Russia's plastic surgery sector feels pinch from western sanctions

Russia ranks ninth globally in the number of aesthetic procedures carried out annually

When it comes to looking good, Russian women are happy to splash out, even on a bit of nip-and-tuck plastic surgery.

But Western sanctions in the wake of Russia's military intervention in Ukraine mean that supplies of products such as botox and breast implants -- largely imported from countries such as the United States and Germany -- could become increasingly hard to get hold of. 

"My beautician assures us that she still has stocks of botox," she told AFP.

Russia ranks ninth globally in the number of aesthetic procedures carried out annually -- 621,600 in 2020, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 

Soon after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, US drugmaker AbbVie, which is behind the wrinkle treatment Botox, withdrew from the flourishing Russian market over what it called "tragic events" in Ukraine. 

Frangulova said it is "causing concern of clinic managers accustomed to using this reference product".

"In March, we saw a panic among patients, doctors and suppliers," said Oksana Vlasova, director of development at the Grandmed beauty clinic in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg. 

In April and May, there were no botox imports at all, said Nikolay Bespalov of RNC Pharma which analyses the Russian pharmaceutical market. 

Russians are also running out of some Western-made face fillers, in particular injections of hyaluronic acid to plump up lips -- a very popular procedure in the country. 

It is also getting harder to get breast implants -- due to a lack of Russian producers. 

The sanctions do not target the supply of implants, but the disrupted logistics and other factors affected both breast reconstruction and aesthetic operations.

- Patriotic breasts -

Saversky predicted that the problems will soon apply to the rest of the health industry. 

Soaring inflation and uncertain future also create problems for beauty professionals, as Russians have begun to tighten their belts.

"The population's income has gone down," she said.

But in the midst of dark times, plastic surgeon Dobreikin sees an opportunity.

In late May, he floated the idea of "RosGrud" (Russian Breasts) implants, which instead of being translucent are in the colours of the Russian flag or military fatigues. 

"It's my way of defending my homeland," she said.

Dobreikin warns wits against mocking his project, alluding to harsh penalties introduced in the country for anyone criticising the army. 

vvl/bur/spm

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