Is cosmetic nasal surgery forbidden, especially if it causes psychological distress and affects one's life, and after doctors have confirmed its necessity?
Cosmetic surgery is divided into two categories: necessary and elective (for enhancement).
Necessary: This type is performed to remove defects resulting from illness, accidents, or congenital deformities. It is permissible, as in the hadith of Arfajah ibn As'ad who had a nose made of gold. Also, as explained by Al-Nawawi, the act of widening gaps between teeth for beauty (al-mutafallijat lil-husn) is forbidden unless it is out of necessity or for treatment.
Elective (for enhancement): This type is performed to improve appearance without a necessary motive or need, such as face-lifts, or reducing or enlarging the nose and breasts. This is forbidden because it is an alteration of Allah's creation and falls under the devil's command to change Allah's creation.
Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on cosmetic surgeries and learning about them. He replied that cosmetic procedures are of two types: to remove a defect, which is permissible, and to increase beauty, which is forbidden, because it is not for removing a defect. As for learning the science of cosmetic surgery, there is no harm in it, but it is not permissible to perform it in forbidden cases.
In summary: If there is a defect or disfigurement in the nose and the purpose of the operation is to remove it, then there is no objection. However, if the purpose is merely to increase beauty and enhancement, then it is not permissible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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