1st Emirates Plastic Surgery Society Conference discusses latest advancements in treatment.

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, October 31, 2015: The 1st Emirates Plastic Surgery Society Congress, discussed the latest advances in treatment.

The three day congress which began on the 30th of October, is taking place at Hyatt Regency in Dubai Healthcare City. The congress is being held in collaboration with The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Dubai Health Authority.

More than 40 speakers from all over the world are presenting 90 lectures during the three day congress.

Dr Ahmad Bin Kalban, CEO of Hospital Services Sector at the DHA highlighted the importance of such congresses and their contribution to help share latest advances in medicine.

Dr Marwan Al Zarouni,  President of the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society and Chairperson of the Congress, said: “ There are two types of plastic surgery procedures. Cosmetic surgery is not necessary and is done because the person wants to achieve a certain vision of beauty. These include tummy tuck, liposuction etc.  Reconstructive plastic surgery is necessary and is needed to treat congenital conditions, burn cases etc. It is the use of surgery to restore the form and function of the body. The congress discussed the latest advances in both these types of plastic surgeries.”

Dr Al Zarouni, said: “ In general, cosmetic surgery procedures are becoming more and more popular in the UAE and globally. Among such procedures, botox and fillers are becoming increasingly common. The reason is that such rejuvenation procedures and quick, give the desired results and thus people leading busy lives do not need to take too much time away for these treatments.  However, the key is to ensure that people go to licensed practitioners and use quality products to avoid complications which can sometimes be irreparable. 

“Botox administered incorrectly can cause nerve damage which normally takes four to six months to correct itself.  In terms of filers, people need to exercise extra caution because if silicon is used as a filler, the damage is irreparable. Silicon can never be injected directly in the body, it is very harmful and results in infections etc.  In such cases, doctors prescribe  antibiotics, steroid injections and regularly disinfect the affected area until the infection subsides. However, it generally reappears every few months.  In the UAE, the fillers we use are high quality and very safe.

“However, before deciding on a surgeon, one should do enough research on the credentials and his/her area of skill. E.g. Getting a nose surgery by a liposuction expert is definitely avoidable. The patient should go to two doctors for consultation and if both the doctors’ advice the same line of treatment, it’s fine.

But if they advise different treatments, then a third option should be taken. And most importantly, you should ensure that the clinic and doctor is licensed by the DHA. ”

He said that Dubai has hundreds of  licensed facilities that  provide  dermatology, plastic and aesthetic services so there is really no need to go to unlicensed facilities

He also stated that when botox is used for cosmetic purposes, only a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon is allowed to give botox injections and this should be verified before undergoing the procedure.

He urged people to contact the DHA health regulation department if they are unsure of the license status of a healthcare professional.

In terms of other surgeries, he said bariatric surgery is a common procedure but it’s not a cosmetic procedure  for patients with morbid obesity. However, post-bariatric surgery or post excessive weight loss, body contouring surgery is a cosmetic procedure.

Dr Al Zarouni, said: “Bariatric surgery is not the only cure for obesity. Not all obese patients should opt for surgery. Patients who are morbidly obese — those with body mass indexes of 40 or higher- can opt for bariatric surgery, after they have exhausted all other weight-loss options. Patients with a BMI of 30 and above, who have various co-morbidities such as  diabetes etc. may also opt for bariatric surgery but  after they have tried non-invasive methods of weight loss.”

Dr Al  Zarouni said the bariatric surgery clinics at DHA hospitals, first put patients on a six month weight loss program with the clinical nutrition department. They also ensure patients visit a psychologist and specialists such as endocrinologists to tackle their diabetes. “Not every patient is selected for bariatric surgery. Those who have shown improvement through non-surgical methods during the six month period are asked to continue the same plan.”