THE RISE OF COSMETIC SURGERY IN NIGERIA: TRENDS AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In recent years, cosmetic surgery has seen a significant surge in Nigeria, fueled by increased awareness, social media influence, and a growing middle class willing to invest in self-enhancement. What was once a luxury reserved for the elite has now become more accessible, with many Nigerians exploring options to enhance their physical appearance. However, this rise comes with ethical concerns, ranging from unrealistic expectations to the dangers of unlicensed practitioners.

This article explores the growing trend of cosmetic surgery in Nigeria, factors driving its popularity, and the ethical considerations that must be addressed to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.

THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR PLASTIC SURGERY IN NIGERIA

Plastic surgery can be broadly classified into cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. While reconstructive surgery is medically necessary—helping burn victims, accident survivors, and cancer patients—cosmetic surgery is elective and primarily enhances appearance. In Nigeria, both types have seen increased demand, with procedures like liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and facelifts becoming more common.

Several factors contribute to this rise:

1. Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have made beauty ideals more visible, influencing people to seek procedures that align with global trends.
2. Medical Tourism: Nigerians seeking advanced care previously traveled to destinations like Turkey, the UAE, and the U.S., but today, many prefer local options due to improvements in the healthcare sector.
3. Increased Awareness and Acceptance: There is a growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery, reducing societal stigma and making it a viable option for individuals wanting to enhance their features.
4. Technological Advancements: New, minimally invasive techniques have made procedures safer and recovery times shorter, attracting more people to cosmetic enhancements.

POPULAR COSMETIC PROCEDURES IN NIGERIA

Plastic surgery is no longer limited to facial enhancements. The most sought-after procedures in Nigeria include:

• Liposuction & Body Contouring: Used to remove stubborn fat and sculpt the body, often combined with Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) for a curvier figure.
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): Enhances nasal structure for aesthetic or functional reasons.
• Breast Augmentation/Reduction: Helps women achieve desired breast size, with some opting for reductions due to back pain or discomfort.
• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Popular among women after childbirth to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.
• Facial Rejuvenation (Botox & Fillers): Minimally invasive treatments that reduce wrinkles and enhance facial features.

THE ETHICAL CONCERNS SURROUNDING COSMETIC SURGERY

While the demand for cosmetic surgery grows, so do ethical concerns that must be addressed by medical professionals, regulatory bodies, and the general public. These include:

1. Unrealistic Expectations and Psychological Impacts

Many patients approach cosmetic surgery with the belief that it will completely transform their lives, only to be disappointed when the results do not meet their expectations. Some suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), an obsessive focus on perceived flaws.

Ethical Solution:

• Surgeons must provide thorough consultations, helping patients understand what surgery can and cannot achieve.
• Pre-surgical psychological evaluations should be encouraged for patients displaying signs of body image disorders.

2. The Rise of Unlicensed and Unqualified Practitioners

With the increasing demand for aesthetic surgery, many unqualified individuals have begun offering procedures at reduced prices, often in unsanitary conditions. The tragic stories of botched surgeries, infections, and fatalities linked to such practitioners underscore the need for tighter regulations.

Ethical Solution:

• Patients should verify a surgeon’s certifications before undergoing any procedure. The Nigerian Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (NAPRAS) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) regulate the industry.
• The government should enforce stricter laws against illegal cosmetic clinics.

3. The Dangers of Over-Promotion and Social Media Influence

Social media has played a significant role in popularizing plastic surgery, but it has also contributed to misleading advertising and unrealistic portrayals of beauty. Some clinics use digitally altered images to attract clients, setting false expectations.

Ethical Solution:

• Medical professionals should prioritize honest marketing, providing realistic before-and-after images without excessive editing.
• Regulations should require clinics to disclose risks associated with surgeries in their advertisements.

THE WAY FORWARD: BUILDING A SAFER PLASTIC SURGERY INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

For Nigeria to become a leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery, stakeholders must take deliberate steps to ensure safety, quality, and professionalism. This includes:

1. Strengthening Regulations: The government must strictly monitor plastic surgery practices to eliminate quack doctors and illegal clinics.
2. Patient Education: The public must be well-informed about the benefits, risks, and realistic outcomes of cosmetic surgery.
3. Encouraging Specialization: More Nigerian medical students should be encouraged to specialize in plastic surgery, reducing reliance on foreign training.
4. Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: Equipping hospitals with advanced surgical tools and post-surgery care facilities will enhance patient experiences.

CONCLUSION

Cosmetic surgery in Nigeria is on the rise, reflecting evolving beauty standards, technological advancements, and increased medical expertise. However, while the industry continues to thrive, ethical concerns surrounding patient safety, realistic expectations, and unqualified practitioners must be addressed.

By focusing on education, regulation, and professionalism, Nigeria can develop a thriving plastic surgery sector that not only enhances beauty but also prioritizes health and well-being.

Dr. Aranmolate Rasheed Ayobami is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Grandville Medical & Laser. For consultations, visit www.gml.com.ng or visit any of our branches:

• Lekki: Plot 106 Taju Okoya Close, Eleganza Garden Estate, Opposite VGC, Lekki, Lagos. Tel: 0817 153 0599.
• Surulere: 76 Femi Ayantuga Street, Surulere, Lagos. Tel: 0816 454 8279, 0812 020 8868.
• Abuja: 5b Lephalala Close, Off Ganges, Maitama. Tel: 0817 323 3025.

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