Advertisements offering cosmetic surgery on credit have sparked debate in Azerbaijan after videos promoting installment-based procedures began circulating on social media platforms.
In the ads, aesthetic clinics and individual plastic surgeons claim that patients can undergo cosmetic procedures by paying an initial fee of 400–600 manats, with the remaining amount covered through monthly installments, in some cases advertised as interest-free.
The trend has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with many questioning whether medical procedures – particularly those involving surgery – should be marketed as consumer credit products.
Public Skepticism and Ethical Questions
Many citizens say they view cosmetic surgery as a medical intervention rather than a standard service that can be purchased on credit.
Critics argue that promoting surgery in installment plans downplays potential health risks and may mislead patients into treating complex procedures as routine cosmetic services.
Attempts to obtain comments from several social media pages promoting such offers were unsuccessful, as administrators declined to respond.
Health Ministry Response
In response to media inquiries, Azerbaijan’s Analytical Expertise Center under the Ministry of Health said that clinics and surgeons advertising medical services in violation of regulations are regularly warned and, in some cases, fined.
Under Azerbaijan’s Law on Advertising, medical services related to treatment, prevention, and diagnostics may only be advertised in accordance with established rules. Violations may result in administrative fines ranging from 300 to 500 manats for officials and from 1,000 to 2,000 manats for legal entities.
The Center added that investigations are conducted based on official complaints, particularly in cases that may pose risks to patients’ health or safety.
Parliamentary View
Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Health, noted that cosmetic surgery is not considered a medically essential service, which is why banks and clinics often treat it as a commercial product.
While offering such services on credit is not explicitly prohibited by law, she warned that the practice carries medical, financial, and ethical risks.
“When cosmetic surgery is promoted on social media as a campaign or an easy installment-based service, it creates the false impression that these procedures are harmless and routine,” Valiyeva said. “This approach is problematic from both a medical and ethical standpoint.”
Health and Financial Risks
Experts caution that although credit options may make cosmetic procedures more accessible, they also increase the risk of medical complications and long-term financial burden for patients.
They argue that marketing surgery through aggressive social media advertising can manipulate expectations, minimize perceived risks, and undermine principles of medical ethics and social responsibility.
