3,000 in other countries.
Syrian dentists became renowned for their quality work and low costs in comparison with other countries, prompting Syrian expatriates to seek their services. Dental implants in Syria cost around USD 600-1,000 per tooth, while it costs around USD 2,000-3,000 in neighboring countries.
The most popular plastic surgery procedures include nose surgeries, liposuction, Botox injections, facelifts and tummy tucks, with some clinics and parlors receiving around 60 clients each day.
According to statistics, imports of cosmetics, skin-care products and sun block amounted to around SP 168 million in 2008, in addition to hair care products with a value of around SP 1 billion, oral hygiene products of a value of SP 305 million, and fragrance products with a value of SP 164 million.
By H. Sabbagh
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
