In Saudi Arabia cosmetic surgery is very popular in surgery whether it is getting permanent eyeliner affixed to the eyes or more intensive surgery such as a tummy tuck or breast enhancements (whether reduced or increased). And the latest craze to hit the streets is laser liposuction. Laser liposuction is like having a tummy tuck but without having to undergo major surgery and cutting of the stomach. Now I can speak from personal experience on the pain and slow recovery that comes after having an “enforced” tummy tuck as the tissue and muscles from my stomach were required for reconstruction surgery I had due to cancer. So to think for those who want a tummy tuck without the slice of the knife, I can certainly understand the enthusiasm to have the laser procedure done rather than the traditional surgical procedure.
Laser Lyposuction, also referred to as “SmartLipo” is a procedure described as “hot butter sliced by a knife.” And according to the Fit & Healthy web site, smartlipo leaves little to no scarring and no stitches required. Whereas of course the traditional tummy tuck has one cut across the entire abdomen and leaves a lasting scar. For more information on the pros and cons of Laser Lyposuction, “Smart Lipo” versus the traditional tummy tuck, see this link: http://ifitandhealthy.com/laser-liposuction-smartlipo/
With the increased interest in cosmetic surgeries this is a very profitable business in the Kingdom. There are many private clinics throughout the Kingdom which specialize in cosmetic/plastic surgeries. The patients are both men and women and liposuction remains the most popular procedure performed.
But wait a minute…is cosmetic surgery allowed in Islam?
According to Sheik Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari of the Hanafi fiqh list, any surgery for the purpose of beautifying oneself is prohibited. But on the other hand, if there is a deformity and cosmetic surgery can correct the problem, then it is allowable. http://www.themodernreligion.com/misc/hh/cosmetic-surgery.html So does that mean in the case of breast enhancements or tummy tucks, the present condition of a patient’s body before surgery is viewed as a deformity?
Filed under: Health, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Technology, travel, Uncategorized, Women Issues
I think after reading this, I’m ready to go back to the gym. No surgery at all, thank you very much, unless it is a medical emergency. People are dying from infections that occur from surgeries that aren’t necessary. And for what?
The hospitals have a staff infection alone can kill you…even without surgery…. Are you ready to tempt fate on that one? You are opening up yourself to a whole can of worms…literally….known as super bugs! Yuck. Nope, not for me. Pulling the skin of the face to tighten it is one thing, but digging into muscles or melting the fat sounds really dangerous.
i am starting to love this blog each day!!
,,
forbidding never stopped anyone from any thing,, you see Saudi youth in Bahrain drinking alcohol like water,, and i mentioned Bahrain because its just a few miles away,, hell if there wasn’t a U.N. body i clearly see it another city of our glorious kingdom..
every woman i can remember in our family had a cosmetic surgery,, from breast enhancements in woman to even rhinoplasty “nose job” in men!,, if this tills something it tells us that sharia law is nothing but a mare play to fool the Islamic population through the world!! and is only applied at high criminal offenses ,, the Saudi society gives our outdated traditions more respect and obedience then there religion! and of course what is a better way to higher up your social profile then to view yourself as “hard cash” with enough money to spend on plastic surgery and entering you child to an international school or high profile privet school!
it’s all about the looks and your place and name when mentioned, i can give a lot of samples on how religion is not that importuned and your view in the society is in arabia,, but i am starting to feel like McCain talking so much
Is, “…the present condition of a patient’s body before surgery is viewed as a deformity?” You bet it is. Why else would someone subject themselves to general anesthetia risk, huge fees, and substantial discomfort?
In all fairness, I must say that some physical features are downright ugly, and could qualify as deformities in comparison to the counterparts of other people.
I’m enjoying the comments thus far.
Miriam I have heard (in general) about the nasty staff infections. I recall one of the American channels having a story on this. While I don’t doubt they can exist here in KSA at least I’m not aware of hearing about it as a common problem.
Mansour – I liked your comment. You’re right…among a large grouping it seems some form of cosmetic surgery is natural and expected. I’m just guessing but I think nose jobs, breast enhancements and gastric bypasses are among the most popular.
