Nose job boom in Iran where procedure can boost social status

All of the women in Iranian model Azadeh's family have had nose surgeries, each feeling the pressure to conform with Western beauty standards in a country where female bodies are heavily policed.
To Azadeh, smoothing out the bump in what Iranians would call the "Persian nose" she was born with proved a lucrative investment.
Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian women have been required to dress modestly and cover their hair, and the beauty industry has become almost entirely centred on the face.
Having rhinoplasty -- a nose job -- can make a major difference, Azadeh told AFP.
"After the operation, not only have I earned myself a modelling job with better social standing but I'm also earning three times more and I'm more respected by clients," she said.
Azadeh, 29, asked that her surname be withheld because women models can face social pressure in Iran.
According to the US-based International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), more than 264,000 cosmetic operations were performed in Iran in 2023, with rhinoplasty being the most common.
- A cultural trend -
Across Tehran and other Iranian cities, brightly coloured billboards advertise beauty clinics and cosmetic procedures, offering promises of sculpted noses, flawless skin and perfect teeth.
Many people with bandaged noses can be seen on the streets, a testament to the popularity of rhinoplasty.
"It has become more of a cultural trend," said rhinoplasty surgeon Hamidreza Hosnani who performs up to 20 operations a week at his well-equipped clinic in the capital.
And that trend has evolved, becoming more and more tied to social identity and status, especially as more women have defied the strict dress code.
Such defiance became more marked following the mass protests sparked by the 2022 death in custody of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini.
In Iran, where the minimum wage is around $100, basic rhinoplasty costs up to $1,000 -- significantly cheaper than in other countries, Hosnani said.
Millions of Iranians have long struggled with soaring prices and a plunging currency, driven in part by years of international sanctions.
"I even had to borrow the money required for the operation from my friends and family, but the money was well spent, and it was completely worth it," Azadeh said.
Reyhaneh Khoshhali, a 28-year-old surgical assistant, had the operation four years ago, and regrets not having it sooner.
"My nose really did not look good aesthetically and I wanted to be more beautiful," she said.
"If I could go back, I would have had the operation earlier."
- Unauthorised clinics -
For years, Iran has hosted highly advanced medical centres, even becoming a destination for foreigners seeking high-quality and affordable cosmetic surgery.
However, the procedures can also come with risks.
The Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned about the growing number of unauthorised clinics performing cosmetic procedures.
In February, a dozen unlicenced practitioners were arrested and several operating theatres in Tehran's Apadana Hospital were closed because of unauthorised cosmetic procedures, the health ministry said.
In 2023, three women died in a single day -- November 7 -- during cosmetic surgery in three separate incidents in Tehran, media reported at the time.
Ava Goli has yet to undergo her rhinoplasty operation, and said that finding a reliable doctor involved some research.
"I saw some people whose nose job did not look good... and yeah, it really made me scared at times," the 23-year-old told AFP.
Yet the demand for cosmetic surgery in Iran remains high -- and the pressure to keep up is not limited to women.
Bahador Sayyadi, a 33-year-old accountant, said he had to borrow money so he could have a hair transplant.
"My financial situation isn't great, but thanks to a loan I got recently, I will be doing the procedure just in time before my wedding," he said.
"Men should also take care of themselves these days, just like women."
pdm/mz/srm/ser/tc

