In Iraq, plastic surgeons used to primarily devote their skills to healing burned skin and shredded tissue caused by the fiery bombings that once plagued the country on a daily basis. Now, their talents are being utilized for other purposes nose jobs and liposuction and more.

Among Iraq's various religious sects Shiites, Sunnis, and Christians are all taking part in what appears to be a growing practice in the country cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Falah Abdul Hussein Al-Shimmari said, "Iraqis were deprived of these cosmetic services before, because they were unable to travel. But after the war, there has been some openness to the outside world. People are becoming interested in having plastic surgery. Now, day after day, the number of clients is increasing."

Most of Baghdad's doctors licensed in the profession are playing dual roles: they carry out reconstructive work, mostly on war-wounded patients at government hospitals, and then perform cosmetic surgeries at private facilities.

Dr. Abbas al-Sahan sees thousands of patients a year at his clinic in Baghdad's upscale Mansour neighborhood. About 70 percent of his patients are women, and 30 percent are young men.

Cosmetic surgery patient Sara Saad said, "I was very eager to see myself after cosmetic surgery. Ten days later, when the doctor removed the bandages, I was shocked to see how much my face had changed. The traces of surgery have gone away gradually. Thank God. I am now very satisfied."

If a nose needs altering, or there's a desire for breast implants, then this surely must be a sign that life in Baghdad is getting a little better.