Aesthetic Surgery: From Taboo To Mainstream

T hursday, 16 July 2026. The time is approximately 12 noon. Cameroon Tri­ bune reporters arrived in the Simbock neighbourhood, spe­ cifically at the Hadassah Medical Centre. On standby in the surgical unit was Dr Oben Sammy Orock, a Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstruc­ tive Surgeon, who was preparing to carry out cosmetic surgery on a woman believed to be in her thirties. After donning the required surgical attire, the media team entered the operating theatre. Everything was in place, with the patient lying on the operating ta­ ble, about to undergo breast and hip augmentation. Dr Oben ex­ plained that this was a surgical procedure expected to last at least eight hours, and that it was the­ refore important to begin promptly. The week before, the surgeon had carried out an intervention to re­ move excess fat from a man’s breast. Meeting Growing Demand Each week, Dr Oben carries out three aesthetic procedures at the clinic. This was not always the case. When he returned to Came­ roon 15 years ago after completing his medical studies in Belgium, he found it extremely difficult to per­ form aesthetic surgery on any pa­ tient, for several reasons. In 2011, he said, such operations were rare. Today, however, there has been a marked increase in the number of people seeking aesthetic surgery. According to Dr Oben, this reflects a significant shift in attitudes from taboo to an accepted part of people’s lives. Many now come for reconstructive work, or to ad­ dress changes following weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing, and others simply to correct something affecting their confidence. People are investing in how they feel and look for work, dating and just per­ sonal wellbeing. Medics suggest that around 20 per cent of Came­ roonian women travel abroad for surgery, particularly those who are more affluent. At the same time, women from other countries are travelling to Cameroon for the same procedures. Safety First, Cost According to the surgeon, patients are not booked for surgery a day after consultation. “I insist on a full work-up,” Dr Oben explained. “For breast enhancement, this in­ cludes a mammogram and a breast ultrasound. Everyone also has a cardiac echocardiogram, a chest X-ray, and blood tests covering haemoglobin, electrolytes, cho­ lesterol, liver function, kidney function and clotting. They then see the anaesthetist. Only once everything is clear do we take payment and schedule the sur­ gery,” Dr Oben elaborated. In Ca­ m...