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Newsweek

13 hours ago

• Newsweek

Map Shows States Where Drinking Water Contamination is Highest

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study by researchers at Columbia University has revealed the states that have higher rates of arsenic in public drinking water systems, most of which are in the West and Midwest. Michigan, South Dakota, Nevada, and California were all states that had areas with levels of higher than 5 micrograms per liter of arsenic in the drinking water. The study found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water may increase the risk of below average birth weight and other adverse birth outcomes. Why It Matters Arsenic is a natural element that can be found in soils, sediments, and groundwater, meaning it can feed into public drinking water systems. Water sources in some parts of the U.S. have higher naturally occurring levels of inorganic arsenic than other areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At high levels, exposure to arsenic can cause symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to dehydration and shock. Long-term exposure has been associated with skin disorders and increased risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer. While EPA has determined that there is a safe level of exposure at less than 10 micrograms per liter, the new study suggests that the maximum level of accepted arsenic exposure may still be associated with health risks. A map showing the levels of arsenic in drinking water in different locations. A map showing the levels of arsenic in drinking water in different locations. Uncredited/JAMA Network What To Know The study was conducted via review of 14,000 pregnancies across 35 cohort sites participating in the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, and its findings were published on the medical journal site JAMA Network earlier this week. It also assessed the level of arsenic in public drinking water systems in various areas nationwide—based on data from 2017 to 2019, with the exception of Michigan, as data was not available in that time period for the state and instead was taken from 2009 to 2011. The findings, as shown in the map above, revealed that Western and Midwestern states were more likely to have higher levels of arsenic in public drinking water. The disparity is because some states "have elevated arsenic levels primarily due to natural geology, with some contribution from human activities," Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health, told Newsweek. "Arsenic naturally leaches from rocks into groundwater in regions with volcanic, mineral-rich, or sedimentary formations," which is common in the Southwest, Midwest, and parts of California's Central Valley, he said. "Many affected communities depend on groundwater-fed wells, which are more prone to arsenic contamination than surface water," he added. Vasiliou said that agricultural runoff and irrigation practices were also factors at play, particularly in areas like California's Central Valley or Nebraska's farming regions. "Small rural and Indigenous communities often bear the highest burden, especially those relying on underfunded or poorly monitored water systems," he added. "Many small water systems lack the capacity for frequent testing or advanced arsenic removal. Without federal or state investment, meaningful reduction in exposure is unlikely," Vasiliou said. While the EPA continues to maintain that exposure to arsenic in drinking water at a level of less than 10 micrograms per liter "protects public health based on the best available science and ensures that the cost of the standard is achievable," some states have taken measures into their own hands. New Jersey and New Hampshire have since enacted stricter limits of 5 micrograms per liter. "The 10 micrograms per liter limit is a political and economic compromise, not a health-based standard, and likely insufficient to fully protect the public, especially over a lifetime of exposure," Vasiliou said. What People Are Saying Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health, told Newsweek: "Even at low-to-moderate levels of chronic exposure (e.g., 5—10 µg/L), arsenic has been linked to cardiovascular disease, including increased risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and ischemic heart disease—possibly due to endothelial damage and oxidative stress. It has also been linked to type 2 diabetes, as arsenic can impair pancreatic β-cell function and glucose metabolism. Low-level exposure has also been associated with reduced cognitive performance, particularly in children, and possibly neurodegeneration in older adults. Chronic exposure, even at levels near or below the EPA maximum, has been linked to bladder, lung, skin, and possibly kidney and liver cancers. Arsenic disrupts immune function as well, increasing susceptibility to infections and possibly reducing vaccine effectiveness." He added: "The current EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 µg/L was set in 2001, and enforced in 2006, based largely on cancer risk, balancing feasibility and cost. However, more recent studies suggest adverse health effects at levels well below 10 µg/L, especially for sensitive populations. A growing number of researchers argue that no safe threshold may exist for certain outcomes like prenatal exposure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer." What Happens Next The authors of the study called for further research to determine the influence of arsenic on public health, and stressed the importance of updating health-based water safety standards at both federal and state levels.

New York Post

14 hours ago

• New York Post

Ukrainian girl in Israel for life-saving leukemia treatment tragically killed by Iranian air strike

A 7-year-old girl who left war-torn Ukraine to get life-saving leukemia treatment in Israel has been killed by an Iranian air strike, according to 'heartbroken and devastated' Israeli officials. Nastia Borik died when an Iranian missile struck their apartment in Bat Yam last weekend — with her mom, grandmother and two cousins killed alongside her, Israeli officials said. 'We are heartbroken and devastated,' the state of Israel's X account said in a post. 4 A 7-year-old Ukrainian girl who came to Israel for life-saving leukemia treatment was tragically killed by an Iranian air strike. X / @Israel 4 Damaged buildings seen in Ramat Gan, Israel on June 19, 2025. '7-year-old Nastia Borik came to Israel for life-saving Leukemia treatment. On Saturday, she was murdered—along with her mother, grandmother, and two young cousins by missiles launched by the Iranian regime.' 'There are no words.' Nastia had left Ukraine to seek treatment after she was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia in 2022. 4 Nastia Borik left war-torn Ukraine for Israel to receive life-saving treatment. X / @Bring_Daughters Her father remained behind in Kyiv to fight against Russian forces, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported. Despite undergoing a bone marrow transplant in the Jewish state and initially responding well to treatment, the little girl's cancer returned. She had only just started a new form of treatment earlier this year when she was killed. The harrowing details emerged as Iran and Israel continued to strike each other a week into their war. 4 Personal objects at the site of a direct hit from an Iranian missile strike in an apartment in Ramat Gan, Israel. AP The war erupted June 13 when Israel started firing missiles at nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. Israeli forces on Friday were ordered to intensify the strikes in an effort to completely 'destabilize' the regime.

