Male demand for plastic sugery in the Middle East is rising so fast the industry has been dubbed 'recession proof'

The boom is being fuelled by overweight Middle East men undergoing body lifts, gastric banding or bypass surgery together with liposuction, the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM) heard.

"I do more breast reductions in men than I ever did before," said Luiz Toeldo, a Dubai-based cosmetic surgeon and DCAAAM member "Lots of men in Dubai are overweight and come for body lifts where we remove all the excess fat from the abdomen, breasts and arms."

There has also been in huge surge in interest skin refining and permanent hair reduction.

Many are overweight

“In times of hardship and financial struggle, people want to boost their self confidence,” says committee member Dr Maria Khattar, and managing director of Dubai's Aesthetica Clinic .

“Minimally invasive procedures are allowing people to gradually improve their appearance and their sense of wellbeing, while having full control over their budget.”

Growing interest from males

The growth in cosmetic proceedures in the Middle East has also been attributed to increased consumer confidence and education, the latest non-invasive technology and a growing interest from the male population.

"Despite the downturn, we have seen an increase in procedures particularly amongst the local population who would have previously travelled to Europe and Lebanon," Max Sawaf, chief executive of Cosmesurge Middle East, said in a statement.

"They are now realising the importance of the latest technology and aftercare so are staying in the region."