People in Iran are ready to spend their life savings to get cosmetic procedures done. The people seem to be taking such drastic decisions in order to conform to the ever-evolving beauty standards. Given the rising number of rhinoplasty operations, Iranian women, especially, seem to be keen on getting operated on for cosmetic purposes.
Azadeh is one of the many women in Iran who have resorted to rhinoplasty. She shared how every woman in her family has gone through the surgery. Azadeh, who is a model in Iran, went through with the procedure to correct what people often call a “Persian nose.”
A Persian nose is usually found in the Middle Eastern population and is very distinct in shape. The nose usually features a prominent bridge, a slight hump and a sharp tip. Azadeh, who even borrowed money from her friends to get the procedure done, says the money was “well spent” and “completely worth it.”
Azadeh mentioned how she had to undergo the surgery to conform to the Western beauty standards that have dictated women’s appearances in Iran. The model also explained how getting a rhinoplasty changed the trajectory of her career.
“After the operation, not only have I earned myself a modelling job,” Azadeh explained. She shared how she has also earned a better standing in society. The model revealed that following the surgery her earnings have gone up by three times. “I’m more respected by clients,” she added.
Iranian women have been forced to dress modestly and cover their hair following the Islamic revolution in 1979. This has led to the beauty standards only being focused on the female face.
The US-based International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery revealed that Iran saw 264,000 cosmetic surgeries in 2023. Out of the significant number, rhinoplasty was the most performed surgery.
Iranians receive the highest rate of nose jobs in the world—four times as many as Americans: http://t.co/lKW5aWGMbs pic.twitter.com/V78g9wTbDi
— VICE (@VICE) October 8, 2014
A rhinoplasty surgery in Iran costs around $1,000, which is extremely cheap in comparison to other countries. Notably, the minimum wage in the country is only $100.
Hamidreza Hosnani, who is a rhinoplasty surgeon in the country, revealed that he performs at least 20 rhinoplasty surgeries every week. He also revealed how getting cosmetic surgery has now become a “cultural trend.”
Large billboards advertising these cosmetic procedures have now become a common sight in cities like Tehran. People roaming around cities with bandaged noses are evidence of how popular getting a nose job has become in the country.
The rise in popularity of cosmetic surgery has led to more and more unauthorised clinics popping up. In the last month itself, Iranian authorities arrested a dozen people who were performing surgeries on clients without holding a valid license.
Tehran’s Apadana Hospital was one such spot where unauthorized practitioners were conducting surgeries. The health ministry shut down several operating theatres in the hospital as soon as they were notified about the malpractices there.
Iran is a new plastic surgery hotspot. In such a conservative place, this is surprising https://t.co/wKRse1PeMa pic.twitter.com/Dz0DJqWHqd
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) October 25, 2015
On November 7, 2023, three women lost their lives in Tehran after they signed up to be operated on. Ava Goli, who is a 23-year-old anticipating a cosmetic surgery, spoke about the struggles of finding a reliable surgeon.
“I saw some people whose nose job did not look good,” she told AFP. Ava shared how “sacred” it made her to depend on the said surgeon to conduct the procedure on her.
Bahador Sayyadi, who is an accountant also shared his experience with the publication. The 33-year-old revealed how he took out a loan to get a hair transplant done. “My financial situation isn’t great, but thanks to a loan I got recently,” he shared. Sayyadi is getting the transplant done in order to prepare for his wedding.
