Dubai anti aging industry 'recession proof' say clinics

But, according to the regional Scientific Committee of the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM), the demand for anti-aging treatments and cosmetic procedures is on the rise.

In an industry where anti-aging treatments were collectively worth $162bn globally in 2008, according to BCC Research, Middle Eastern clinics are spearheading the trend for invasive and non-invasive therapies for clients seeking an added advantage in the competitive job-seeking market.

BCC Research broke the global anti-aging market down into three categories - appearance, disease and fitness. Appearance - including facial and skin rejuvenation, hair care and body shaping - was worth $64bn in 2008 and is expected to generate $105bn by 2013.

The anti-aging disease management market share was the largest segment in the report worth $66bn in 2008. Consisting of preventive and reactive healthcare for diseases of aging such as bone and joint health, Alzheimer's and sexual dysfunction, it is expected to reach $119bn by 2013.

The regional Scientific Committee of the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM) says that increased consumer confidence and education, the latest non-invasive technology and a growing interest from the male population have seen established aesthetics practices busier than ever.

Committee member and CEO of Cosmesurge Middle East, Dr Max Sawaf, said:

"Despite the downturn, we have seen an increase in procedures particularly amongst the local population who would have previously travelled to Europe and Lebanon. They are now realising the importance of the latest technology and aftercare so are staying in the region."

"The local population continues to choose procedures such as tummy tuck and nose surgery, with the latter increasing substantially," he says. "Now there are specialist surgeons and all-female teams, which has opened up a lot of the market."

According to committee member Dr Maria Khattar, Managing Director Aesthetica Clinic Dubai, there are a growing number of men interested in aesthetic procedures especially in the areas of skin refining and permanent hair reduction.

""In times of hardship and financial struggle, people want to boost their self confidence," she says. "Minimally invasive procedures are allowing people to gradually improve their appearance and their sense of well being, while having full control over their budget."

Given the local levels of obesity, there is a huge demand for weight management through diet, gastric banding or bypass surgery together with liposuction.

Cosmetic Surgeon and DCAAAM committee member Dr Luiz Toledo explains that in Dubai men are having more plastic surgery than internationally by about 20%. "I do more breast reductions in men than I ever did before. Lots of men here are overweight and come for body lifts where we remove all the excess fat from the abdomen, breasts and arms."

Dr Sawaf, Dr Khattar and Dr Toledo will all be speaking at this year's Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM), which will be held from November 8-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Organized in association with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), the event will bring together a global network of scientists and physicians to address the needs of 450m baby boomers worldwide seeking to retain their youth and maintain health.