Venezuela Economic Crisis: Cosmetic surgery industry thrives amid medicine shortages

World
Europe

Venezuela is suffering critical shortages of prescription drugs and basic medical supplies. But, as this medical crisis worsens, the cosmetic surgery industry is thriving. Juan Carlos Lamas reports.

Yanuaria Verde is getting her home in order, so everything will be convenient when she comes home from the clinic. Later today, this 26-year-old Venezuelan model will have her fourth cosmetic surgery. Yanuaria is concerned about keeping up her looks and she says quadruple digit inflation won't stop her from getting the surgery she wants.

YANUARIA VERDE MODEL "Prices here are way cheaper than in other countries. I pay using my savings, which are in dollars thanks to my work as a model. If I didn't have access to foreign currency, then I wouldn't be talking about getting surgery."

This time she'll get a tummy tuck, and liposuction in her arms and legs, all for less than two thousand US dollars. Her previous cosmetic surgeries taught her to be prepared.

YANUARIA VERDE MODEL "With surgery there are always risks. Here in Venezuela, the problem is not what happens in the operating room, but finding the postoperative treatment. In my last three surgeries, I didn't take antibiotics or anything."

The cosmetic surgery business is booming in Venezuela, fueled by Venezuelans with access to dollars, and by foreigners who travel here looking for a deal. The devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar and the demand in Venezuela for dollars has driven down the cost of cosmetic surgery here to be the least expensive in the world.

Cosmetic Surgeon Garbis Kaakedjian says nearly half his patients come from Brazil, Colombia, the UK, and even the US. Most of them want breast augmentation. And though he says he has no difficulty getting the implants, he does caution his patients about what to bring with them.

DR. GARBIS KAAKEDJIAN COSMETIC SURGEON "We always inform patients from abroad about the shortage of medicine in Venezuela and we recommend they bring their antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills for the postoperative period. It's easier for them to acquire the medicine in their countries. Here it would be impossible."

Many people who come to Venezuela for cosmetic surgery know it as a powerhouse in the beauty pageant world.

JUAN CARLOS LAMAS CARACAS And though fashion and beauty are luxuries for most Venezuelans, given the current economic crisis big hair, lots of make-up, and cosmetic surgery are more popular than ever for those who can afford it.

For beauty pageant contestants and models like Yanuaria, cosmetic surgery is seen as critical for success in fields that promote perfection and for Venezuela's cosmetic surgeons, business is better than ever. Juan Carlos Lamas, CGTN, Caracas.