Use only licensed plastic surgeons, Dubai Health Authority warns

Dubai Health Authority is urging people to check plastic surgeons’ credentials before any procedure, because many plastic surgeons are increasingly called upon to perform non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

Plastic surgeons said patients should seek licensed practitioners and use quality products to avoid problems.

Dr Marwan Al Zarouni, head of plastic surgery at Rashid Hospital and president of the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society, said in general, cosmetic surgery procedures are becoming more popular in the UAE.

“The reason is that rejuvenation procedures are quick and give the desired results, people leading busy lives do not need to take too much time away for these treatments,” he said. “The key is to ensure that people go to licensed practitioners and use quality products to avoid complications.”

Dr Bander Aithan, a plastic surgeon at Bella Roma, seconded this opinion and said: “Before any plastic surgery procedure, it is important to ensure that your doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon licensed with the DHA.

“Plastic surgery is a field that has several subspecialties, so choose a doctor who is specialised in the specific procedure you want,” Dr Aithan said.

Global and regional demand for plastic surgery has grown significantly over the past decade, especially in Dubai, where the city’s location and facilities are huge contributors to a growing medical tourism sector.

In 2016, the emirate had overall growth of 9.5 per cent in the number of medical and health tourists to the city, with 326,649 international medical visitors.

The revenue generated from international patients was worth more than Dh1 billion, reinforcing the growing contribution of the sector to the national GDP.

Orthopaedic, dermatology and ophthalmology, dental treatment, fertility treatment and cosmetic surgery procedures were the most sought after medical and health tourism specialities.

Demand for plastic surgery has grown significantly, especially in Dubai