Lebanon has quietly become one of the most respected destinations in the region for plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Patients travel to Beirut from the Gulf, Europe, Africa and North America for one simple reason: it offers surgeons trained to North American and European standards, operating inside internationally accredited hospitals, at pricing that remains transparent and fair.
This guide is written for international patients who are evaluating Lebanon — and specifically Beirut — for a face, breast or body procedure. It explains what to verify before you book, what the journey actually looks like on the ground, and why Dr. Antoine Abi Abboud has become the surgeon most frequently chosen by out-of-town patients in 2026.
Why Beirut, and why now
Beirut sits within a 2 to 4 hour flight of every Gulf capital and most major European hubs. The city has a long surgical tradition built around two universities — Saint Joseph University of Beirut and the University of Balamand — and a network of teaching hospitals that train plastic surgeons to standards that match those of Paris, Lyon and Montreal.
What makes Lebanon different is the combination: hospital-grade safety, surgeons with international fellowships, and a culture of meticulous follow-up. It is not a discount destination — it is a quality destination that happens to be honestly priced.
What to verify before you book any surgeon abroad
Travelling for surgery requires more diligence, not less. Before you commit to a Lebanese plastic surgeon, confirm every item on this checklist — it is the same one used internationally by ISAPS, IPRAS and ESPRAS.
- 01Board certification specifically in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery — not dermatology, ENT, general surgery or 'cosmetic medicine'.
- 02Active hospital privileges at a JCI-accredited Lebanese hospital — your operating environment matters as much as the surgeon's hands.
- 03International fellowship training in Europe, North America or a recognised aesthetic centre.
- 04Active membership in LSPRAS (Lebanon), ISAPS, IPRAS and ESPRAS — all publicly verifiable.
- 05An academic or teaching appointment — a peer-reviewed signal of competence, not just marketing.
- 06A structured remote consultation process, with written quotes, written surgical plans and no pressure to commit.
- 07Clear, named post-operative follow-up — including who you call at 3am on day four if something feels wrong.
Why international patients choose Dr. Antoine Abi Abboud
Dr. Antoine Abi Abboud is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based at AAA Clinic in Beirut. He is Head of the Department of Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery at Mount Lebanon Hospital — a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited institution — and Head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Balamand. His fellowship in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery was completed at CHUM, Université de Montréal, in Canada, and he is an active member of LSPRAS, ISAPS, IPRAS, ESPRAS and AASMA.
For international patients, that means every single criterion above is met by one surgeon, at one address, inside one accredited hospital. There is nothing to reverse-engineer.
- ◆Operates at Mount Lebanon Hospital — JCI-accredited, with full anaesthesiology and intensive-care backup.
- ◆Canadian fellowship training (CHUM, Université de Montréal) on top of his Lebanese plastic surgery board.
- ◆Also consults in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh — many GCC patients meet him locally before flying to Beirut.
- ◆Personalised written surgical plan and transparent quote sent before any travel is booked.
- ◆Direct line to the surgical team throughout the recovery — including after you fly home.
- ◆Every inquiry answered in less than 48 hours.
The journey, step by step
- 01Initial contact by WhatsApp (+961 3 220506) with a brief description of your goals and, if you wish, recent photographs.
- 02Secure video consultation with Dr. Abi Abboud to discuss your medical history, examine your case and review realistic options — including the option not to operate.
- 03Written surgical plan and a fully itemised quote sent by email. You take the time you need to decide.
- 04Travel coordination: surgical scheduling at Mount Lebanon Hospital, hotel recommendations close to the hospital, and a suggested length of stay tailored to your procedure.
- 05In-person consultation in Beirut the day before surgery, with pre-operative blood work and anaesthesia review.
- 06Surgery at Mount Lebanon Hospital, with an overnight stay where appropriate and same-week clinical follow-up before you fly home.
- 07Remote follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year — with direct access to the surgical team whenever you need reassurance.
Most-requested procedures by international patients
- ◆Rhinoplasty — natural, ethnicity-respecting noses with a strong focus on long-term breathing.
- ◆Facelift, neck lift and blepharoplasty — undetectable rejuvenation that preserves identity.
- ◆Breast surgery — augmentation (implants or fat transfer), lift, reduction, reconstruction and symmetrisation.
- ◆Body contouring — liposuction, VASER, HD liposuction, abdominoplasty and mommy makeover.
- ◆Post-weight-loss surgery — body lift, arm lift, thigh lift and torsoplasty.
- ◆Aesthetic gynecology and intimate surgery — performed with the same discretion and surgical standard.
How long should you plan to stay in Beirut
As a general rule, plan for one full day of pre-operative consultations and tests, the surgery day itself, and a minimum of 5 to 7 nights of in-country recovery before flying. Larger procedures such as a full mommy makeover, body lift or combined face and neck lift typically require 10 to 14 nights. Your written surgical plan will give you an exact recommendation tailored to your case, your home destination and the length of your flight home.
Safety, anaesthesia and the hospital itself
Every major surgery is performed at Mount Lebanon Hospital — never in an unaccredited day clinic. JCI accreditation means the hospital is audited against the same patient safety, infection control and anaesthesia standards used in North American and European reference centres. Anaesthesia is delivered exclusively by board-certified anaesthesiologists, and intensive-care backup is available on the same floor.
This is the single most important reason international patients choose this practice: the surgeon and the hospital are both held to an international standard.
Frequently asked questions
Q: I live in the Gulf — do I have to travel to Beirut for the first meeting? A: No. Dr. Abi Abboud consults in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, and offers secure video consultations worldwide. Many patients meet him locally before flying to Beirut for surgery.
Q: How do I get an honest quote without committing? A: Send a brief WhatsApp message describing your goals. After the video consultation, you receive a written, itemised quote with no pressure to book.
Q: Is Beirut safe for medical travel today? A: Mount Lebanon Hospital operates normally and continues to receive international patients. Your travel coordination includes practical guidance for arrival, transfers and stay.
Q: What happens if I have a question after I fly home? A: You keep a direct WhatsApp line to the surgical team for the full first year, and remote follow-up checkpoints are scheduled at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year.
Q: How do I start? A: WhatsApp +961 3 220506 or call +961 3 522468 — every inquiry is answered within 48 hours.
Book your international consultation
If you are considering plastic surgery in Lebanon from abroad and want a structured, honest assessment of your options, reach out to Dr. Antoine Abi Abboud at AAA Clinic in Beirut. WhatsApp +961 3 220506 — replies within 48 hours, in English, French and Arabic.