Marahm – your post makes me think there is a lot of pscyhological feelings into play on perhaps the whys of some who put themselves willing through an ordeal in order for in their view to be more attractive and pleasing.
curious… anyone know how such procedures are charged? and approx price ranges? lol promise… I’m not thinking about it… just curious
i still find it interesting that a tattoo to reconstruct a nipple is not acceptable but tummy tucks and breast enhancement are!
Sometimes breast problems can be a deformity (especially if they are really too big and cause back problems..a friend of mine could get hers reduced in the public health system because of this) but in relation to the tummy, get thee to a gym! blubber is no deformity, its a lifestyle.
after five kids (one set of twins) I would say that my body qualifies as a deformity. I didn’t start out this way and it wasn’t until now that my body has changed so drastically after carrying children that I would consider lasor lypo. Although I’m a bit hesitent of getting it done in Saudi and would take a long time finding a dr I trust enough to do it.
gastro bypass however is a whole other can of beans in this country. 1. it is sought and given to easily even those who wouldn’t qualify in the us get it here. 2. major complications for majority of patients in the Kingdom (just talked about this the other day with an ER nurse) 3. it isn’t an easy fix all which is never explained to any patient. Instead of diet and exercise the run for a gastro bypass with drs all to willing to give it to them. This goes back to an overall wrong thinking when it comes to medical issues and treatment in the kingdom to begin with.
Oh, I’ve never heard of this procedure! I think the idea of prohibiting cosmetic surgery just to look better makes a lot of sense religiously. I guess I would just not like the belief imposed ON me, though I can see myself taking a belief like that for myself.
Scribbler – the prices really vary depending on the procedure and the area.
Nzingha – wow…I didn’t realize you had twins among your crew! (smile) I agree that gastric bypass is performed too routinely here as a weight-loss/control mechanism and quite frankly of the half dozen whom I can readily think of who have had this procedure, they have all encountered complications of one type or another. And I think in the Kingdom the complications are further compounded because many believe that once they have the procedure, viola! the weight will disappear and they can still eat or drink what they want and continue to live a life style not conducive to proper weight control…it just doesn’t work that way!
Mrs C – I also understand the islamic rulings but side with you in that I want to be in control and in charge of what decisions are made impacting me and my body. Although speaking personally, I would not voluntarily opt for any cosmetic surgery “just because” I didn’t like this or that…
Years ago, when I lived in the Kingdom, people went to Thailand for cosmetic surgery. Expats did it frequently and openly, but I’d never heard of Saudis doing it. That doesn’t mean they didn’t!
The connection of cosmetic surgery with religious directives is interesting, indeed, and could inspire a long and lively conversation in its own right. I suppose a continuum exists. Surely, Bedu, you are correct in suggesting that psychological factors propel some persons to get cosmetic surgery.
The crux of the matter is this: Are psychological motivations valid in deciding whether cosmetic surgery is appropriate?
Cosmetic changes can surely enhance one’s self-esteem and consequently one’s ability to contribute constructively to family and society. However, what do we tell the person afflicted with Body Dismorphic Disorder, who wants a limb amputated?
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/625680.stm)
mairead – I have no qualms or objections to legitimate health impediments…but I guess where people first have to agree on is what is a legitimate impediment…
If ones life is endangered and can be enhanced by surgery then I’m all for it.
Marahm – ugh…I’m not sure I’d know exactly how to support soemone who willingly wants a limb amputated.
Ive never been interested in having something surgically altered just for beauty’s sake (I think I would need extensive surgery to achieve “natural beauty”…lol) but if there was a surgery to remove the portion of the brain that holds on tight to bad memories and negative self images…Id be first in line to have that taken out…hell with the cost….sigh!
Hi, nice informative topic,about gastric bypass, dunno about other hospitals but to where im working, patients are screened before doctors finally decides to do the procedure, those who have severe morbid obesity mostly are candidates,doctors are weighing the complications of this syndrome, not all patients who wants to undergo the surgery can.
