'Cleopatra' nose job is very cheap in Egypt

Blame it on the Egyptian government’s less rigid regulation on cosmetic surgery standards. Or do we see a bit of conceit -- as some historians argue that Egypt may be one of the birthplaces of cosmetic surgery and that reconstructive facial operations were already performed under the Pharaohs, as early as 3,400 BC.

Yes, the native country of the mysterious Cleopatra and the enigmatic Nefertiti is not too secretive about its latest offering: “Plastic Surgery -- Massive Discounts”
Such publicity is contained in one splashy magazine referring to plastic surgery offered in bargain rates.

'Bargain plastic surgery' is bannered in the Egyptian press on a regular basis, say every week. But then again, this no hype really as an arm or thigh liposuction in any plastic surgery clinic in Egypt would cost around 260 dollars only, or 300 dollars for a 'Cleopatra' nose job.

Where a cosmetic surgery procedure would cost around 2,000 dollars in Los Angeles, qualified plastic surgeons in Cairo charges around 900 dollars for the same operation.

A British website on plastic surgery extends the invitation:

"Prices for cosmetic surgery in Egypt can be 60 to 70 percent lower than for corresponding treatment in the UK. So by choosing to have your treatment in Egypt you can make substantial savings on cost and enjoy the riches of this amazing country."

This has incited more and more patients to seek the plastic surgeon's help and perk up their self-esteem. But not without stern warnings from specialists and disfigured patients – or if mummies could talk they might advise persons contemplating on having cosmetic surgery to consider the odds.

Phone numbers are scattered in newspaper ads. At the other end of the line are obscure clinics often situated in the dim basement of a high-rise in one of Cairo's congested suburbs. Behind the grimy curtain are physicians with dubious credentials, holding the scalpel.

So what sterilized atmosphere? For the price, expect no army of friendly nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists.

Dr Mohammed Kadry, a member of the Egyptian Society of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeons (ESRPS) warns that some of these centers, to cut costs, employ medical students or general practitioners.

"Sorry this doctor doesn't work for us anymore" – these centers can always say if a disfigured patient from some freakish mishap comes banging the door. Despite the open knowledge of a high turnover of bogus surgeons, patients undergo surgery by the dozens every day.

Today, organizations like ESRPS are raising public awareness on the issue and lobbying the same to the Egyptian Health Ministry to implement stricter regulations.

The legacies of Cleopatra and Nefertiti notwithstanding, plastic surgery is thriving in Egypt. Now, if French philosopher Blaise Pascal were alive today we wonder if he would reconsider his then famous statement: "Had Cleopatra's nose been shorter, the whole face of the world would have changed."