Chicago Tribune

a day ago

• Chicago Tribune

What to know about the conflict between Israel and Iran

ATHENS, Greece — The open conflict sparked by Israel's sudden barrage of attacks against Iran's nuclear and military structure shows no signs of abating on the seventh day of hostilities between the two longtime foes that threatens to spiral into a wider, more dangerous regional war. An Iranian missile hit a hospital in southern Israel early Thursday, while others struck an apartment building in Tel Aviv and other sites in central Israel, wounding at least 40 people. The barrage led Israel's defense minister to overtly threaten Iran's supreme leader. Israel, meanwhile, struck Iran's heavy water reactor, part of the country's nuclear program, which its government insists is meant for peaceful purposes only. Israel says Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. President Donald Trump has been making increasingly sharp warnings about the possibility of the U.S. joining in attacks against Iran, while Iran's leader has warned the United States would suffer 'irreparable damage' if it does so. President Trump says he'll decide whether US will directly attack Iran within 2 weeksThe strikes began last Friday, with Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing several top military officials and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, some of which have penetrated the country's vaunted multi-tiered air defense system. The region has been on edge for the past two years as Israel seeks to annihilate the Hamas group, an Iranian ally, in the Gaza Strip, where war still rages after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Here's what to know about the conflict between Israel and Iran: An Iranian missile hit Soroka Medical Center, in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, early Thursday, striking an old surgery building that had been evacuated in recent days. The hospital, the largest health-care facility in southern Israel, has over 1,000 beds and serves around 1 million residents of the area. Several people were lightly wounded in the strike, local authorities said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, vowing to 'exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.' Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the strike, and said the military 'has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.' U.S. officials said this week that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei. Trump later said there were no plans to kill him, 'at least not for now.' Many Israeli hospitals have activated emergency plans in the past week, moving patients underground to be treated in parking areas converted into hospital floors. Israel also boasts a fortified, subterranean blood bank. On Monday, Iranian authorities said at least 224 people had been killed and more than 1,200 wounded in Israeli strikes. No updated figures have been made available, but a Washington-based Iranian human rights group said at least 639 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded. Retaliatory Iranian strikes on Israel have killed 24 people and wounded hundreds. Israeli fighter jets targeted Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, located about 155 miles southwest of Tehran, on Thursday. Heavy water is used as a coolant for certain types of reactors, with plutonium — which can be used to make an atomic bomb — produced as a byproduct. 'The strike targeted the component intended for plutonium production, in order to prevent the reactor from being restored and used for nuclear weapons development,' the Israeli military said. Iranian state television said there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever' and that the facility had been evacuated before the attack. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the heavy water research reactor was hit, adding that 'it was not operational and contained no nuclear material, so no radiological effects.' The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said it had no information on whether the heavy water plant next to the reactor had been hit. Israel views Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat, and has said its airstrikes are necessary to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon. U.S. intelligence agencies and the IAEA have repeatedly said Iran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon when Israel unleashed its airstrikes. But the U.N. agency has questioned Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium and last week censured the country for failing to comply with inspectors. Iran enriches uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. It is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich at that level. Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East but does not acknowledge having such weapons. Trump has made increasingly pointed warnings about the possibility of U.S. military involvement in the conflict. On Wednesday, he said he didn't want to carry out a U.S. strike on Iran but suggested he was ready to act if necessary. 'I'm not looking to fight,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 'But if it's a choice between fighting and having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do.' He has been noncommittal on what his plans might be. 'I may do it, I may not do it,' Trump said of a potential U.S. strike. 'I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do. Nothing is finished until it is finished. The next week is going to be very big — maybe less than a week.' Khamenei has rejected U.S. calls for surrender, saying that 'the Iranian nation is not one to surrender.' 'Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them,' he said in a video statement Wednesday.