Health Ministry: 6 New Regulations for Liposuction Procedures
As part of the Ministry of Health’s commitment to enhancing the quality and safety of health services and consolidating professional practices in accordance with medical principles and standards, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadi issued Ministerial Decision No. 232 of 2026 regarding the amendment of the conditions and controls required for performing cosmetic surgeries and interventions in both the public and private sectors.
The decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the practice of cosmetic surgeries and interventions by specifying the medical specialties authorized to perform them, the qualification levels and experience required for physicians, and the scope of procedures permitted for each specialty. This ensures that these procedures are carried out within the limits of professional competence and specialization.
The decision adopted updated lists of cosmetic surgeries and interventions in the specialties of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery. It also introduced additional requirements for certain advanced procedures, including specialized training, practical experience, and accredited fellowship programs, depending on the nature of the procedure.
Furthermore, the decision included six specific controls for liposuction procedures, which encompass verifying the physician’s competence, assessing the patient’s condition by an anesthesiologist, obtaining informed consent from the patient, defining criteria for the quantity of fat to be removed, and establishing requirements for observation or hospital admission. It also mandated the documentation of relevant clinical and procedural data in the medical record.
The decision stipulated that liposuction shall not be considered a weight-loss procedure and prohibited purely cosmetic surgeries for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 35.
Additionally, the decision regulated the use of lasers by nursing staff, requiring licensed and accredited training, and stipulating that such procedures must be performed under the supervision of a specialist physician. The physician must examine the patient before each session, adjust the device parameters, and document the assessment and informed consent.
In a move to enhance patient safety and ensure the appropriateness of cosmetic interventions for the patient’s health condition, the decision established requirements for psychological assessment prior to cosmetic surgeries for cases exhibiting psychological symptoms or disorders. This assessment must be based on an accredited psychiatric report evaluating the stability of the condition, the patient’s capacity to make decisions, and their suitability for undergoing the intervention.
Finally, the decision outlined mechanisms for managing complications arising from cosmetic surgeries in both the public and private sectors, as well as the responsibilities for follow-up, treatment, documentation, and reporting in accordance with prevailing systems and regulations. This aims to clarify professional responsibilities and ensure continuity of care for patients.
