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In 2021, face lift was the most expensive plastic surgery procedure in Brazil, among the depicted operations. As of ** of that year, this cosmetic surgery could cost up to ** thousand Brazilian reals. Meanwhile, the minimum price for a liposuction in the South American country was around ** Brazilian reals.

Growing beauty standards

A combination of factors, such as rising disposable income, widespread accessibility, and social pressure, has tailored Latin America to be one of the world's largest cosmetic surgery markets. Collectively, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina nearly make up as many plastic procedures as the United States, the industry leader. Particularly, low costs are a significant attraction for medical tourists to the region, in comparison to its North American neighbor.

A market with precarious side affects

With beauty standards skyrocketing, the global cosmetic surgery market is projected to nearly double in size by 2026. Trailing behind the United States and Brazil, both in procedures and doctors, China has developed one of the largest plastic surgeon workforces in the world. But despite not having a proportional demand, the discrepancy highlights another potentially dangerous direction of the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry: a drive towards illegal aesthetic procedures.