Cosmetic Surgeries
Cosmetic Surgery in Iran: A Golden Opportunity for Beauty Seekers
Iran’s Position in the World
In 2022, Iran performed approximately 320,000 cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical), ranking 12th globally. This is a significant increase compared to 2016, when the number was about 151,000 procedures.
Regarding just one type of surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), it is estimated that between 200,000 to 500,000 operations are carried out annually.
Rhinoplasty: The Most Popular Cosmetic Surgery
In a 2015 study conducted in Tehran, the standardized rate of rhinoplasty was estimated at 3,473 per 100,000 women and 1,768 per 100,000 men, resulting in an overall rate of 2,286 procedures per 100,000 people.
The average cost of rhinoplasty in Tehran in 2015 was estimated at about $1,664 — approximately three times lower than the cost of a similar procedure in the United States.
General Profile and Audience Characteristics
Based on a Study in Sanandaj
12.8% of participants had experienced cosmetic surgery, and 19.1% expressed willingness to undergo it. Rhinoplasty was the most common procedure, with a share of 5.5%.
Another Study (2017–2021)
From the total recorded cosmetic surgeries in hospitals, about 62,387 procedures were performed. Approximately 60% of them were rhinoplasty. More than 79% of service-providing centers were public.
Prices and Patients’ Goals
The cost of rhinoplasty in Iran is estimated between $800 and $2,000, while in the United States this figure exceeds $6,000. According to the Ministry of Health and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, more than 150,000 rhinoplasty surgeries are performed annually in Iran. This cost difference has made Iran an attractive destination for medical tourism.
Importance and Challenges
The growing demand, combined with affordable costs and high expertise, has made Iran known as the “Capital of Rhinoplasty” in the Middle East.
However, concerns have been raised regarding exaggerated advertising, the presence of unauthorized practitioners, and regulatory shortcomings. Evidence suggests that the number of officially licensed surgeons is around 430, while it is estimated that about 2,000 doctors perform cosmetic surgeries.
Conclusion and Attractive Proposal
The very high demand for cosmetic surgeries, with rhinoplasty at the top—especially among women (73–80% of patients).
Highly competitive costs (~$1,000–$2,000 for nose surgery), which are very appealing compared to Western markets.
Iran’s international position as a recognized destination in medical tourism (with strong infrastructure and comparable prices).
There should be a focus on transparency, medical standards, and building trust through certifications, physicians’ expertise, and quality of services to reduce patients’ concerns.
