Hollywood’s Plastic Surgeons Accelerate Demand in Dubai’s Cosmetic Surgery Boom
The cancellation of a popular reality television show has inadvertently fueled a surge in plastic surgery procedures performed by Hollywood doctors in Dubai, often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the Middle East.” The show, Dr. 90210, which premiered in 2004, showcased the extravagant transformations of beauty-obsessed individuals in Beverly Hills through various procedures, including breast augmentations, face-lifts, and liposuction. After its U.S. airing ended in 2008, the show continued to captivate audiences in 22 other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, leading to a significant demand for its featured surgeons.
Surgeons Transition to Dubai
Jason Diamond, a former facial expert on Dr. 90210, has emerged as a key figure in this burgeoning market. He leads a group of plastic surgeons who have partnered with the American British Surgical & Medical Centre (ABSAMC) in Dubai. This facility facilitates the arrival of U.S. and U.K. doctors to the region, located on Abu Bakr Al Siddique Road in Dubai’s Deira district. Diamond notes that in Dubai, anyone with media exposure is treated as an A-list celebrity, enhancing their appeal and business prospects.
Kevin Sands, known as the family dentist for the Kardashians, is among the former 90210 doctors who have joined Diamond in Dubai. Sands has treated numerous high-profile clients, including Charlie Sheen and Miley Cyrus. He highlights the natural transition to Dubai, given that many of his patients in Beverly Hills are from the Middle East. Sands emphasizes the importance of obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in Dubai, joking about the need for caution in navigating local regulations.
The Surge in Cosmetic Procedures
David Matlock, another 90210 alum specializing in liposuction and body sculpting, has also found success in Dubai. He reports that upon his arrival, he experienced immediate recognition and a ready patient base, largely due to the show’s popularity. The ABSAMC actively promotes the availability of these Hollywood doctors, with announcements on social media encouraging potential patients to book appointments.
The demand for cosmetic procedures has led these surgeons to work extensive hours, often from 7 a.m. to midnight for several consecutive days. Diamond notes that while they are busy, they also accommodate patients’ religious practices, allowing time for the Salah prayer, which is performed five times daily.
Cultural Dynamics in Cosmetic Surgery
Despite Dubai’s cosmopolitan environment, many Arab women, including those from affluent families, maintain traditional dress codes in public. However, Diamond observes that once in the clinic, these women often reveal luxury items beneath their garments. This juxtaposition highlights the complex cultural dynamics at play in the region.
Interestingly, the surgeons have noted a lack of conflict among Muslim women seeking cosmetic procedures, which are traditionally viewed as haram, or against Islamic law. Diamond points out that many women feel a strong societal pressure to maintain their beauty, often competing with younger wives for their husbands’ attention. Matlock adds that he frequently hears from patients about their husbands taking additional wives, further motivating them to seek aesthetic enhancements.
The Influence of Global Beauty Standards
The influence of Western culture and Hollywood celebrities has established a global beauty standard that resonates even in the Middle East. Renato Saltz, a plastic surgeon and vice president of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, notes that features associated with celebrities like Angelina Jolie are among the most requested by patients. He attributes this trend to globalization and the accessibility of diverse beauty ideals.
Kim Kardashian’s aesthetic is particularly popular in Dubai, with many women requesting features reminiscent of her appearance. Sands notes that while patients may not desire the extreme whiteness of Hollywood smiles, they still seek a brighter shade than he initially anticipated.
Navigating Cultural Etiquette
American doctors practicing in Dubai have had to adapt to local customs and etiquette. Sands advises against physical contact with female patients, as Sharia law prohibits men from touching women who are not family members. Diamond recounts an incident where he accepted a dinner invitation from female patients, only to be advised afterward about the potential repercussions of being seen with them in public.
The success of these 90210 doctors in Dubai has been remarkable. Matlock states that he can complete in four days what would take him two weeks in Beverly Hills. Sands describes the experience as a “gold mine,” despite the challenges of long flights and the associated fatigue.
Financial Considerations and Future Expansion
The financial rewards are significant, with Sands charging between $50,000 to $100,000 for full-mouth makeovers and $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth. The lack of income tax in Dubai allows these doctors to structure their earnings favorably, further incentivizing their presence in the region.
Diamond’s fees vary based on the complexity of procedures, with rhinoplasties ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 and face-lifts from $15,000 to $75,000. The lucrative market has attracted more Los Angeles-based surgeons, including Marc Mani and Neal Handel, who have recognized the potential for growth in Dubai.
Plans are underway for the establishment of similar surgical clinics in Kuwait, Singapore, and Qatar, with Diamond also exploring opportunities in Russia. The demand for cosmetic procedures continues to rise globally, with emerging markets in Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and India showing interest in the Beverly Hills aesthetic.
The aspiration for a Hollywood appearance transcends cultural boundaries, with patients seeking to emulate the looks of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie. This trend underscores the universal desire for beauty and the evolving landscape of cosmetic surgery worldwide.
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Published on 2013-07-26 07:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk