Abstract
Introduction: The global cosmetic surgery industry is expanding, but access to procedures like liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lifts in Cameroon is limited due to socioeconomic disparities. The benefits of cosmetic surgery, such as self-confidence enhancement, are tempered by health risks and ethical concerns. This scoping review explores the socio-epidemiological implications of the increasing demand for cosmetic surgery in Cameroon, emphasizing disparities, health outcomes, and regulatory needs.
Methods: The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using keywords such as “cosmetic surgery in Cameroon,” “socioeconomic disparities in cosmetic surgery,” “Brazilian Butt Lift,” “health implications of cosmetic surgery,” and “public health interventions in cosmetic surgery.” Articles published between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed.
Results: No eligible study explicitly addressing the socio-epidemiological aspects of cosmetic surgery in Cameroon was identified. However, anecdotal evidence and global trends indicated a growing demand for cosmetic procedures, influenced by shifting beauty standards and media portrayal. This demand is accompanied by significant health risks, including surgical complications and psychological impacts, and exacerbates existing socioeconomic inequality, particularly income inequality and healthcare infrastructure inequalities.
Conclusion: The growing cosmetic surgery industry in the global south, including Cameroon, highlights pressing public health and regulatory challenges. The lack of culturally sensitive guidelines and equitable access to safe procedures poses patient risks and underscores the need for targeted research. Furthermore, this study reveals that growing socioeconomic disparities affect not only individuals undergoing surgery but also broader healthcare access and economic inequality. To address these issues, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders must work together to promote ethical, informed practices in the cosmetic surgery sector.