Surge in Cosmetic Procedures: Botox Treatments Gaining Popularity Among Afghan Women, While Veiled Under Traditional Attire
In the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, a bustling scene of transformation is taking place. Amidst the ongoing struggles of a nation, 20 or so cosmetic clinics have flourished, offering a variety of services from facelifts to hair transplants.
One such individual seeking a second facelift is Silsila Hamidi, a 25-year-old medical school graduate. Her story highlights the stress-related skin issues that some people face in this turbulent environment.
The equipment used in these clinics is imported from Asia and Europe, although specific sources remain unclear. Publicly available reports focus more on humanitarian aid and medical support provided by international organizations like the ICRC and various humanitarian NGOs.
Despite the hardships faced by millions of Afghans, with 10 million suffering from hunger and one in three lacking access to basic medical care, some choose to invest in their appearance. This is according to a local surgeon who has witnessed an increasing demand for cosmetic procedures.
One reason for this trend could be the influence of social media, particularly Instagram, where beauty standards are often showcased. Lucky Khaan, co-director of Negin Asia clinic, one of Kabul's leading cosmetic surgery facilities, confirms this observation.
The methods used in these clinics are said to be the same as those used abroad, posing no additional risk, according to Abdul Nassim Sadiqi, a local dermatologist.
The Taliban authorities do not interfere with the work of these clinics, as long as gender segregation is respected. This has led to a diverse clientele, with well-off men seeking solutions for thinning hair and women, always covered from head to toe, seeking various procedures.
Interestingly, some claim that Taliban members are clients of these cosmetic surgery clinics. However, this remains unverified.
Costs for procedures at these clinics are relatively affordable compared to other countries. For example, Botox treatments range from $43-87, and hair implants cost $260-509.
Despite the ban on hair salons and beauty parlours catering to women, cosmetic surgery is allowed as it is considered medicine. This has led to a surge in popularity of hair transplants among men, due in part to a Taliban order requiring them to grow beards at least the length of a fist.
As these clinics continue to attract new clients, they flood their social media pages with promises of beauty to attract potential customers. The EuroAsia clinic, on the verge of opening a second facility, is a testament to the growing demand for these services.
Even Mohammed Shoaib Yarzada, an Afghan restaurateur based in London, chose to have a hair transplant in Afghanistan due to the high cost in Britain. His decision underscores the appeal of these affordable services in the midst of a challenging environment.
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