Coolred – I can understand your views…if there were a procedure to remove that bad memories there’s likely be a long waiting list to have it done…
Om Mohd – glad you enjoyed. I believe the majority of facilities do have a screening process prior to performing a gastric bypass. What I’ve seen is that the individuals, while maybe meeting the criteria as a candidate, may fail to follow the post-surgery instructions and thereby developing complications.
Permanent eyeliner is tattooing!!!! So no ”reconstructive” tattooing ( llowed I’d think) but cosmetic tattooing is ok???
It’s só hypcritical!!!!
So no eyebow plucking, but cosmetic breast surgery is ok????
Pfff!
om mohd- after first arriving her I had a case of insomnia so I had to go to phsyc to get some drugs to aid me in sleeping. We briefly talked about gastro bypass and the growing desire for them from most women. The guy turned to me and said “You want one? I can approve it for you” so much for the screening process. Got money in a private hospital and there ya are..
when my mother had her surgery for cancer the floor was filled with vomiting women. Gastro bypass was their number one surgery for women there. That was several years ago but nothing has changed.
And yes bedu their life styles stay the same and they continue to gorge themselves unfortunately. The procedure should have strict requirements but none of that happens w/ private hospitals just looking at the money.
Hi,
You I had blog about surgery and my recommendation is that if you feel happy about it then do it. Yeah even in the Bible it was mentioned that you are not supposed to alter what god had created.
If you are married and not not a celebrity then why go under the knife? It is useless. If you met accident that deformed your face or body which I think is not the well of God so surgery is needed.
Aafke – it can get sooo confusing!
Nzingha – I don’t know if it is common or not but several women I know who have had the gastric bypass within a few months had to have gall bladder surgery. Coincidence or not?
Edward – thank you for your comment and sharing your views.
I’m curious. Then what about those who needs to undergo reconstructive surgeries to restore their original looks or form?
I think there should be some form of “updates” on the Sharia laws, to reflect the changes since the Prophet’s (PBUH) time. Ulemas around the world should come to a consensus on the various issues that requires “updating”.
Firdaus,
I agree that updates are needed. It can get confusing on what seems to be allowable compared to other procedures that are not.
Although I agree that cosmetic surgery should not be done for no reason and just for the sake of an increased sense of vanity, i.e just to loose fat or reshape one’s nose/ plump up their lips…..( and indeed find such proceedures unatural and contrary to islamic thought that supports a natural flow to life and self improvement)….I do think that if one really needs it, i.e. after an accident or surgery marks,,,,it is a good idea as one just wants to reclaim their old self……..
Islam has many teachings on natural life and keeping in harmony with one’s existence….If one gets all worried about appearances,,,i.e desperate for a nose job, it is usually due to some underlying psychological distress and lack of confidence,,,and that can be altered through reading the Koran and prayer to improve ones feeling.
Very good comment GigiGirls.
Hi there, am looking for an excellent rhino surgeon in Riyadh-
Can some one comment on the price of having a deviated septum reduced and also reducing width of nostril. Used to play ruby at Rugby my school- messed up my nose big time.
Is there a Saudi Board of control where you check the credentials of plastic surgeons registered here?
Thanks
asalamalakum,
I am currently struggling with something related closely to this topic. Previously I had been a very heavy person. I have recently lost the extra weight and changed my poor habits. Unfortunately, even though my body is in a normal condition, my skin is loose. My husband wishes for me to go in for things like a tummy tuck and lifts/tightening of my skin. I can not get a clear answer on whether or not this is something Allah swt would accept.
if he has the money to pay for it. go for it. you need to look hot for your hubby!! don’t forget to get a boob job…k.
if people can smoke cigarettes, and legally buy them in any islamic country, then cosmetic surgery should be guiltless. i never would have questioned cosmetic surgery in the first place.
Eilyah…you should have the surgery if its what you want to do considering you will be the one that it affects. Dont do it for your husband…thats never a good reason.
Why would god be against you feeling good about yourself and improving upon the hard work you have done?