The number of Kenyans-both men and women clamouring for cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance is increasing exponentially.
Dr. Pushpa Sachdeva, a cosmetic dentist at Ace Dental Care clinic in Nairobi told Business Daily that the number of Kenyan men and women seeking cosmetic dentistry services is balanced but high.
“Both men and women rate smiles and teeth as the second most important attractive feature after eyes,” she says.
“This consciousness has pushed more men to seek dental surgeries to improve their smile by correcting gaps between teeth, discolouration and crooked teeth,” adds Dr. Sachdeva.
The most common dental procedures men are after including bleaching, composite veneers, ceramic veneers, crowns and invisible braces. Others are depigmentation of gums, removing black spots or patches with laser treatment, and alignment of gums.
“Most of the men looking for cosmetic dentistry surgery are those holding occupations that involve many social interactions such as high-level socialites, media personalities, actors and generally people who care about their appearance and oral health,” she notes.
Body sculpting is also on the increase. According to Dr Tilman Stasch, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at Valentis Clinic in Nairobi, only 30 per cent of his clients seek for reconstructive surgery while 70 per cent seek for body sculpting.
Interestingly, there is a departure from the norm in that men are increasingly seeking for body sculpting compared to women.
“The number of Kenyan men coming for different types of cosmetic surgeries is increasing and that’s quite normal. It is the trend worldwide,” says Dr Ashraf Emarah, a consultant plastic surgeon at SVG Healthcare that owns Apple + Sense clinic in Nairobi.
Dr. Stasch further notes that: “The most popular procedures among Kenyan men is reducing enlarged breasts, removal of belly fat, bariatric surgery, a procedure that leads to weight loss, upper eyelid lift and scar revision.”
Dr. Emarah adds: “Surprisingly enough, more and more men are requesting for Botox injections for wrinkles. There is also an increase in the number of men asking for cosmetic surgeries after weight reducing surgeries [such as excess skin removal].’’
A 57-year old city businessman, says he parted with Sh560,000 for a package that included belly fat removal, calf enhancement and neck lipo sculpture.
“My sagging belly and irregular frame were embarrassing me. My two daughters would complain all the time. Working out and weight-loss pills were both ineffective. It was tough to pay such money for the procedure, especially because I didn’t have any health complications. But I feel confident now,” he said.
The doctors say the clamour by Kenyan men for cosmetic surgery is to fix deformities and also to give them a striking new look which boosts their confidence.
“Some patients want to change their looks to solve a broken relationship. Others want to look like celebrities. Yet others ask for operations that are disproportionate.”