Monday, August 31, 2009

Beauty in Venezuela is matter of pride, and scalpels

clipped from www.google.com

CARACAS — Venezuela's afterglow of winning yet another Miss Universe crown has not only illuminated national pride in its Latin beauties -- but also its women's widespread recourse to cosmetic surgery.

Surgical enhancement to the body has become such a norm in the South American nation that it has emerged as a top destination for "scalpel tourism" by foreigners looking for a lift or new contours at a cheaper price.

"There are patients who come from Colombia, the United States, Ecuador, the Caribbean islands... They have surgery and then spend a few days on vacation," explained Rosi Oyon, head of a French subsidiary selling silicon brest implants.

For non-Venezuelans visiting to improve their neckline, the difference in cost can be significant. In Caracas, breast enlargement goes for around 2,500 dollars, compared to several thousand more in other countries.

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