The rapid growth and wide availability of world-class facilities have firmly put Dubai on the map of global destinations for cosmetic surgery, according to local experts.

The Dubai Health Experience (DXH) for example, lists several cosmetic surgery comprehensive packages on its website.

Dr Jeehan Abdul Qadir, executive chairperson of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (AACSH) in Dubai, said that cosmetic surgery is inextricably linked to medical tourism.

“There are several factors that have led to the growth of the cosmetic surgery industry in Dubai over the past few years. Foremost amongst these is the rapid growth of medical tourism in the country, which has led to an increased focus on further developing the medical offering in the region that match international standards and beyond, positively impacting the aesthetic medicine industry as well,” she said.

According to Dr Jeehan, at AACSH, liposuction and breast surgery are the most desired procedures, accounting for 46 per cent and 18 per cent of all patients, respectively. Other high-demand treatments include abdominoplasty, cosmetic gynaecology and rhinoplasty.