The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, says cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria, particularly among the younger generation seeking to enhance their appearance and maintain a youthful look.
Adeyemo, a maxillofacial surgeon and professor at the University of Lagos, attributed the growing demand to global exposure and social media influence, which have made cosmetic procedures more acceptable.
“Some 20 years ago, cosmetic surgery was not common in Nigeria. But now, the world has become a global village because of the Internet, and everyone can see what’s happening globally”, he said.
According to him, more Nigerians are now opting for procedures locally, while others travel to destinations like Asia, North America, and Canada for advanced surgeries. He noted that young women form the bulk of patients, as many seek body enhancement procedures and age-defying treatments.
Another plastic surgeon at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Bolaji Mofikoya, highlighted that the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Nigeria has grown significantly over the past two decades.
According to him, the stigma once associated with cosmetic procedures has declined, and overseas-based Nigerians are increasingly trusting the expertise of local surgeons.
Mofikoya explained that body contouring tops the list of in-demand procedures in Nigeria, including waistline definition, waist-to-hip enhancement, and breast augmentation or reduction. He added that technological advancement and widespread access to information have fueled this surge in demand.
Industry experts believe that as awareness grows and procedures become safer and more accessible, cosmetic surgery will continue to gain acceptance in Nigeria’s evolving beauty and wellness landscape.
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