The decision of the surgeons and the clerics was that it is sanctioned (or "halal") to enhance the size of exceptionally small breasts, repair features causing grief to someone, or alter the damage caused by accidents. However, submitting one's self to a risky operation or modifying a “perfect nose” just to look like that of an actress or singer is forbidden (or "haram").

I get calls from many, many women asking about cosmetic procedures. The presentations we got from the doctors made me better equipped to give them guidance.

In the last few years, plastic surgery clinics with radiant facades have arisen in Riyadh, the kingdom's capital. Their newspaper advertisements promise liposuction, laser treatments, and hair implants.

There are now 35 clinics, who were uncommon only 10 years ago, in Saudi and are “saturating the Saudi market,” as stated by skin specialist Ahmed al-Otaibi. He mentioned a research that showed breast augmentations, liposuction, and rhinoplasties as the most sought-after surgical operations for women; men, on the other hand, go after rhinoplasties and hair implants.

Saudi women view that there is nothing strange about having a plastic surgical procedure and then hiding it with veils and robes. 28-year-old Sarah remarked that beneath their robes, they go for trendy haircuts and designer clothes to be showed off at women's assemblies, displayed to their mates, and revealed on their trips overseas. She said,

We attend a lot of private occasions, and we also travel.

Saudi doctor Ayman al-Sheikh, who was in the US for nearly 14 years, stated that the demand for surgery in the country is in accordance with the increased demand globally. However, he observes more in Saudi Arabia a trend toward surgeries that improve the face up to the extent where it does not look natural anymore. This trend is being established by different entertainers, whose chiseled midriffs, pouty lips, and huge breasts are seen on all TVs across the country.

Not all patients look for religious support, and not all doctors follow the guidelines set by the clerics. Therefore, a woman is naturally disposed to choose a surgeon according to how broad-minded he is. Mr. al-Sheikh remarked,

People are overdone by design or by mistake. If something is done on a famous figure, it becomes iconic in our world, even if it doesn't look aesthetically appealing.