When you think of plastic surgery hubs around the world, Venezuela probably isn’t a country that immediately comes to mind. Recently, however, the country’s plastic surgery sector has been enjoying an unprecedented level of popularity, but unfortunately, it’s not for a good reason. According to experts, Venezuela is currently undergoing its worst recession since the 1800s, and the inflation rate is hovering around 200%. But while large segments of the economy are in dire straits, cosmetic enhancement is more popular than ever before, thanks largely to an influx of patients from neighboring countries looking for cheap plastic surgery.
So how do economic woes lead to an uptick in plastic surgery? With Venezuela in a deep recession, foreigners are able to enter the country and sell their money on the black market for more than 100 times the official exchange rate. More and more, people are using this favorable monetary exchange to get plastic surgery procedures for a fraction of what they would cost in their home countries. For example, people from Brazil looking for cosmetic enhancement report spending roughly a third of what they would have spent on surgery in Brazil.
This surge in plastic surgery has prompted plastic surgery practices to engage in some practices that are more akin to tourism. Reportedly, several cosmetic surgery offices in southern Venezuela are now arranging transportation and accommodations for plastic surgery seekers coming from Brazil and other countries. Additionally, some of these surgery practices are also offering shopping trips and packages to spend time at beaches on the Caribbean, all in the hopes of attracting customers.
Even though Venezuela may not typically be thought of as a plastic surgery hotspot, the culture does have an obsession with female beauty. To date, Venezuela has produced more Miss World winners than any other country on earth, so they know a thing or two about perfecting physical appearance. This knowledge is reflected by the droves of Brazilians who are reportedly more than satisfied with the results of their surgeries. According to surgeons in Venezuela, the most popular procedures that foreigners ask for are breast implants and injections of fat into the buttocks, also known as the “Boom Boom.”
All the money that foreigners have brought in over the last year has helped many cosmetic surgeons to expand the scope their practices. Ultimately, only time will tell how long this plastic surgery boom will last, but in the meantime, the industry is reaping the benefits of an otherwise dreadful economy.
If you or someone you know would like more information about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
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