Lebanon plumps for nip, tuck and tour this summer

BEIRUT (AFP) — Plastic surgery has never been particularly taboo in Lebanon, and now the east Mediterranean country is capitalising on its popularity as a venue for lovers of sea, sun and scalpel.

A cosmetic surgery tourism initiative, launched by a private company under the auspices of the tourism ministry, includes post-operation rest and recuperation in stellar resorts and even summer camps for patients' children.

The Dubai-based firm Image Concept handles all bookings and accommodation for tourists seeking cosmetic surgery in Lebanon, which is famed for its skilled yet affordable surgeons.

Nicole, a native New Yorker of Lebanese origin, recently saved 7,000 dollars (5,000 euros) by having a nose job in Lebanon.

"In the States it would cost me about 9,000 dollars (6,400 euros) to have rhinoplasty, but in Lebanon it cost me only 2,000 (1,400 euros)," said the 21-year-old law student.

While surgery was not her only motive for a holiday in Beirut, Nicole admits that being in Lebanon was a decisive factor.

"I was not for it at all at first," she told AFP. "My extended family here convinced me. Spending summers here, one of the first questions people would ask me is 'when are you going to Continue reading the remaining 75% ...